Issue 7 Fall 2017

THE

RAMPAGE Student-Run Newspaper of Fresno City College

Fall 2017 Issue 7 Nov. 29, 2017

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN? Woman Allegedly Dragged Into Car and Sexually Assaulted on Campus Ashleigh Panoo | Editor-in-Chief apanoo@therampageonline.com

A composite sketch of the man who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in a parking lot at Fresno City College in September 2017. Courtesy of SCCCD Police

A woman was reportedly dragged into the back of a car in September and sexually assaulted at Fresno City College, according to the State Center Community College District Police Department.

Police say the woman was walking to her car in parking lot D at about 10:30 p.m. on a Wednesday in late September when the alleged sexual assault occurred. Parking lot D is near the Math Science building and faces McKinley Avenue.

A man allegedly dragged her into the backseat of a silver 4-door Nissan Altima and sexually assaulted her.

The man is described as 6-foot-1-inch, 180 pounds, light-complected, Hispanic, in his 20s, brown hair and eyes, unshaven, and wearing a black t-shirt, dark jean and white tennis shoes.

SCCCD police chief Jose Flores said the victim did not immediately report the crime,

which is why the department did not release information sooner.

Campus police were only made aware of the incident on Nov. 21, according to district spokeswoman Lucy Ruiz, and they are now investigating. The victim did not specify a certain date, making it difficult to find witnesses, Ruiz said.

Campus police said they will step up patrols during the next few weeks as the semester ends and the investigation continues.

Police escorts to the parking lots are available by calling 559244-6140. Police say students and faculty should try to walk in groups to their cars, staying away from hidden doorways, shrubs and other areas where people can hide.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or may have information on the case is asked to call 559-244-6140 to report it.

Ram Pantry Opens Its Doors in New Space Ashleigh Panoo | Editor-in-Chief apanoo@therampageonline.com

The long-awaited and newly designed Ram Pantry opened in the student center on Nov. 27, bringing with it a daily source of free food for Fresno City College students.

Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ram Pantry provides canned, bagged, fresh and refrigerated food to students in need.

An official ribbon cutting will take place outside the student center Dec. 1. College president Carole Goldsmith, SCCCD board president John Leal and representatives from the city and county will be in attendance.

Students will need their ID number to check out at Ram Pantry, but a student

ID card is not needed, according to Cris Monahan-Bremer, Fresno City College spokeswoman.

Items like instant soup, bottled drinks, boxed food, candy and toiletries were available as of Nov. 29. Each item has a limit, and students are limited to one visit per day.

Student Yolanda Vasquez visited the pantry on its second day of opening and said she likes the new location.

“The selection is really good; I like how everything is organized,” Vasquez said. “It’s simpler, kind of like going into a grocery store.”

The Fresno Food Bank, Feeding Fresno and Open Hands Pantry are among the Continued on Page 5, RAM PANTRY

Want to go to the Comedy Get Down Tour on Dec. 29? Visit The Rampage in SC-211 to buy your discount tickets! One for $20 or two for $30. First come, first served, while supplies last!

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The RAMPAGE

The outside of the Ram Pantry during its soft opening on Monday, Nov. 28, 2017. Photo/Ram Reyes

News | Page 2

Sports | Page 10

Police Chief José Flores offers situational training—how aware are you of your surroundings?

End of semester fall sports roundup

@FCCRAMPAGE

@RAMPAGENEWS

The rampage online

2 NEWS 11.29.17

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THE RAMPAGE Discussion of MURDERED The student-run newspaper of Fresno City College

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Ashleigh Panoo News Editor Samantha Domingo Art Director Ramuel Reyes Sports Editor Jorge Rodriguez Enterainment Editor Marco Rosas Broadcast Editor Julease Graham Opinion Editor Frank Lopez REPORTERS Omari Bell Seth Casey Paige Cervantes Anthony De Leon Alejandra Flores Michael Fulford Mariah Garcia Jimmy Heng David Hernandez Melissa Moua Noah Villaverde Business Manager Maria Aguilar Adviser/Instructor Dympna Ugwu-Oju

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Letters to the Editor editorial@therampageonline.com Corrections media@therampageonline.com Any correction needed for an article should be brought to the attention of the staff of The Rampage. The Rampage is committed to accuracy and should be made aware of any mistake in an article that appears in this paper.

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

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

Indigenous Women Takes Center Stage Melissa Moua | Reporter

Jimmy Heng | Reporter

mmoua@therampageonline.com

It was standing room only in the Skylight room of the Old Administration during a panel discussion of “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women” on Nov. 16.

The panel consisted of Regina E. Murillo, Tongya, Kumeyaay, Absentee Shawnee, Natalie Deanda and Siletz. Marissa Diaz and instructors Bernard Navarro and Marisol Baca moderated the event.

Navarro, an instructor of American Indian studies, said in his opening remarks he hoped the event helps shed some light on the topic and helps people keep an open heart for Native American tribes.

“The violence has been happening since 1492, and has not stopped. We are still suffering under a system of white supremacy,” Navarro said.

“Indigenous women have faced an onslaught of violence that ranges towards this day.”

Many men have made their way into Native land, killing and raping these women, with little to no reports from the police, Navarro said.

Navarro said his hope was to help inform those do not know of the missing and murdered indigenous women.

“We are here to pay our respects to the victims and families of the indigenous women who are still missing, and our sisters who have been murdered,” Navarro said.

“Maybe we could put our minds together to do something to end the violence and hatred towards indigenous peoples.”

Despite the serious topics, the audience was entertained by hand-drum singers and dancing. performances showcasing the

Police Chief: ‘Train Your Sixth Sense for Dangers’ jheng@therampageonline.com

Native American Heritage.

