Rampage
Police Identify Campus Stabbing Suspect
Student-Run Newspaper of Fresno City College
The Rampage
@rampagenews
@FCCRampage
May 4, 2016
l SEE STABBING ON PAGE 2
ISSUE 7
Vol. CXXVI
Student Gets Rare Asian Fest Displays Rich and Diverse Culture Chance to Interview President Obama BY ASHLEIGH PANOO
Reporter apanoo@therampageonline.com
When the former news editor of the Rampage was selected to attend the White House College Reporter Day event on April 28, he couldn’t have imagined that he would get the chance of a lifetime. But Patrick Forrest, 22, one of 50 students chosen from across the U.S. to attend the White House College Reporter Day event in Washington D.C. on April 28 would earn him the privilege of exchanging words with the president of the United States. He was one of the few students who got a chance to ask the president a question. “When he [President Obama] came out, there was an audible reaction in the room, like oh, my god, it’s really him,” Forrest said. Initially, the students were told that only Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, would be speaking at the news briefing. Student journalists were given the opportunity to ask the president any question pertaining to him, and although Forrest was the last student to ask his question, he was confident that the president would call on him. “I knew I was going to get to ask a question because he kept promising to get back to me. I was like ‘OK Mr. President!’” While he waited his turn, Forrest
l SEE WHITE HOUSE ON PAGE 4
Two girls in traditional Japanese garments participate in the Asian Fashion Show during Asian Fest in Fresno City College on April 30, 2016. The event brings to an end the month-long Asian Heritage month festivities at the college. Photo/Ram Reyes
District Reprimands Dean of Counseling BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ-DELGADO Editor-in-Chief crodriguezdelgado@therampageonline.com
The Fresno City College Dean of Counseling received a “strongly worded letter of reprimand” for her actions leading to accusations of discrimination against a student, the Rampage has learned through documents it has obtained. References to the letter to Monica Cuevas are contained in a Jan. 6, 2016 management memo to the members of the State Center Community College board of trustees. “Your behavior has caused the district [and] college to be viewed by this student, employees and members of the public in a manner that does not exemplify the high moral and ethical expectations the district [and] college has for its administrators,” the letter states, according to the Jan. 6 memo, which was obtained by the Rampage. The Rampage made numerous attempts, including using Freedom of
POLLS VIDEOS
“Failure to [comply with district orders] may result in disciplinary action.” -Excerpt from management memo to the Board of Trustees obtained by the Rampage Information Act requests to acquire information from the district but was stalled on every front. When the district finally granted the Rampage’s request for communication related to the matter of Monica Cuevas on April 29, several parts of memos released to the Rampage, including the Jan. 6 memo, were redacted. Lucy Ruiz, SCCCD Director of Legislative Services, cited protection of “confidential personnel and legal matter[s].” However, the Rampage obtained brief, un-redacted copies of the memo
where communication with Cuevas regarding the matter is mentioned. Cuevas is reportedly directed to be “fair, honest, straightforward, trustworthy, dispassionate and unprejudiced in all future district [and] college dealings.” “Failure to [comply with district orders] may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination,” according to the memo. The memo to the board suggests that the main issue between Cuevas and her accuser remain unresolved. It was also noted that because district
Monica Cuevas, Dean of Counseling, has been reprimanded, according to a management memo sent to the Board of Trustees on Jan. 6, 2016. Photo/ Public Information Office.
money was not involved in the conflict, “the money dispute may end up in a small claims court”, likely at the expense of the two parties.
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PHOTOS STORIES
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NEWS
5.4.2016 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Cheryl Sullivan to Become Interim President
Pride Day Planned
BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ-DELGADO
BY ASHLEIGH PANOO
Reporter crodriguezdelgado@therampageonline.com
The State Center Community College District chancellor has chosen a replacement interim president for Fresno City College when Cynthia Azari leaves in May. Dr, Paul Parnell announced in a news release on April 29 that Cheryl Sullivan, vice-president of administrative services, will become interim president of the college when Azari leaves for her new position at Oxnard College, starting May 21. The announcement came one day after the Rampage interviewed several top-level administrators of the college who said they had no clues about who the new interim president would be.
Reporter apanoo@therampageonline.com
Sullivan will serve as interim president until the selection of the new FCC president, according to the news release by the district. A new president is expected before the start of the new academic year in August. Sullivan said she was honored by the appointment and will continue what she and other head administrators, who have supported each other along the way, have been doing. “Azar has left us in a good position,” Sullivan said. A replacement for Sullivan’s current administrative position has not been named. The college has been without a per-
Cheryl Sullivan will become Fresno City College’s interim president, effective May 21. Photo/ Destinee Lopez manent president for a year now, since the former president, Tony Cantu, died on April 5, 2015.
Dispute Leads to Stabbing of FCC Student BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ-DELGADO
to police. Ayello told local media that the argument began as the class was starting. According to police, Jenkins already had a warrant out for DUI and is now facing the charge of assault with a deadly weapon against the student. His bail is set at $40,000. The Fresno Police Department is assisting SCCCD Police with the case.
