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Selland here we come!

Rams vie for State basketball title this Saturday -See page 16

Since 1949

Volume CXIII, edition 4

2008 Presidential Race Underway

March 7, 2007

FCC students confronted with choice

By Quinn Robinson Rampage Reporter November 4, 2008, a new president will be elected.

Still some 20 months away, the race for the White House has become popular among Presidential hopefuls.

This election will be the first in 80 years that no returning president or vice-presidential candidates are in line to run for office. This leaves the possibilities wide open for many would be candidates, and the selection is quite diverse and growing.

Voters need to be aware of the upcoming candidates and what each claims to offer. So, the Rampage has contructed a list of some top contendors for the upcoming historical election.

Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) – Elected to the United States Senate in 2000.

Clinton became the first ‘First Lady’ elected to public office and the first female senator to represent New York. She was successfully re-elected in 2006 and as a senator See America’s political future ... pg 6

By Joseph Rios

Pro-life and pro-choice advocates gather at FCC to discuss the issue of

Rampage Reporter Most divisive issues brought up in either the free speech area or near the fountain do exactly that – divide.

Last Thursday, a handful of students made their way to the free speech area wearing signs that read, “My body, my choice,” and “Stop the War on Choice,” which set off some controversy.

The sign bearers representing Planned Parenthood met Pro-Lifers from Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust who had already unveiled their displays depicting graphic photos of aborted

Photo by Joseph Rios

fetuses.

Students passing by stared at the head-turning photos in shock and more often, disgust.

The issue, according to both sides, was choice. However, both See Choice pg 4

Campaign to free FCC from ‘Killer Coke’

By Ife-Chudeni Oputa Rampage Reporter Fresno City College Students’ campaign against Coca-Cola

came to a culmination on Tuesday, March 6.

The campaign started in the spring of 2006, when FCC’s contract with Coke expired, and students appealed to the SCCCD

Image courtesy of Sustainable Action memberRosanna Spicer

Office: (559) 442-8263

Board of Trustees not to renew the contract.

The campaign was given new life this semester with greater support. In addition to students across campus, the campaign garnered the official support of Sustainable Action, an FCC club, and the Associated Student Government.

In February, students presented a resolution to the Academic Senate asking them to “call upon the SCCCD Board of Trustees not to renew the exclusive vending contract with the Coca-Cola Corporation,” and “not to enter into exclusive pouring rights with any bottling company.”

Though the

Business: (559) 442-8262

resolution failed, students and fac- information on the web concernulty continued the movement. ing [Coca-Cola], but none of it has The campaign against Coke been substantiated.” is fueled by allegations of human Nevertheless, the campaign rights and environmental abuses. against Coke is an international According to www.killercoke.org, movement. The Campaign to Stop the official website of the Cam- Killer Coke recognizes nearly 200 paign to Stop Killer Coke, in ad- colleges, universities, and high dition to the murder of eight union schools, internationally, as being leaders at Coca-Cola’s Columbian active in the campaign. These bottling plants, hundreds of other schools include Oxford University, workers have been tortured, kid- UC Berkley, and Fresno City Colnapped, and otherwise abused. lege among others.

The lawsuit against the At the forefront of the Frescorporation states that Coca-Cola no City College campaign is FCC bottlers “contracted with or other- student and Sustainable Action wise directed paramilitary security member Rosanna Spicer. Spicer forces that utilize extreme violence began her wave of the campaign and murdered, tortured, unlawfully last semester. “I’d heard that some detained or otherwise silenced other students had tried by getting trade union leaders.” petitions, so the first thing I did “That is not Coca-Cola. was set up a petition.”

These are franchises,” said MiSpicer was able to get about chael Guerra, FCC College Busi- 300 signatures to ban Coke from ness Manager. Guerra does not the FCC campus. “We had to kind believe that the allegations against of revise our strategy because we Coca-Cola should be a factor saw we weren’t going to get anyin the decision of who to grant See FCC Supports ... pg 2 pouring rights. “There is a lot of

Fax: (559) 265-5783

E-mail: rampage-news@fresnocitycollege.edu

News

2 Rampage

March 7, 2007

Ned Doffoney FCC Supports Multiple Vendors FCC President, inducted into continued from page one where with banning it,” she said.

Since then, Spicer has worked with Sustainable Action to get the student body informed and interested through class & club presentations as well as information days and non-Coke drink days.

“Last semester we handed out about 200 hundred drinks that weren’t Coke, and every student who got one also got our little speech,” said Spicer. “We’re always trying to get information out. Even if students aren’t sure where they stand on the issue, we just want them to have access to information so they can decide on their own.”

The campaign against Coke has ethical, as well as financial implications.

According Guerra Fresno City College receives $54,000 annually as a result of their contract with Coca-Cola.

That money goes to support programs such as student activities, athletics, and programs that bring the community to FCC. Guerra said that the money from CocaCola is foundation money and can be applied to activities that taxpayers’ money cannot. “It’s more a financial decision,” said Guerra. “That’s me …

I can’t speculate what the Board will decide.”

FCC President Ned Doffoney took a different stance.

“Fresno City [College] has engaged in a very deliberative process of discussing the question of pouring rights,” said Doffoney.

The issue was brought to the FCC’s Strategic Planning Counsel, where there was much debate over what the institutional position should be.

“We believe there should be more than one major beverage vendor on campus,” said Doffoney. He also said that Fresno City College would support a Board decision to that affect.

Though FCC’s stance is in line with campaigners desires, Doffoney said the decision was not motivated by the allegations against the corporation. “We didn’t study any allegations against Coke, whatsoever,” said Doffoney.

Doffoney said that the decision was motivated by concerns

campaigners continued to hope that the Board of Trustees would follow their recommendation.