The dancers performed a Jingle Dress dance, also known as the Healing dance, which is usually done during a pow wow, which are social gatherings in the Native American community.

Marisol Baca, English instructor and author, spoke about the sadness and sorrow of the Native American families who have had to go through so much pain. Baca had written a poem specifically for this event for the women who are missing and presumed dead.

“It is as if the family members and the women and children spoke to me and I couldn’t stop writing,” Baca said.

Some in the audience said they were so touched by the poem, it brought tears to their eyes. The anger and sadness in their voices made the whole room quiet with tears.

After the panel, everyone in the room was invited to a silent candlelight vigil walk to the Yokut Plaza near the Theater building, to honor the memories of the missing and murdered indigenous women.

The discussion which started at 6:30 p.m. and ended at 8 p.m was presented by the American Indian Studies Department in honor of Native American Heritage month.

“Changes cannot be made until we stop being silent and talk about these problems,” Navarro said. “We need our communities to get organized and deal with the violence head on. I want my kids to be safe and feel safe, so my hope is that we will create a better future for all our children.”

Don’t let yourself be a sheep, José Flores, chief of police for the State Center Community College District, told faculty, students and staff about situational awareness during a safety training in OAB 114 on Nov. 28.

Flores said that people become victims when they are not aware of their surroundings. He emphasized that the strategies gained from the seminar will help people not only on campus, but in their entire life.

“It’s developing what you already have. We were given the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste,” Flores said. “They were given to us for a reason, so we can protect ourselves.” Flores added that that if people developed their five senses, they will gain a sixth sense to recognize danger.

Police officers are trained to develop this sense for danger.

Flores said that everyone should pay attention to details when they walk into a room. It is important to know how many doors there are, the exit points, places to hide and objects that can be used as weapons.

“When you walk into any room, you own the room. You scan the room,” Flores said. “You find what can help you and what can hurt you.”

Flores said that people often ignore their senses because they are distracted by things like cell phones. Someone who is not aware of their surroundings has a higher chance of being a victim than someone who is aware.

Flores said it is important to not let people get too close.

He demonstrated how quickly someone with a knife can hurt another person. With just his keys and six feet away from a student,

Flores showed that it takes less than two seconds to reach them and stab them.

Walking upright and confidently will decrease a person’s chance of being attacked.

Flores said it is important to appear confident. Additionally, walking upright ensures a person is not stuck in tunnel vision.

Flores reported that prison inmates say they target someone looking vulnerable for their crimes. “They don’t want to fight,” Flores said. “They want an easy target– someone they can overtake.”

Individuals should visualize scenarios and play ‘what if ’ games, according to Flores. He used the example of being in a parking lot and asking himself, “What could I do if a guy came out at me?” Doing this exercise will help people visualize a threat and know how to respond to it.

Students and staff have many resources to ensure their safety on campus. Every classroom and major common area has a red poster that informs students what to do in an emergency.

The SCCCD police are also on Facebook, Twitter, and students can register for 1st2Know, the district emergency alert system.

Flores said that FCC is a very safe campus, but crime does happen. The purpose of the police chief ’s training session was to help people be ready and not be afraid of those situations.

“To live in fear is not a healthy way to live, to live alert is the healthy alternative,” Flores said.

“We’re doing this because we’d rather students, faculty, and staff, instead of living with fear, live with confidence, alertness, and awareness.”

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How Safe Are the Elevators at FCC? Paige Cervantes | Reporter pcervantes@therampageonline.com

Are you worried about your safety when riding in elevators at Fresno City College?

If you are, you are not alone.

Several students interviewed for this story expressed concern about the safety of the elevators in many buildings on campus.

For some students, instructors and other FCC employees, especially those with disabilities, riding in elevators is the only way to get up and down to their various classes and assignments.

Brianna Vargas, 21, a FCC student and first-time mother, said she rides the elevators out of necessity.

“It’s hard for me to carry my son in his stroller and hold his diaper bag up the stairs,” Vargas said. “I feel obligated to take the elevators.”

Recently, maintenance certificates displayed in elevators on the FCC campus showed their inspection and renewals had expired. On Nov. 6, 2017, the certificate in the elevator in the Student Center building showed an expiration date of Sept. 13, 2017. It has since been replaced with a current certificate.

Leroy Bib, director of maintenance and operations for the State Center Community College District, said expiration dates do not necessarily mean the elevators are not in good order.

“Inspection certificates or permits posted in the elevators are done on time and reported to the State of California by our elevator service company,” Bib said.

“There can be a delay in SCCCD receiving the new permits from the state sometimes. They often arrive up to a month after the expiration date and are posted in

the elevators as soon as we receive them.”

Still, students voiced concerns beyond the expired permits.

“I noticed that the elevators make weird sounds and the doors crack open while the elevators are still in motion,” Vargas said. “This makes me worried not only for my safety, but my son’s as well.”

Christopher Washington, a student at FCC, also said he feels the elevators are unsafe.

“I feel as if I could take the stairs and make it to my destination faster than the elevator,” he said.

Washington also said most elevators on campus seem the

“

paramount,” Bib said.

“Consequently, our priority is to ensure that our elevators are mechanically sound and in safe operating condition.”

Another inconvenience regarding the elevators, is where they are located. For example, the Art Building does not have an elevator but is connected to the Music and Speech Building which has one.

Students must enter through the Music and Speech Building and cross to the opposite side to get to the Art Building making it difficult for students, instructors or FCC employees who need to

The elevators make weird sounds and the doors crack open while the elevators are still in motion.”

-Brianna Vargas Student

same, except for the one in the Old Administration Building.