Reporter crodriguezdelgado@therampageonline.com
A student who stabbed his classmate at Fresno City College has been banned from the campus. State Center Community College District Police Lt. Shannon Ayello identified Willie Smith, 51, as the suspect in the April 28 stabbing that left a 29-year-old classmate injured. According to a news bulletin from the district, the two students were arguing in a welding class in the Applied Technology building when they took the dispute outside, ultimately leading to the stabbing of the victim. Following the incident, Smith was immediately taken into custody by SCCCD Police and booked into the Fresno County Jail where he remains. The injured student as transported to Community Regional Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery, the district memo stated. Both students were enrolled in the welding class at the college, according
Willie Smith, 51, was identified at a suspect in a campus stabbing on April 28, 2016. Photo/Fresno Police Department.
Rampage Staff
Editor-in-Chief Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado Managing Editor/Copy Chief David Chavez Rampage Adviser/Instructor Dympna Ugwu-Oju dympna.ugwu-oju@fresnocitycollege.edu Contact Us Tip Line: 559.442.8262 Send Questions or Letters to the Editor to: editorial@therampageonline.com
A Pride Day event to celebrate lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and queer community is planned for Fresno City College, the LGBTQ Spectrum said. The event will be the first of its kind since 2013, the club said. It’s scheduled for May 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Free Speech Area. The event will feature live music, drag performances, guest speakers, photo booths and art. Jamba Juice and RAW Fresno will be available for food options. The ART House and the Pink Panther Movement will also be in attendance at the event. The Spectrum Club said other clubs on campus such as Teachers of Tomorrow, Active Minds and Circle K are collaborating with them for the event. Spectrum Club Advisor and English instructor, Juan Guzman said that the event is important not just for the LGBTQ community but for their straight allies as well. “Events like this not only affirm the presence of the LGBTQ community on our campus,” Guzman said, “[It] allows all of us, LGBTQ or otherwise, an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that is alive on our campus and give it an opportunity to flourish.”
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Arts & Entertainment Editor Jasmine Yoro Bowles Sports Editors Keaundrey Clark Michael Ford Photo Editor Daisy Rodriguez Multimedia Editor George Garnica Broadcast Editor Larry Valenzuela Assistant Copy Editor Tammi Nott
Reporters Caleb Owens-Garrett Michael Mendez Rudy Perez Ryan Holquin Tammi Nott Destinee Lopez Ashleigh Panoo Amrita Aulakh Aedan Juvet Trevor Graham Travis McDonald Edward Smith Christopher Del Castillo Connor Linville Jorge Alamo Bineet Kaur Ram Reyes
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
5.4.2016
NEWS
Asian Fest Displays Rich and Diverse Culture
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End-of-Year Ceremony Details Announced BY ASHLEIGH PANOO
Reporter apanoo@therampageonline.com
Participants of the Asian Fashion Show during Asian Fest in Fresno City College on April 30, 2016. Photo/Ram Reyes BY MICHAEL MENDEZ
Reporter mmendez@therampageonline.com
Asian culture was put on full display in the Free Speech Area on April 30 during the annual Asian Fest celebration. This event also marked the Chinese new year and the start of the year of the monkey. The event featured Asian culture through many perspectives -- numerous vendors selling a variety of objects, the sumptuous cuisine, artwork and live performances.
Maile Martin, a college assistant at the Student Activities office who has helped organize Asian Fest since its inception in 2007, said she sees the event as a way of sharing culture as a way of passing it on to future generations. “This event is a mini passport into Asian culture here at Fresno City College,” Martin said. “That is about sharing culture in the different groups and organizations that came in to support that while letting new people to experience it.” This year’s Asian Fest featured more events than in previous years,
including a martial art showcase, cultural dance performances, an array of different food options, and more vendors with a large section dedicated to anime fans. The turnout was impressive; 1,200 people attended, the biggest turnout since the inception of Asian Fest. Maile Martin said she was pleased with the result and is considering making next year’s a two-day event. “This a great event for everyone to share culture through the sights and sounds and smells,” Martin said. “That makes this event every memorable.”
New Chancellor Expresses Optimistic Outlook BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ-DELGADO Reporter crodriguezdelgado@therampageonline.com
The State Center Community College District Chancellor started his new job on March 18, but already has a plan to tackle the biggest issues in the district. Dr. Paul Parnell said he is pleased to be at the district, and that he approaches the different challenges in the district with his own version of the ABCs -- A for accreditation; B for the bond measure and C for community involvement, decisionmaking, equity and most importantly, students. “We are in the process of becoming a team of people dedicated to providing for student needs,” Parnell said, during a sit-down interview with the Rampage.
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DEAN
l FROM PAGE 1 The matter stems from a petition filed by a Fresno City College student in July 2015, alleging that Cuevas had discriminated against her and threatened her when she demanded repayment of a loan she made to the dean of counseling back in March 2013. In September 2015, the district revealed that it had hired a private
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims has been selected at this year’s distinguished alumna while Rabiah Rahman, a A 2006 graduate will be this year’s commencement ceremony speaker, according to the public information office. Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for May 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Selland Arena in Downtown Fresno. Mims graduated from the FCC Police Academy in 1980 and is a graduate of Reedley College. She was elected sheriff in 2006, and was the first female deputy sheriff to attain the rank of lieutenant, captain and assistant sheriff in the department, according to information on the college website. During FCC’s centennial celebration in 2010, Mims was honored as one of Fresno City College’s 100 Stars. Rahman earned a liberal arts degree from FCC and also received a Dean’s Medallion in the social sciences division. She went on to graduate cum laude with a degree in political science from UCLA and earned a law degree from the UC Berkeley School of Law. Rahman now works at a California law firm, but she has traveled the world to provide services to refugees from Africa and the Middle East, according to the FCC Public Information Office. The Dean’s Medallion Reception will take place on May 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the Old Administration Building, Room 251. The hour-long dean’s medallion ceremony will honor recipients in each division; one honoree will also be awarded the Tony Cantu President’s Medallion. Following the Dean’s Medallion Reception on May 11, the honors ceremony will recognize honor students for their achievements at 7:00 p.m. in the OAB Auditorium. A Certificate Ceremony is scheduled for May 13 in the OAB Auditorium from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to honor students who have earned certificates in vocational areas. Ceremonies are free and open to the public.
The State Center Community College District Chancellor, Dave Paul Parnell talks about his new position at the district on April 27, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzuela
investigator to look into the case that had been looming in the district for about two years. As reported by the Rampage, several district and college administrators had knowledge of the reasons for disagreement between Cuevas and the student, before any formal complaint was filed. Cuevas and the student reportedly met in an attempt to reach a solution to the financial matter, but nothing was achieved. After several interventions on behalf of the student, the issue was taken to the former college president,
Tony Cantu and Bill Stewart, the interim chancellor at the time. The student finally filed the complaint with the State Chancellor’s office in July 2015 and distributed the grievance to the board of trustees, the college’s interim president and the SCCCD chancellor. In October, the Rampage was led to believe that the investigator’s findings in the case would be released by the end of that month; nothing was released. In an attempt to obtain the investigator’s report, the district denied Rampage requests under the
Freedom of Information Act. In a letter sent to the Rampage in February, the district’s Vice-Chancellor of Finance and Education, Edwin Eng, said any release of the investigator’s report would be “an unwarranted invasion of privacy”. The investigator’s findings remain undisclosed. Tempering the tone of the reprimand, the memo to the board noted Cuevas’s clean, 18-year employment with the district. The memo reads, “[Cuevas] has been an exemplary employee of the district for 18 years with a spotless record.”
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NEWS
5.4.2016
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Panel Discussed Bruce Lee’s Influence in Forum Hall BY TRAVIS MCDONALD
Reporter tmcdonald@therampageonline.com
A panel consisting of Bruce Lee fans discussed the influences of the martial artist, in celebration of the Asian Heritage Appreciation month on April 28. Martial artist Homer Green, educational advisor; John Cho, instructor of Asian American studies, and Bernard Navarro, instructor of American Indian studies said they had been influenced by Bruce Lee’s techniques in both the martial arts world and film world. The panel began with a video documenting Bruce Lee’s fighting style while also showcasing some of his film roles. The first topic they discussed was how Bruce Lee influenced the martial arts world. “Bruce Lee was someone who lived the art,” Green, who studied the 7-Star Praying Mantis, a style that Bruce Lee employed, said. The panel discussed how Lee approach fighting, and how he could adapt to any situation. “Bruce Lee represents more than a martial artist,” Professor John Cho said. In the 1960s and early 1970s, Bruce
Lee was an icon, starring in movies such as “Way of the Dragon” and the “Big Boss”. Also, Lee played the sidekick Cato in the “Green Hornet” television series, gaining reputation among American audiences. In 1973, at the young age of 32, Bruce Lee died from a brain edema, believed to be caused by a reaction to painkillers he had been prescribed. After his death, Lee’s films were released in the U.S., broadening the audience and making him an icon, posthumously. However, his influence continued despite his death. “Bruce could convey emotions with his face, one look and you knew what he was thinking,” Cho said about Lee’s acting style. The panel also discussed why Bruce Lee influenced so many and why he had such a broad appeal. Cho stated, “Bruce was someone who went against all odds.” In many of his movies, Bruce Lee played a character that was searching for vengeance, and would fight through multiple challengers. This attitude appeals to the masses, expand-
A panel in the Fresno City College Forum Hall 101 discuss the influence of Bruce Lee on April 27, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzuela ing the number of people Lee influenced in his life and afterwards. Bruce Lee was an icon in both the Asian community and all over the
world. The panel concluded that while Bruce Lee may have been taken too young, he will live forever through his influence.