“I’ve been on all of the elevators at FCC and the one in the OAB is by far the best one. This makes me confused to why they don’t all operate and look like that one.”

Bib said the college has approved a contract that “includes both mechanical and interior improvements to the elevators in the Social Science and Business Education buildings” to take place in the summer of 2018, in order to minimize impacts to the campus.

“Safety and access is

11.29.17 NEWS 3

get to a classroom on the top floor of the Art Building.

“Because I’m limited on time, I take the elevators to get to my classes,” Austin Orozco, 22, a student, said. “But I end up wasting more time having to walk further in the opposite direction.”

He said he believes every building on the FCC campus should have an elevator.

“It’s a real inconvenience for me,” Orozco said, “and I can’t imagine how the people who are forced to depend on the elevators deal with it.”

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A photo taken Monday, Nov. 6, 2017 inside the elevator in the Student Center shows an expired maintenance certificate with a date of Sept. 13, 2017. It has since been replaced with a current certificate. Photo/Paige Cervantes

4 NEWS 11.29.17

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Fresno City College president Carole Goldsmith discusses the college’s accreditation status during a meeting in the Old Administration Building on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017.

Photo/Seth Casey

Staff Reviews Educational Goals Seth Casey | Reporter scasey@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College faculty and administrators met to discuss accreditation status requirements and evaluate the school’s educational goals in the Old Administration Building on Nov. 9.

Speakers outlined the college’s objectives for transfer and completion rates of students based on data compiled over the last eight years.

Rick Santos, a linguistics instructor and co-chair on the Institutional Research and Effectiveness Committee, spoke about the school’s statistics for course completion and transfer rates, and the goals the school wishes to attain in the future, as well as state expectations.

“We want our goals to be aspirational, but we want them to be realistic at the same time,” Santos said. “Actually, we are doing better than the state is already on average, but we still want to have a goal.”

Carole Goldsmith, president, addressed the school’s “Core 9” values, which began as a list of 53 values and was narrowed down by administrators to nine essential educational objectives.

Goldsmith noted that the the original list of 53 measurements the school had previously tracked were too extensive to evaluate and record, and joked about its overcomplexity.

“Why would you want to give the IRS 53 chances to look at your tax return,” Goldsmith said.

“All 53 were wonderful...we got it

from 53 to 28, then to nine...nine essential pressure points where we know will make a difference.”

Those in attendance were asked to voice their opinions and input on the success of FCC’s ability to meet the student’s needs.

Rio Waller, an instructor in the computer information technology department, commented on the success and flexibility of integrating online learning with face to face class time.

“I think we need to take more of the things that are working... because that’s how we are going to reach those [course completion] percentages,” Waller said. “I have a proven number right now at 80 percent, and I’m holding it, and I’m doing it because I’m offering that flexibility between online and face-to-face instruction.”

Cyndie Luna, FCC’s accreditation liaison officer, took a moment to thank all the faculty and staff who have contributed to, written and edited the accreditation report, for which teachers from each department have been asked to submit student progress reports from their classes.

The report is finished being written, and is now being finalized and reviewed for grammatical errors.

The school’s teachers and staff have been compiling departmental reports which will be submitted to the accreditation board in January 2018. The board will then send a team to the campus in March to examine operations and interview faculty, and validate the findings in the

college’s report.

Over the summer of 2018, the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges will evaluate the submitted report and decide FCC’s accreditation status.

Colleges are reviewed for accreditation every seven years, and FCC has never failed to achieve accreditation in its history. Though FCC received warnings in 2005 and 2012, Luna says that is common for schools, and helps to steer the college’s efforts in the right direction.

“I think we can all agree that we want to strive to do better,” Goldsmith said. “We’re doing this exercise not because we have to, but because we really want to do what’s right for our students.”

11.29.17 NEWS 5

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The interior of Ram Pantry on opening day, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017.

Photo/Ram Reyes RAM PANTRY, FROM PAGE 1

food banks that will help stock the shelves at the Ram Pantry, but donations are also accepted, Monahan-Bremer said.

Food and toiletry donations can be dropped off at the student lounge. Canned, dry and packaged food are accepted as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Monetary donations are also needed. Cash and checks are accepted in the business office, or online by credit card. Employees can also agree to a payroll deduction for the pantry.

11,163

The number of visits to Ram Pantry since January 2016 Faculty, staff, students and the community are encouraged to volunteer. Shifts, beginning at one hour, are available, according to the college website. Volunteers will assist with stocking shelves, bagging student’s groceries, and other duties. Volunteers will need a TB test, to attend orientation and fill out paperwork before starting.

Those interested in volunteering should email rampantry@ fresnocitycollege.edu.

The Remodeling

Before opening, the space was power washed, the windows were cleaned and the floors were painted red to include a large logo near the doorway, Monahan-Bremer said. Shelving and refrigeration were installed in the pantry and automatic sliding doors replaced the front entrance of the student center.

The old Pacific Cafe kitchen is

covered by a partition donated by the theatre department, Monahan-Bremer said. The kitchen remains intact because the college is expecting an outside retailer—perhaps a restaurant— will eventually occupy the space.

For now, the area outside the pantry is an open space with tables and chairs. MonahanBremer said the space has been used for meetings, but students are welcomed to sit when the tables aren’t in use.

History

First opened in January 2016, Ram Pantry set up at the cafeteria every Friday, serving over 3,400 unique students in nearly two years, according to the college’s public information office.

The idea of the Ram Pantry goes back to at least 2011, when an action plan was submitted to the Strategic Planning Council for approval. It was initially thought that the pantry would operate once a month, but with the help of Jennifer Dorian, adjunct faculty and the coordinator of Peer Assisted Study Sessions, the Ram Pantry continued to open weekly.

On average, nearly 200 students visited each Friday, totaling 11,000 visits since its inception.

Monahan-Bremer said the pantry began after the realization that many students struggled with food insecurity. It was based on the food pantry at Fresno State.

“We know that many of our young people received a free or reduced breakfast or lunch, coming from Fresno Unified School District,” Goldsmith told The Rampage in February 2017.

“It is ludicrous to think that just because you turn 18, your issues with food security go away.”

Sports Editor Jorge Rodriguez contributed to this story.

Canned food available for students at the Ram Pantry during its soft opening on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. Photo/Ram Reyes

Bread available for students at the Ram Pantry during its soft opening on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. Photo/Ram Reyes

6 ENTERTAINMENT

11.29.17

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Live Jazz Thrills in Fresno’s Tokyo Garden Jimmy Heng | Reporter jheng@therampageonline.com

Jazz fans got a little taste of Japan in Fresno when the FCC jazz ensemble performed at Tokyo Garden Restaurant on Nov. 19. Tokyo Garden served Japanese cuisine in a traditional styled setting. The restaurant was packed with an audience ready for a night of live jazz.

According to the restaurant’s website, the Tokyo Garden has hosted many live performances for decades. Mike Dana, FCC director of jazz studies, says he has been performing in the restaurant every third Sunday for about eight years.

The night’s jam session featured many FCC musicians.

Several alumni, students, and faculty shared the pleasures of live music and the many different styles of jazz. The blue, purple and red lights shined on the performers as they began their first tune.

Many in the audience tapped their feet, snapped their fingers, or swayed their head to the songs.

It was a unique way to enjoy dinner in Fresno. Students came onto the stage after Dana and his quartet finished their first two songs.

The first student performer was Daniel Cobarrubias, who played guitar and sang Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.”

Many people sang along to this

The Fresno City College Latin Jazz Ensemble performs at Tokyo Garden Restaurant on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017. Photo/Jimmy Heng

well-known tune. He said he had performed at the venue before and is enjoying learning jazz.

“Years ago, when I first started, it was scary,” Cobarrubias said.

“But after a while, it’s just fun; you’re just up there entertaining.”

The night’s performances were varied, some slow and relaxing and others were intense and energetic.

The Latin jazz ensemble closed

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Jazz Studies instructor

the night with incredible energy with their percussion and brass which was distinct for the night.

Their performance inspired the urge to dance and toe tap.

The Latin jazz teacher, George Ramirez, said it was a great night that showcased the students in the jazz program.

Latin jazz felt very different from the other performances and Ramirez said it has a different

vibe from regular jazz band. He said Latin jazz gives students a different viewpoint because “Latin encompasses a lot of different styles from a lot of different countries.”

Dana says he hopes more people will support live music.

“It’s great to have streaming and earbuds and all that stuff,” he said, “but there’s nothing like hearing music live.”

11.29.17 ENTERTAINMENT 7

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‘Silent Sky’ Shines Bright The Fresno City College production of “Silent Sky” ended its run on Nov. 18.

The story followed the life of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, played by Jessica Knotts (pictured), a woman from Wisconsin who wishes to study the stars in the early 1900s. Directed by Janine Christl, the play was based on a true story and filled with complex ideas about responsibilities, love and dreams. “There’s a beautiful love story,” Christl said, “and the complications of life and loss and how we define ourselves. I think everyone can relate to that.”

Photo/Jimmy Heng

Fresno Filmworks Celebrates 13th year Marco Rosas | Entertainment Editor mrosas@therampageonline.com

Fresno’s Tower District is known for its art.

The murals, poetry, dance performances and music are ingrained into Tower District’s identity through the multitude of events held throughout the neighborhood.

The Tower Theater is often the venue for many artistic events such as this year’s Fresno Film Festival held from Nov. 10-12.

The weekend-long festival was put together by Fresno Filmworks, an association dedicated to the art of cinema.

“It’s sound design, it’s lighting, it’s costuming, to us, when those things come together, that’s art,” Jefferson Beavers, Fresno Filmworks development director said. “The art comes from the craft of the film making.”

Beavers has been a part of the Fresno Film Festival for 10 of the 13 years that the festival has been in effect.

“We started out showing movies at the Fresno Art Museum; our first three were there, and after that we moved to the Tower Theater. We’ve been here ever since,” Beavers said.

Fresno Filmworks also screens international and independent movies the second Friday of every month.

For the weekend-long festival, the association screened eight different independent films from nine different countries, ranging from biographical dramas, to documentaries, to science fiction comedies, giving audience members a variety of

shows to attend.

According to Beavers, films shown at the festival have to meet a certain criteria. “They’re out in the theaters right now, and we focus on international and multicultural films,” he said.

Fresno Filmworks reaches out to certain independent distributors to ensure that films are gathered for the festival. The entire process is made possible by volunteer work. “It’s a little

“

I went all around the neighborhood taking pictures because I was fascinated by the art and architecture.”

-Finn taylor Director of ‘Unleashed’

miracle every time,” Beavers said.

Fresno Filmworks is an entirely non-profit organization that is funded mostly by sponsors and the association’s own board members including Beavers.

“We definitely do it for the love, all have day jobs, a few retirees,” Beavers said. “We just get together to do this every month.”

The second to last film in this festival’s line-up was an

independent movie called “Unleashed,” a comedy about a single, app developer in San Francisco whose pet dog and cat escape during a full moon and are transformed into adult men, competing for her attention.

Director Finn Taylor was present at the film screening in the Tower Theater and answered many of the audience's questions about the film during a Q&A. He spoke about the silliness of the plot and his motivation for making the film.