Zoua Vang Tells an American Story of Hardship, Resilience and Survival BY DAVID CHAVEZ
Managing Editor dchavez@therampageonline.com
Can an immigrant who comes to the U.S. with nothing -- no education, no literacy, no English language and no money -- achieve the American dream? For Zoua Vang, a communications consultant, the answer is a resounding yes. In her “Secrets of Becoming American” presentation in OAB Room 251 on April 29, Vang told a story of sacrifice, hardship, loss and triumph and of her family’s journey to America, and their climb from abject poverty to success. Vang’s story started in Laos where she was born and the CIA’s 13-year secret war that destroyed the lives of the villagers. The U.S. government wanted influence in Laos and used locals to achieve it. Her father, then a teenager, enlisted to save his own father from the hardship. She told about the tolls of the war on the simple villagers -- of bombs and explosions and injuries and death. She recalled an incident when her mother was believed to have been killed in an air raid and how her older siblings thought they would never see her
again. Her mother would eventually return home, and life continued. Despite the war conditions and chaos, Vang said the villagers, who were farmers, lived a cycle of tending the crops and then running, only to return to tending the crops again. In 1975, the U.S. left Laos and their lives descended into craziness and deprivation; as the U.S. benefactors were no longer “raining rice anymore and there weren’t guns falling from the sky.” Because of her father’s service, Vang and her family were hunted once the Americans left. They would hide in caves during the day and run during the night. They finally made it to Thailand with America as the next planned destination. Despite the scary stories they heard about America, Vang says her parents were willing to become nobody so their children could become somebody, Vangs said upon their arrival to their new country, it is as if her parents were blind and deaf -- blind because they could not read, and deaf because they could not communicate efficiently because of the language barrier. Daily survival was hard for Vang and her family of nine. The government did
help with a little aid, but it was barely enough. She recalled how she and her siblings would rummage through the school dumpsters to collect aluminum foil and trays in order to get some extra money. Then her family worked on the farms picking cherries, grapes, tomatoes -whatever was in season. They toiled and earned very little in exchange. Vang said she could tell life was becoming a little more manageable; her parents had learned how to drive and would occasionally buy the children a candy bar. However, the seven children would have to Journalist Zoua Vang speaks about her Asian share a single Snickers bar. heritage during an event in the Old Administration She recalls how McDonald’s Building room 251 on April 29, 2016. Photo/David and Pizza Hut were some of Chavez the first restaurants they ten the correct change back after his ever went to. Vang spoke about the humiliation transaction and when he asked the caher family suffered routinely, and how shier, she threatened to call the police. her father was accused of theft by a l SEETHE FULL STORY ONLINE AT gas station attendant who called the police on him. Her father had not gotWWW.THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
WHITE HOUSE l FROM PAGE 1
Patrick Forrest stands behind a podium before a news briefing by the White House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest at the White House College Reporter Day on April 28, 2016. U.S. President Obama also made an appearance during the briefing.
pondered several possible questions but settled on the idea that an increasing number of Americans believe that the election process is rigged. He asked Obama what his plans to “help revitalize the faith in democracy” were. The president spoke for four minutes answering Forrest’s question, speaking especially about how important it is to get out the college-aged vote. “What’s interesting is, young people as a voting bloc are the least likely to vote, but when you do vote, have the biggest impact on elections,” Obama said, adding, “Don’t give away your power.” The president ended the session by telling Forrest, “You got me started. I went on a rant,
President Barack Obama smiles while taking questions from student reporters after interupting the press briefing during College Reporter Day Thursday April 28, 2016. Photo Courtesy/Josh Zytkiewicz didn’t I?” Forrest said the whole room seemed to be in awe over seeing the president. “Even after it was over, I had to go back and watch the video to make sure it really happened,” Forrest said. He added that he has received a lot of positive feedback from his friends and family, as well as
mentions in online news articles. “There’s been a lot of people [that are] very proud of me,” he said. After three days in Washington D.C., Forrest said he is glad to be back home and is trying as much as he can to get back to normal. “I’ve interviewed the president,” Forrest said. “Nothing will be normal after this.”
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
5.4.2016
NEWS
5
High-Speed Rail Advocates Urge Students to ‘Own’ Rail
Advocates of the California High Speed Rail present information about the high-speed rail during an event in the Old Administration Building on April 27, 2016. Photo/Edward Smith BY EDWARD SMITH
Reporter esmith@therampageonline.com
Speakers, including Fresno Mayor, Ashley Swearengin, and several representatives of the high speed rail, presented information about the proposed high speed rail to students at an event hosted by the “I Will Ride” club in the Old Administration Building on April 27. More than 200 students attended the event. Nick Kennedy, president of the “I Will Ride” club, said the purpose of the event was “to educate students and the
community about the benefits of high speed rail.” Students like Ashley Del Rio, a dance major in her second year, said she had been trying to learn more about the project for some time. “I had heard about [high speed rail] for a while and was open-minded,” Del Rio said. “I wanted to hear what other people said about it.” The intention of the “I Will Ride” club was to do just that for students. “By bringing these speakers here [to FCC],” Kennedy said, “we can bring the right information into the hands of the people.”
Through a lot of coordinating and emailing, the club was able to arrange for all four volunteer speakers to present their cases before students. Mayor Swearengin, who is in her final term of office, addressed students about getting involved and getting to the forefront of the project. “This is a long-term project,” Swearengin says. “This is the group that is going to come of age when the first operating segment is going to be available.” The first operating segment will connect Fresno to San Jose, and is expected to be completed by 2025, but
federal grants are still being sought after to fund the projected $20.6 billion cost, according to an April 28 article by Juliet Williams of the Associated Press. Proposition 1A, passed in 2008, allocated just over $9 billion for the project. “The people involved in high speed rail know that we are building this for the next generation,” says Swearengin. “Getting students involved as quickly as possible in this process really helps [students] take ownership and understand that they are going to be ones to take it to maturity.” Students reacted positively to Swearengin’s message. “Ashley Swearengin was inspirational and engaging,” says Del Rio. “Taking it step by step to make something happen really stood out. We can be optimistic and get somewhere instead of always being skeptical.” Craig Scharton, owner of Peeve’s Public House, in downtown Fresno, addressed similar themes. “We live in a community that can be very cynical,” says Scharton. “When you’re surrounded by it, the positive voices don’t get heard over the negative ones.” Kennedy said that many students do not know how they feel about the project, while opponents to high speed rail claim that there is no support. “We feel that if enough people knew about the project, they would support it,” he said. “The benefits are just too great.”