“One of our first screenings was the night after the presidential election,” Taylor said. “People watched the film and told me they’d been crying for 18 hours straight and they really needed this.”

The escapism of Taylor’s film was able to help people through tough times. “It was kismet,” he said, adding that the process of making the film was relatively short.

“The script writing took two years, getting the cast, crew and funds took six months, and the shooting actually only took 22 days,” Taylor said.

Taylor had strolled around Fresno’s Tower District and walked out of the theater before the film’s screening and told the audience how he felt about bringing his film to Fresno audiences.

“I went all around the neighborhood taking pictures, because I was fascinated by the art and architecture,” Taylor said.

“I like reconnecting with our state and our country.”

December Music

EVENTS

Student Recital December 1 • 12:00pm • Recital Hall Opera Workshop: The Beggar's Opera Dec. 1 & 2 • 7:30pm • Dec. 3 • 2:00pm FCC Theatre Piano Recital December 4 • 7:30pm • OAB Auditorium Brass, Percussion, Woodwind Concert December 5 • 7:30pm • FCC Theatre Jazz Combo Recital December 6 • 2:00pm • MS-135 String Ensemble December 7 • 5:00pm • Recital Hall Jazz Combo Recital December 6 • 2:00pm • MS-135 Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Singers December 7 • 7:30pm • FCC Theatre Student Recital December 8 • 12:00pm • Recital Hall Choral: Winter Wonderland Celebration Dec. 8 • 7:30pm • Dec. 9 • 3:00pm OAB Auditorium

8 OPINION 11.29.17

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Keep Your Holiday Cheer to Yourself Samantha Domingo | News Editor sdomingo@therampageonline.com

For most people, the holidays are associated with happiness, family, and a general sense of goodwill. That’s great and all, but I hate it. To me, the holiday season and all of the cheer that comes along with it is a facade; it just isn’t genuine or sincere.

It’s almost impossible to avoid holiday cheer. It’s as if as soon as October is over, it’s already the holiday season. Move over pumpkin spice, because everything peppermint mocha or egg nog flavored is here for the rest of the year. Stores have their Christmas items out right after Halloween and Christmas music is playing nonstop wherever you go; a person can only handle so much Michael Bublé singing

about Christmas before they go crazy.

Nowadays it seems as if the holidays are more materialistic than ever. It’s no longer about the act of giving out of sheer goodness, but rather about what you give and how much it cost.

We even have a whole Friday dedicated to spending money to kick off the holiday season!

For those who work in retail, the holiday season is nothing but chaos with Christmas music playing in the background and a forced ‘Happy Holidays!’ to rude customers. People lose their humanity when they’re shopping for the holidays and looking for the best deal.

The act of giving is almost mandatory for the holidays, which can be a huge financial burden and cause of stress.

Sure, some people find comfort in spending the holidays with their families, but sometimes even that can be overwhelming.

It becomes a routine of answering the same questions to different relatives that you’ve hardly seen all year-- stuff like “What are you doing in college?” and “How come you’ve gained so much weight since I last saw you?” and “Why don’t you have a boyfriend?” (It’s because I’m GAY, grandma!)

Love for family is unconditional, but it’s hard to politely sit through conversations with your racist uncle, nosy aunt, and homophobic grandparents.

At that point, you’re reaching for your fifth glass of spiked egg nog for the night to take the edge off.

Additionally, the holiday season and winter in general

can trigger seasonal affective disorder, otherwise known as SAD, seasonal depression, or ”‘winter blues.” Symptoms that are typically more common in seasonal depression than in other forms of depression are craving carbohydrates, increased appetite, excessive sleepiness, and weight gain. According to Mental Health America, 5 percent of the U.S. population experiences seasonal depression.

Perhaps as a child, the holidays are okay. You’re more lighthearted and naive, you get good gifts, and you enjoy the simpler things that the holidays bring. But as you get older, the holiday season can lose its charm. Call me a Grinch, but I really don’t care for the holidays at all.

Yes, All Men. Frank Lopez | Opinion Editor flopez@therampageonline.com

Hey, all men, I want to have a quick chat with you.

Go ahead bro, have a seat.

Now, I know all this talk about sexual harassment can sound a little repetitive and confusing, and you might just be sick of hearing it, but it’s important that we talk about it.

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “Well, gee, I’m a nice guy. I treat women with respect and I would never put my hands on a woman.”

Wellllll, you see, dude, it’s a lot more complicated than that.

You know, this type of behavior has been waved aside since the beginning of human history.

Treating women like secondclass citizens is something that has been going on in almost all cultures across time. Women being considered as subservient to men was commonplace for the large part of the history of civilization.

Also, us guys have kind of put women on a pedestal-- in popular culture and literature, women are painted as angelic beings that are to be a reward for male characters after having successfully completed their quest.

See, buddy, men feel that women are something to be won- a few choice words and some cool moves, and boom, the girl is yours.

Women are people though, kiddo, and people are complicated beings. Women are more than objects that are meant to be whisked away to fulfill the desires of males.

So take it easy, Mr. Nice Guy. Just because you are polite and respectful towards women, it

doesn’t mean that you are entitled to anything from them.

So, fellas, when you see a woman that you think is dressed really sexy, try to think less about why that woman is dressed the way she is, and try to be more self-aware of where your mind goes.

That’s the key here: awareness.

Instead of acting like a dog in heat, and following your mind to the stereotypes and illusions

about women that have been perpetuated for centuries, make a better effort to analyze these thoughts and what they mean to you.

Heck, I know we have a self-described pussy-grabber as the president of the United States. I know Democrat and Republican representatives and the movie producers and actors in Hollywood are also being exposed as sexual predators, too.