6 A&E
5.4.2016
Students Debut ‘Teasers’ therampageonline.com Check out these stories at
• Climbing Poetree
Echoes of poetry filled the Fresno City College auditorium Sunday evening when two poets read from their work. The event was hosted by Dulce Upfront and the duo, Alixa Garcia and Naima Penniman, who make up the world-renowned Climbing Poetree performed on April 24...
• Joe Bonamassa
Guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa performed at the William Saroyan Theater in downtown Fresno on April 27, proving that Blues Rock is more than alive and well.
(Right) Martin Gonzales. Jose Estorga, (left) Megan DeWitt and John Rivas performing scenes from their teasers. (Bottom) Chuck Erven and student director Richie Hairston discussing stage direction at the studio theater on May 2, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzuela BY TREVOR GRAHAM
Reporter tgraham@therampageonline.com
Students in the Fresno City College screenwriting class wrote, produced, and directed entertaining plays that left people begging for more. Each play, only ten minutes long, covered topics like, a dysfunctional family musical, a dark-humored ghost or a heartbreaking scene following the Civil War. Brief two minute transitions and extraordinary dedication demonstrated how much time and effort that each student put into their performance. This was also a special showing as this was the first ever showing a musical teaser. Richie Hairston a Student Director of a teaser play says she is proud of her actors. “I’m proud of everybody. Everybody did a really good job. It’s a little nerve racking but a great experience.” Chuck Erven commented on the event selling out and the great response the performances had from audiences. “It sold out, which is very typical for this event to sell out,” Erven said. “The audience sorta likes the variety of different [performances].”
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A&E 7
5.4.2016
Luke Bryan Performs at Sold Out Concert BY DAVID CHAVEZ
Copy Chief dchavez@therampageonline.com
CMA Entertainer of the Year, Luke Bryan, performing for his “Kill the Lights” tour at the Save Mart Center, Fresno. April 30, 2016. Photo/ David Chavez
CMA Entertainer of the Year, Luke Bryan, brought the “Kill The Lights” Tour to Fresno on April 30, 2016 and turned the Save Mart Center into a party. The award-winning country music artist brought along with him the 2014 American Country Music Top New Artist of the Year Dustin Lynch and Grammy Award-winning Best Country Duo/Group Little Big Town. Lynch opened the night and did a great job of warming up the crowd for the rest of the show. Little by little, people started to file in and fill up the arena. The stage was set up in a unique way that allowed the artists to engage with the crowd, creating a more interactive experience for the fans. Lynch’s 30-minute set featured his hit-single “Cowboys and Angels” which had everyone singing along. “Thank you for changing our lives with that one,” Lynch told the enthusiastic crowd. Little Big Town came to the stage next and at this point the whole arena was packed. Little Big Town walked to together as a group to the front of the stage and started off their set with acapella versions of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and Prince’s “When Doves Cry”. “Fresno, you people are ready to party,” singer Karen Fairchild told the crowd. Little Big Town have some Fresno ties, Jimi Westbrook, guitarist and singer, lived in the valley some time back. With their perfect harmonies, they were able to keep the crowd buzzing giving the concert a more traditional country feel with songs like “Pontoon”, “Tornado” and their award-winning song “Girl Crush”. The continuously building anticipation throughout the night was finally met with roars and screams from the sellout crowd as the ‘famous hipshaker’ finally appeared before the thousands in attendance. Bryan started off with “Rain is a Good
Thing”, followed by the title-track of the tour “Kill the Lights”. The female attendees went wild every time Bryan shook his hips and Bryan was like a conductor as he led the fans in dancing and singing throughout the show. Bryan played hits like “Crash My Party”, “All My Friends Say” and “Roller Coaster” Bryan gave shout outs to his opening acts and then did a quick cover of Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” and Lynch’s song “Where It’s At”. Forty minutes into the set, Little Big Town joined Bryan on the stage and together they covered Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” and Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On”. After that, Lynch then joined Bryan and gaved the night a more party/kickback feel as they both caught beers that were thrown at them. They sang and drank together providing the fans an opportunity to join in on the fun as it felt like one huge party. Bryan ended his set with “That’s My Kind of Night” and as he walked off stage, chants of “Luke! “Luke! Luke!” started to be heard. Bryan came back out to the stage and played three more songs capped off with a cover of The Weekend’s “I Can’t Feel My Face”. Victoria Castañeda has been a fan of Bryan for a couple of years but this past year is when she really became a huge fan because of her sister “The first [Luke Bryan] concert I went to was in October 2015. It was literally out in the middle of nowhere in Watsonville, but it gave such a country vibe,” Castañeda said. “Both concerts, he gave a good show. I love hearing him sing my favorite songs.” The unique stage setup, loud music,hip shaking, and light show created the perfect environment for all country music lovers. “My favorite part was when Dustin Lynch sang ‘Cowboys and Angels’,” Castañeda added. “Also when Luke Bryan sang ‘Play It Again’ and ‘Strip It Down’.”
Henry M. Kinuthia
Tsegau Arefaine
Adison Harvey
Katrena L. Wright
Leroy Travis, Jr.