Photo Illustration/Frank Lopez & Jimmy Heng

However, if we all listen more to the stories of people who suffer from the hands of these monsters, we will, if not eliminate them, keep them at bay as much as we can.

Scary times, but these are just signs of a trembling patriarchy that is fighting for its dying gasps of breath.

The times are changing, fellas, so don’t be part of the ancient thinking that treats women as less than.

From Ale’s Side

Labels Aren’t Important Alejandra Flores | Reporter

aflores@therampageonline.com

“So what are we?” is a question that gets asked a lot. We live in a society where two people could be doing everything that a couple does, but do not accept the label that they are in a “relationship.”

Dating and being in an official relationship are different. Dating is obviously getting to know a person who can potentially be a significant other, and well, you guys already know what an official relationship is.

Nowadays, we have another phrase that we often use - “the talking stage,” which to me is no different than dating. To other people, however, “the talking stage” can mean something different.

Whatever dating or the talking stage means to you, labels shouldn’t be a big deal as long as both people are aware of what is happening.

If a person doesn’t want to put a label on whatever you guys have going on, then it shouldn’t be that big of a deal as long as you both are content with what you two have going on. Whether that be friends with benefits, dating, talking, etc.

Many individuals feel the need to put a label because maybe people around them may frown upon it and ask, “what are you guys?” This shouldn’t matter to other people, as long as you know where you stand with this person.

It truly doesn’t matter what other people think about what sort of relationship you have with someone. You should be able to express how you want to be with a person, especially if this particular person feels the same way.

Picture this: you’re spending time with someone and you genuinely like them, you and that person don’t want to put a label on it, and you both are content with whatever you have going on. This is perfectly fine. If you don’t want a relationship, but want to continue seeing this person without a label, that’s okay.

People tend to shame individuals who choose not to put a label, but this shouldn’t have an effect on how you feel towards your relationship status with that person, as long as you both are on the same page.

Now here is where it gets tricky, let’s say you have a thing with an individual who is seeking a relationship with you, but you don’t want to put labels on it. The best thing to do in a situation like this is being honest. Tell this person how you feel instead of leading them on.

The last thing you want is to hurt someone.

Labels are not important. If you’re happy where you stand with a person, then it shouldn’t be a big deal.

2017

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Ashleigh Panoo | Editor-in-Chief

OPINION 9

‘s BEST/WORST The Rampage staff pick the best and worst that happened in 2017.

Jorge Rodriguez | Sports Editor

Julease Graham | Broadcast Editor

BEST

BEST

BEST

When Paramore’s “After Laughter” was released, I had it on repeat for weeks. The juxtaposition of upbeat music and dark, modern lyrics work.

Watching Atlanta blow the lead in Super Bowl LI, watching Golden State destroy Cleveland in the NBA Finals and the new Lorde and Queens of the Stone Age albums.

Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.,” Jay Z’s “4:44,” and SZA’s album were all released and nominated for Grammys in 2017.

WORST

WORST

The suicides of Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington came as a shock. I visited the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas days after Cornell’s death and saw letters and flowers left near his guitar as a memorial.

Both their deaths show mental illness is sometimes easy to hide.

Marco Rosas | Entertainment Editor

Samantha Domingo | News Editor

BEST

BEST

Getting to interview and meet UFC Fighters Cub Swanson, Brian Ortega and Alex Perez during the UFC luncheon to promote UFC Fresno on Dec. 9.

Following the 2016 release of his albums “Blonde” and “Endless,” Frank Ocean continued to bless us with multiple singles in 2017 such as “Chanel,” “Lens,” “Biking,” and “Provider.” It fills my heart to see my favorite artist back from hiatus.

WORST

Hearing that Louis C.K. was sexually abusing women by masturbating in front of them. He was one of my favorite comedians before I heard about what he did. It really sucked that someone I admired so much did something so messed up.

BEST Not only was “Stranger Things 2” a huge hit this year, the memes that followed about Steven Harrington being a mother were my favorite.

Stephen King’s “IT.”

WORST The death of Chester Bennington and the terrible earthquake that hit Mexico City. This was terrifying considering I have family there. The painful procedure that I had to go through that is a root canal.

Taylor Swift put out another pointless album. Flint still does not have clean water, and the President of the United States called white supremacists “very fine people.”

Watching Tom Brady win another Super Bowl, Kate Upton getting married to Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander and multiple rock stars overdosing.

WORST

Alejandra Flores | Reporter

WORST

280 characters on Twitter. Twitter’s iconic 140 character limit for its tweets has now gone up to 280 for the general public. Kind of defeats Twitter’s original purpose.

Frank Lopez | Opinion Editor

BEST

The Women’s March. Seeing footage of millions of women marching the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration to stand against patriarchy was really inspiring and I am hopeful that this will lead to different ways of thinking and change how we treat women.

WORST Donald Trump becoming presibleccch. Sorry, I almost threw up just thinking about it. Seeing a loudmouthed, hateful, ignorant, reality TV star billionaire win the presidency of the most powerful country in the world left me in shock.

Ram Reyes | Art Director

BEST The memes this year were pretty good. The most notable ones are probably “Guy Looking Back,” “Spongebob Chicken Dance,” and “Expanding Brain.” Can’t wait for 2018 memes.

WORST Tiki torches. Now I just think of Nazis and how they’re all over America. I can’t disassociate them from Nazis and white supremacy. I hope this Nazism trend stays in 2017.

10 SPORTS 11.29.17

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Women’s Soccer Team Punches Ticket to Final Four Jorge Rodriguez | Sports Editor jrodriguez@therampageonline.com

The state championship dream continued for the Fresno City College women’s soccer team who defeated San Joaquin Delta College 2-0 at home during the third round of the NorCal Regional playoffs on Nov. 25. The Rams advance to the final four round of the playoffs and will play Folsom Lake College in the NorCal Regional final.

With an unusual game time of 11 a.m., the game began with both teams getting to the opposite side with dangerous plays, but with no luck. After the initial 10 minutes with no control from either side, the Rams began to keep the ball and started making more accurate passes.

The Rams had control of the game, but San Joaquin Delta kept the game competitive with an exceptional counter attack that kept the Rams’ defense on their toes.

It wasn’t until the 25th minute of game time when FCC defender Cassie Sandoval managed to take a strike from outside the box that got through the keeper’s hands, giving the Rams the first goal of the game.

After taking the lead, the FCC managed to also take full control of the game with San Joaquin Delta having sporadic counter attacks that the Rams’ defense kept under control. The Rams took the lead into halftime where coach Oliver

Germond gave them instructions on keeping up the attacks and making sure they don’t take any momentum from their lead.

The second half of the game started much like the first minutes of the game with both teams battling for possession of the ball at midfield. San Joaquin Delta managed to get a few more shots on goal, but with FCC’s keeper Riana Castaneda always managing to keep the ball or just missing the target altogether.

For the rest of the half, FCC kept pressing the San Joaquin Delta defense with well-organized attacks.

In the 87th minute of the game, FCC’s midfielder Jasmin Aguirre took a corner kick that managed to get past San Joaquin Delta’s keeper who was being pressured by the Ram’s forward Riana Wristen inside the penalty box. This gave FCC the second score of the game and assured them the win with less than five minutes left of playing time.

With final score of 2-0, the Rams move on to the state championship final four and will face Santiago Canyon College on Dec. 1.

“We battled well today that team was very good, we kept our composure and did amazing. I am happy with our kids,” Germond said. “We didn’t play our best today, but we still found a way to win. We’re excited for the next games.”

Fall Sports Roundup

By Rampage Staff

Women’s Golf

Fresno City College’s women’s golf fell just short of advancing to the State Championship, after a successful 2017 season earned them a spot in the Northern California Regional Championship.

Although the team did not advance to the State Championship, they finished the regular season ranked 2nd in the Central Valley Conference.

The team’s head coach Danny Paniccia says the team played well at regionals, but were unable to secure a spot at the State Championship.

With two sophomores and three freshmen, the team had a balance of experienced players and young talent.

At Regionals it was freshmen Destanie Blair and Katelin Eickholt leading the way for the team, showing the team’s potential for next year.

Despite Blair’s efforts and Eickholt’s score of 85 the first day, the team was unable to secure a position in the top four schools that moved on to the State Championship. “[I’m] very proud of the girls this season,” Paniccia said. “They all improved a lot from start to finish.”

Football

With early wins against Sierra College and Santa Rosa Junior College, Fresno City College seem to be in good position to have a great season.

Then two back-to-back losses against College of San Mateo and American River College respectively gave the Rams more reasons to keep working hard.

The victories returned when FCC defeated long time rival Reedley College bringing home the coveted Pump Trophy. Two weeks later FCC got another win this time against Chabot College during the homecoming game and the following week they defeated Modesto Junior College.

Laney College stopped the Rams winning streak at three games, but they couldn’t stop their momentum, because just a week later they beat San Joaquin Delta College.

FCC close it’s regular season with another win on sophomore night against College of the Sequoias.

The Ram’s offense was lead by quarterback Trey McJunkin who had 161 complitions for 2472 yards and 29 TD. The Defense was lead by outside linebacker Marcus Hawkins

Fresno City College midfielder Consuelo Luna takes a shot from outside the penalty box during a home game against San Joaquin Delta College on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Photo/Jorge Rodriguez

who had 36 tackles and 25 assists with nine tackles for a loss.

“I’m happy with how we finished, we lost a couple of games early [in the season] that we could’ve won, but that’s the way football goes,” said head coach Tony Caviglia.

Cross Country

At the Central Valley Conference, the men placed 1st and women placed 2nd. At the NorCal Championship, men placed 6th and women placed 8th the top seven NorCal teams qualify for the State Meet.

Two of the Top 6 women runners had never ran cross country prior to this season.

At the State Championship Meet: Men placed 18th, 5th place finisher from the North. 5 of 7 runners ran their lifetime bests regarding the Woodward Park course.

The team was led by Isaac Oceguera, the Central Valley Conference’s Most Valuable runner and an All-NorCal 2nd team member.

Ricky Giordano was by far the most improved runner. Giordano ran 25:43 at the 2016 State Meet and 23:22 this year. Oceguera’s time decreased from 22:24 to 21:34.

Both Giordano and Delia Guzman were recently named to the 2017 CCCAA Scholar Athlete Cross Country Teams.

“In 2018, we will lose our top 3 male runners and four of our top 6, so next year will be a rebuilding year which will also be true for our women’s team,” said head

coach Gary Bluth.

Women’s Soccer

The Fresno City College women’s soccer team has had one amazing season.

From the beginning of the season, the FCC rams won against American River College 3-0 in August and will play their last game of the season on Dec. 1 against Santiago Canyon College.

The FCC are currently ranked number 1 in the nation with a total of 145 goals in 25 games played so far. With a total of 11 wins, 0 loses and 1 tie, and a total of 24 overall wins, the Rams women’s soccer team are the team to beat.

Head coach, Oliver Germond, said that he is excited that his team is No. 1 in Northern California.

“I’m very proud of our student athletes who have worked so hard to get to this point of the season,” Germond said. “And even more excited to be playing this weekend for a chance at a state championship.”

Wrestling

The 2017 regular season has been a successful one for the Fresno City College men’s wrestling team ending their regular season with a number one ranking and a win at the CCCAA team Dual Meet Championship victory against Cerritos College.