Link Robinson
Sandra Lopez
Kim L. Rutherford
Eboniece L. Williams
Abdul Saleem Johnson
Murriel D. Green
Donald Harris
Denita L. Goodwin
Gabrielle Fernandez
Tashawna D.Tucker
Murriel Green
Elgar J. Pearson
Aresenio Frederic
Diana J. Stephens
Cydnee Washington
Jasmina J. Flanigan
Alisia Williams
Mitchell J. Davis Chachere
Sedrick Milton
Michael R. Blathers, Jr.
Ciara Madden
Karen D. Lacy
Kamesha Cornett
Ambrosia R. Parks Jeremy C. Wheeler, Sr. Michael R. Blathers, Jr. Rodessa A. Jones Latasha Monique Alford David L. Bethea
Congratulations Graduates! African American Faculty and Staff Association Fresno City College
Sheikara Mayberry Patricia Hanks Richard Torres Sage Young Marilyn Mitchell
8
OPINION
5.4.2016 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Red Carpet Critiques May Go Too Far BY AEDAN JUVET
Reporter ajuvet@therampageonline.com
Media-based award shows continue to draw in onlookers for contributions to film, music and television, but it’s the surrounding red carpet coverage that somehow becomes a primary focus. With the public’s growing interest in mass media, the entertainment industry has continuously capitalized on the discussion of celebrities clothing which can be either complementary or a harsh mockery. For example, programs like the E! red carpet specials have become a place to interview people in the industry, and ask the now repetitive question, “who are you wearing?” While at first it’s seemingly harmless, you begin to see these self-proclaimed critics tear down some people’s most coveted fashion moment. Fashion has truly become a method to incorporate your individuality into your appearance, giving many a confidence boost in a world where our choices are under a microscope of media. When you add filmed critiques of people’s clothing choices, it introduces an opportunity to essentially put people on blast for something intended for themselves, not everyone else. Social media plays a large part in the negativity spewed through a keyboard, giving people the anonymity to make insensitive remarks about something that is purely perspective dependent. It’s as if we pretend other people don’t actually have emotions or feelings about what can be said, even though those in the public eye constantly are
informed of perceptions. Not only are celebrities encouraged to interact on social media, but they are bombarded with people and programs reinforcing their opinions as if they are factual. It should be considered to be an act of bullying, because in any other real-life scenario, someone repeatedly making a mockery of someone based on appearance would be labeled a bully. In the privacy of your own home, people are bound to make remarks about noticing something they may or may not enjoy. It’s completely normal to have preferential taste in fashion, but when you cross the line of saying it on camera or through a public platform, it does have a distinctly different negative connotation. Programs like “Fashion Police” are centered on these judgements, even with the mere implication of the series name. It tries to take a comedic approach to critiques, but sometimes humor can’t mask a mean-spirited remark that can create insecurities for men and women of all ages. Concurrently, “Fashion Police” has been under fire for racially insensitive remarks while dissing fashion, and on occasion is questioned for lacking morality which
llustration/Tessa Barretto could suggest a common denominator. I’m not naive enough to believe red carpet coverage will cease in the future, but I certainly feel like we need to find alternative ways to appreciate fashion. To better shape our societal standards in a positive manner means we need to remember that nothing
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good can come from picking each other apart. People should be praised for expressing themselves with what makes them comfortable, because if we’ve learned anything from this topic, it’s that you require true confidence to put yourself on a pedestal to be criticized.
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
CAMPUS VOICES: Did you vote in the Associated Student Government elections?
Jason Clopton Network “No, I don’t know. I wasn’t really interested and didn’t really know about it.”
5.4.2016
BY BINEET KAUR
Reporter bkaur@therampageonline.com
I have been wanting a fanny pack for a while now. Carrying my belongings in a fanny pack instead of a purse frees my hands and arms completely. The possibilities would be endless. But also, I think they look really cool. Some people might think this is a very dorky thing to do, but if I want to wear a fanny pack - I’m going to wear a fanny pack. I wear whatever I want, and I encourage people to do the same. I mean it. If your style is casual, be casual even when others might wear formal things. But also, looking nicer than everyone else is OK. Maybe that clothing item is not “in style” anymore, but if you still like it, nothing should stop you from putting it on. Why do I feel this way? First of all, they are YOUR clothes. Not anyone else’s. When I look at people’s
It is common knowledge that once you turn 18, you are considered an adult -- someone who is employed, already driving and, slowly but surely, more independent. The dependency you have felt towards your parent(s) or other loved ones is meant to dull and fade and you’re supposed to stand on your own two feet. I’m 22 years old, and I have yet to burst my bubble of
Valentina Flores Phsychology “No I didn’t. I thought about it, but with my busy schedule, I didn’t really know how to.”
Cecilia Ibanez Sociology “No… I didn’t know about it. I’m not that really involved in the school.”
Photos and Interviews/Larry Valenzuela
clothes, I see individualism and self expression. I think, “they chose to wear that for a reason.” But when you allow the fear of other people’s judgement to influence what you wear, it becomes a little less you and a little more them. Your clothes are no longer a 100 percent reflection of you. I didn’t wear what I wanted until after high school. Once, in elementary school, I wore my new red shoes to class. I was uncomfortable wearing them because I was worried about other people’s judgement. The shoes made a click - clack noise when I walked on concrete, and I was afraid it was drawing a lot of attention to me. I longed for school to be over so I could go home and take those shoes off. Looking back, I should have been more confident. I wore the shoes because I thought they looked nice. But I was too preoccupied to be happy. Truthfully, clothing doesn’t matter
in the long run. When I look back on my favorite memories with friends and family, I remember the things that were said, what happened, and what made everyone so happy. What I - or anyone else - was wearing is not the first thing I remember. Maybe I can recall if I take a second to think about it, but even then, I know my clothes weren’t what made those moments great. What can people find out about someone by observing what they are wearing? They can assume a thing or two about their style preferences, but that’s about it. Clothing is not a reflection upon one’s kindness, generosity, personality traits, or talents. Clothing is...clothing. That’s all, really. Holding strong opinions on something that matters so little is a waste of time. Clothing holds no real meaning. So, if clothes barely matter, you might as well wear the ones you want.
Letting Go Is Not Easy Reporter aaulakh@therampageonline.com
“No. I didn’t really hear much about it or see anything on campus where you could vote.”
9
Your Clothes Reflect You
BY AMRITA AULAKH
Chance Lollis Undeclared
OPINION
llustration/Danielle Deziga
dependency – the dependency I feel towards my mother. As an only child, I naturally gravitated towards my mother who was my first best friend and my confidant. In return, I was my mother’s entire universe -- a strong mother and daughter bond and a mutual dependency. Easing myself out of this dependency seems to me to be nearly impossible because of the history my mother and I shared. When I was growing up, my life was filled with many struggles; struggles that included a father who loved alcohol more than his own daughter and everyday shouting matches between my parents that I simply could not understand. With each fight between my parents, I became more aware and grew fiercely protective of my mother. It felt like it was us against the rest of the world. This strengthened our co-dependency; on my part, I truly view my mother as my only family. Because I am her only child, my mom spoils me as much as possible and sacrifices her own happiness for mine. It is a
personality trait of hers that became more apparent after the divorce. On my part, I am left feeling guilty and inadequate because I am unable to give her anything in return. I can’t even help with paying for the monthly expenses, and all I can do is be the shoulder she can lean on. No matter the circumstance, my mother is always there for me, and I am always there for her. But as I get older, I can clearly see a certain type of fear in her eyes, one that is reflected in my own. It is a fear that we will have to live apart one day. With my college transfer quickly approaching, living apart is only inevitable. My aspirations now lie in Los Angeles - a place that is too far for my mother’s comfort. Just when I become comfortable with the thought of leaving home and becoming a person she can truly be proud of, I am paralyzed by a fear about death. I am afraid of losing her permanently, and that fear is so intense that whenever the thought crosses my mind, I become crippled with despair. My eyes well up, and I struggle not to cry simply because I cannot imagine living a life without her by my side, without her laugh and goofy behavior that never ceases to annoy and amuse me. In my mind I have always viewed my mother as an immortal being and when faced with the truth that she is not, I cannot help but hold on to her for as long as I can. I don’t want to let her go for fear that my loneliness will one day consume me. Will I even be “me” without her? Alas, the circle of life won’t stop just for me. This is reality – a reality that I have to learn to let go and embrace my independence. Despite knowing the facts, my need to spend time with my mother as much as I can wins out over all else. In the end, I embrace this dependency. I can’t let go of the hand that has been guiding me for 22 years. Not today. Not yet. And while I hold her hand even tighter and remain immersed in my bubble, the world spins madly on.
10
SPORTS
5.4.2016 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Top Ranked Track Duo Leads State
Davidson and Harris lead state in 100m sprint and Javelin respectively BY MICHAEL FORD
Sports Editor mford@therampageonline.com
Sophomore Fresno City College sprinter Moesha Davidson cannot be stopped. As the No.1 ranked sprinter in the 100m in California, Davidson’s confidence is at an all-time high. Although she has been involved in athletics since she was 4 years old, Davidson didn’t start participating in track until she got to high school. Once she got to high school, she wanted to try something else.
“I really connected with that and I thought that it would be something better for me. A place that I could feel safe, a place that doesn’t matter what happens, that they are going to love me.” -Moesha Davidson
“My parents threw me into ballet, put me on the swim team. I did soccer and basketball and then I stuck with gymnastics and I did that for about eight and a half years,” she said. “When I got to high school, I kind of wanted to try something new.” Davidson said she is very proud of what she has done in track, and being able to achieve such a high level of performance in such a short time, compared to her competitors. “Most people start out when they were young, and they work hard to get to maybe half of where we have come,” Davidson said. “Knowing that I have done it in a shorter amount of time is just pretty amazing for me.” Before coming to FCC, Davidson had a couple of opportunities to attend four-year universities to continue her athletic career, but instead opted for the Rams as she felt that was the place for her to be. “I really just connected with that [the warmth among teammates] and I thought that it would be something better for me,” she said. “A place that I could feel safe, a place that nt matter what happens, that they are still going to love me.” As the 2016 track season comes to a close, Davidson has been receiving offers from schools like San Francisco State, Fresno Pacific and UNLV. Still, she remains undecided.