FCC was about to get the best of Cerritos College one year after being defeated in the 2016 Dual Meet Championship, and with a win the Rams would have snapped

a two year skid of appearing in the championship, but they fell short.

This year’s team has been led by star wrestlers Isaiah Perez, Dylan Martinez and Victor Vargas, who helped FCC maintain their number one ranking throughout the season.

The trio of wrestlers were all able to pick up a victories in the Dual Meet Championship, which which gave FCC a 28-11 win.

The FCC wrestling season is not over as the Rams travel to Susanville for the North Regionals this weekend and look to have success in the State Championships held on Dec. 8 and 9.

Women’s Volleyball

The Fresno City College volleyball team had a great season, winning 24 games and only losing six matches this season.

The volleyball team had an undefeated streak of 10 home games until their loss against San Joaquin Delta College 3-2 in the third round of the NorCal Regional playoffs.

Outside hitter Makayla Cervantes led the offense with 286 kills, along with outside hitter, Katie Emmerling with 354 kills.

“We will miss our sophomores and the contributions that they have made to our program these past two seasons,” she said. “And I know the team will have many fond memories of our 2017 season.” says head coach, Kieran Roblee.

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Men’s Soccer Makes Final Four Jorge Rodriguez | Sports Editor jrodriguez@therampageonline.com

The Fresno City College men’s soccer team walked on familiar territory after defeating West Valley College 1-0 in the third round of the NorCal Regional playoffs on Nov. 25.

The Rams move on to the State Championship and will face Mt. San Antonio on a rematch of last year’s final.

The game begin with neither team taking any clear possession of the ball and both teams setting themselves well in their own field.

With both teams playing perfect defense, only a few clear chances at a goal were tried and they were from West Valley, but with no clear danger.

The only real chances for FCC came from set pieces like a corner kick that created real danger inside the penalty box for West Valley.

By the end of the first half, the Rams begin to have more possession of the ball and therefore more control of the

game.

Once FCC had more control of the midfield, West Valley begin to play with more intensity and started putting pressure on the Rams. This made for a more competitive game from both sides of the game.

The best chance of the game for a score by FCC came when midfielder Alex Covarrubias took a shot from outside of the penalty box that had real danger, but was neutralized by West Valley’s keeper.

The half ended with a 0-0 score and the last 45 minutes of the game was left to decide who would move on to the State Championship.

For the second half, FCC came out with a more aggressive attitude and managed to take the first shot on goal of the half. The game continued to be very competitive with attacks from both sides and with no team overwhelming the other one.

FCC Rams forward Manual Lopez defends the ball against West Valley College on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Photo/Ram Reyes

In the 57th minute of the game, forward Manual Lopez took a shot inside the penalty box that got past West Valley’s keeper giving FCC the lead in the game.

After the score, the Rams gained full control of the game and managed to keep the ball in the opposite side of the field. West Valley began to play with more urgency and desperation, trying to make the equalizing goal.

In the last minutes of the game, FCC started playing more

defensive, because West Valley threw everything they had against the Rams. Goalkeeper Andres Castrajon managed to save the Rams on more than one occasion in the last few minutes of the game.

The time ran out for West Valley which meant that FCC came out with the 1-0 victory

and the chance to win the State Championship.

“It was a sloppy hard fought game; At the end of the day, it was a tough battle and we came out on top,” said head coach Eric Solberg.

“At this point we have to play really well to win, but sometimes you just have to find a way to win.”

Volleyball Season Comes to End

Abbey Briggs defends the ball against San Joaquin Delta College on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Photo/Marco Rosas Jimmy Heng | Reporter jheng@therampageonline.com

The Fresno City College volleyball team lost a close playoff game to San Joaquin Delta College on Nov. 25. They ended the match with a final score of 2-3 and each set score as: 20-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-17, 12-15.

Early in the season, FCC traveled to Delta college and got the victory on Sept. 6 with a set score of 3-1.

The first set began well for the Rams. Right side hitter Mia Corripo scored the first point for FCC. Rams showed strong teamwork, but Delta kept up the with same pace.

The two teams were similar skill made it a close first set.

Delta started gaining the point advantage and FCC started catching up, but were not quick enough. FCC struggled and lost the first set with 20-25.

FCC struck harder in the second set, beginning with

Corripo earning the first point with a spike. The ball was quickly hit to each side of the net during an intense rally. FCC wins the rally and created a point lead.

It was a close second set, but FCC came out on top. They scored the last point with a spike and the set ended at 25-19.

Set three began looking promising for FCC when outside hitter Brittany Olivares spiked the ball against Delta. However, Delta gained a massive lead, but FCC kept fighting to catch up.

FCC decreased the point difference greatly, but loss the third set. It was incredibly close and ended with 23-25.

The fourth set began with FCC pulling ahead. This point lead helped FCC win this set. Outside hitter, Makayla Cervantes earned the last point with a spike and ended the set at 25-17.

This brings the match to the final and fifth set. The first team to get to 15 points would win the

fifth and final set.

Set five was incredibly close.

The two teams were evenly matched, but Delta college came out on top and finished the set at 12-15, resulting in FCC’s loss. The match’s final score was 2-3.

Head coach Kieran Roblee said that Delta played well defensively and believes that made the difference this match.

“It was a highly competitive match and they did a solid job in their transition game,” said Roblee.

Roblee said it was a fantastic season and saw a great deal of growth and improvement in the team. She added it was enjoyable because the players were invested in getting better.

“We will miss our sophomores and the contributions that they have made to our program these past two seasons,” she said. “And I know the team will have many fond memories of our 2017 season.”

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