Melody Harris practices her javelin throwing technique at Ratcliffe Stadium, April 28, 2016. Photo/ Larry Valenzuela BY MICHAEL FORD
Sports Editor mford@therampageonline.com
Track and field team at Fresno City College is at the top of its game and Sophomore Melody Harris has set the proverbial track on fire with her exceptional performance on the javelin throwing runway. Harris, a business major, is ranked No. 1 in California in javelin at the collegiate level, despite not participating in any track and field event until she was in high school. Once she started track, Harris took
wouldn’t be where she is in track, and she said she is grateful to her soccer coach Oliver Germond who recruited her to the FCC team. “I can’t thank him enough for doing that,” she said. Harris said she knew she wanted out of high school to play either soccer or water polo and chose soccer which “ really changed my life in ways that I never thought it would.” The new doors she is referring to
“I can’t thank [Coach Oliver Germond] enough for doing that.” -Melody Harris
Moesha Davidson practices her sprints at Ratcliffe Stadium, April 28, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzuela
to it very naturally and became very fond of the sport. ”I get to throw a spear for competition and I am absolutely in love with it,” Harris said. “To be ranked number one, it makes me feel really good.” Harris grew up in Hanford playing many different sports, including water polo, softball, soccer and basketball. She also is on the college team, one of the best teams in the entire nation. If it weren’t for soccer, Harris likely
are four-year universities which are recruiting her for their sports teams, both in soccer and in track. She received and declined offers from Cal State Pomona and UC Irvine because the schools pressured her to answer faster than she was ready to. Harris said she will look to continue her career at a four-year university and is considering San Francisco State University and CSU Stanislaus and a few others.
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
5.4.2016
SPORTS
11
Rams Softball Team Stays Hopeful BY MICHAEL MENDEZ
Reporter mmendez@therampageonline.com
The hunt for a state championship begins with the best teams in the state duking it out for the ultimate -coming out on top and being acknowledged as the best in three tournament. The Fresno City College softball team is looking to come out on top during playoffs and add a state championship to an already outstanding season. The Rams enter the postseason with a 35-4 regular season record as the second seed in the northern regional bracket; they will face 15th seeded Ohlone College in game one of the best of three series on May 7. The Rams are considered one of the heavy favorites heading into the tournament. This is a result to their style of solid, no nonsense baseball, and their strong performance in every aspect of the game, from batting, defense to pitching. The Rams went undefeated in conference play while also going on a 27 game winning streak -- the first in team history. “I am really proud of what we have accomplished this season,” said Cameryn Reichle, Rams center fielder. “I am really excited of where we headed in the the postseason.”
For Fresno City College, having a strong regular season performance translates into high hopes for their upcoming playoff run. The Rams head coach Rhonda Williams said she is confident in her team as they head into the playoffs because they have both the ability to put runs on the scoreboard while closing games with strong finishes from their pitchers. “They have worked really hard this season, as this one of the best teams that I’ve ever coached,” Williams said. “Going on that 27 game winning streak [is] something that we have never done done before.” Even though the Rams are heading into the tournament as one of the top seeds, they will still face some stiff competition in later rounds if they advance that far. The team could possibly face the first seeded College of San Mateo, third seeded Sacramento City College or fifth seeded Sierra College. Always thinking ahead, the Rams are prepared for anything that comes their way. “We have a chance to go far in the playoffs and we are going to play some tough teams,” said Freshman Outfielder Ashley Lopez,. “But we have to take it one game at a time in each series and be ready for whatever comes our way.”
Infielder Paige Reichle keeps her eyes on the ball as she hits against San Joaquin Delta College. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. Photo/Daisy Rodriguez
Women’s Soccer Stars Sign Intent to Play for 4-Year Colleges
Six players from the Fresno City College Women’s Soccer team pose for one of the last times as teammates at the Fresno City College soccer field on April 28, 2016. Photo/David Chavez BY DAVID CHAVEZ
Copy Editor dchavez@therampageonline.com
Six players from the Fresno City College Women’s Soccer team have signed letters of intent to continue their athletic collegiate career beyond Fresno. Sophomore defenders Breanna Kriss and Ruth Galvan, along with sophomore midfielder Jessica Robles will be transferring to Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida. Fellow sophomore defender Alyssa Lugo will also be moving to Florida to play for Barry University in Miami. Sophomore midfielder Camilla Lazoski has signed her letter of intent
to play at Francis Marion University in South Carolina while sophomore midfielder Kelly Garzon will stay in California to play at Cal State Dominguez Hills. The soon-to-be former Rams teammates reflected on their time spent at FCC. “I’ll remember the summer and preparing for the fall season because summer training was difficult training,” Garzon said. “I will also remember the girls and coaches I had the privilege to play with.” Kriss said she has made a lot of friends in the last two years. “I think I’ll miss my teammates the most,” she
said. The 2015/2016 team made it to the final four of CCCAA state championships, but this year is the first time in -- years that the women’s soccer team did not win the league championship. “The most challenging thing we faced as a team was probably losing league. We knew we were better than what that number showed,” Kriss said. “The team became a lot closer after that. We all had one goal in mind: final four. We came back from that and won all of our playoff games and made it to the final four.” Although the ultimate goal of a
state championship was not achieved, the opportunity to continue playing at the college level is a driving force for the players who are moving on from FCC. “It means so much to me because soccer is what keeps me busy and motivates me to become better on and off the field,” Garzon said. Head coach Oliver Germond said he is proud of all his players and wishes them continued success in their careers. Germond said, “I hope they’ve taken the life lessons and soccer lessons, not just use them in soccer, but in the classroom and their profession.”
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