“Right now our main focus is to try to get as many people as possible to come to the Board of Trustees meeting,” said Spicer. “We’re having a gathering, where we’re all going to go to the board meeting together and show support.” She hoped at least 50 people would come to the meeting.

Spicer hopes that this campaign helps to motivate students out of their apathy. “It really brings the issue home,” said Spicer. “It’s something that profoundly affects our campus.”

Spicer encourages students to get involved however they can.

“Even some thing as easy as putting a signature on a page to show support, it does a lot,” she said.

Spicer wants the Board of Trustees to do more than voting not to renew the contract with Coca-Cola.

“I want them to understand that, the Coca-Cola issue and things related, it’s not just a business decision,” said Spicer. “Nothing they do is www.killercoke.org about a lack of choice on just one-dimencampus. sional. It affects so many different Likewise, the decision was facets … It’s showing students not financially motivated. “We what kind of stance our school don’t know how it [the money] is will take on social issues and hugoing to be affected, that has yet man rights.” to be determined,” said Doffoney.

Spicer stayed hopeful that “Certainly if the Board follows the campaign goals would be that recommendation there will be achieved at Tuesday’s meeting. an opportunity to negotiate other “Tuesday, I hope, will be the last pouring rights agreements.” day that we have to deal with this As Tuesday approached, issue.”

Fresno’s African American Museum Wall of Honor

Photo by Ken McCoy, Photojournalist

Rampage Fresno City College 1101 E. U n i v e r s i t y Ave. Fresno, CA 93741

Rampage is an award-winning newspaper published biweekly by the Fresno City College Journalism 4 & 5 program and is a member of Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Views expressed in The Rampage are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresno City College, its students, administration or the State Center Community College District.

Newsroom: (559) 4428263 Business: (559) 442-8262 Fax: (559) 265-5783 E-mail: Editor In Chief: rampage-editor@ fresnocitycollege.edu Rampage business Office: rampage-business@ fresnocitycollege.edu Advisor: dympna.ugwuoju@fresnocitycollege. edu

Letters to the editor and submissions to the calendar will be accepted via e-mail or in person 12 noon - 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at The Rampage, Room SC- 211, above Editor in chief: Matthew T. Mendez the bookstore. Please keep all letters to a maximum of 250 News Editor: Leah S. words along with contact information.

Reporters Matthew T. Mendez, Leah Edwards, Joseph Rios, Ife-Chudeni Oputa, Maylin Tu, Buen Moua, Quinn Robinson, D.C. Leavy, Eddie Ortiz, Johanna Tanori, Bianca Betancourt, Jen Langworthy, Shirley Nakagawa, Cody Gless, Francine Ramos

Photography/Graphics Robin Vallentyne, Todd J. Placencia, Cinthia Rodriguez, Jen Langworthy

Edwards Sports Editor: Joseph Rios Views Editor: Ife-Chudeni Oputa Entertainment Editor: Maylin Tu Copy Editor: Buen Moua Photo Editor: Robin Vallentyne Business Manager: Leah Edwards / Shelise Holliday Adviser: Dympna UgwuOju

Classifieds Cal-SOAP seeks mature, outgoing, and responsible college students.

Job Description: Provide assistance to high school students in the classroom, small groups, and one-on-one.

Requirements: Must be a College Student, sophomore or above, Min GPA 2.75, strong communication and multitasking skills; proficient in Word, Excel, and Internet; ability to teach study skill techniques; strong Math or English knowledge and ability to Tutor and Mentor high school students to improve attitude, study skills/habits, and grades.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 03/30/07 559-655-7554 www.calsoap.com

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News

March 7, 2007

Take a break, refresh and return

By Cody Gless Rampage Reporter Many students on campus find themselves asking one common question at this point in the school year: “What is there to do for spring break?”

Well whether or not you choose to remain here in the Central Valley, venture to Pismo, make an excursion to Florida, or even travel internationally to Mexico, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE FUN!!

In most cases, college is the last opportunity that many students will have to kick back, party, and have those unforgettable “college experiences,” without the occupational obligations or family responsibilities that life sets into place.

It is generally believed that spring break is also an excellent opportunity to break out of the academic grind of school, get some of that “Spring break fever” out of your system, and recharge your “batteries” so you can come back to school refreshed and ready to excel.

Whether your ideal spring break consists of “Getting Wasted”, partying on the beach with MTV, or spending quality time with friends and family, make this spring break one to remember.

A lot of the students find that life is becoming more and more hectic as time progresses; the reasons are often financial -- funding for school and or living expenses, or too few hours in the day -- that new job getting in the way.

Many students are bypass-

ing Spring Break a l t o g e t h e r. A c cording to a recent study done by the National Census Bureau, families in the United States are vacationing at an average of 2.5 days per year a difference of 19.5 days from the mid 1970’s with an annual average of 22 days per year.

“Vacations are becoming more and more expensive,” said one Fresno City College student. “The feeling that having a great time costs a lot of money accounts for the reduction of vacation time. To have a phenomenal spring break, one does not have to “break the bank.”

If you have to stay close to home for spring break, you aren’t limited. Although Fresno may not be an ideal vacation spot, it is an excellent place to start. Within one to two hours you can be sitting on the warm sunny beaches of Monterey or Pismo, or hiking through the picturesque trails of Yosemite National Park. In two to three hours you can even be basking in the sun of Lake Tahoe.

If “Sin City” is your thing, Las Vegas is only about a six-hour drive from Fresno.

If you enjoy traveling internationally, and if you have the finances to back it up, head south of the border. In the last few years, Mexico has become the prime spring break destination for college students all across the country.

Mexico offers so much -- from the beautiful beaches of Ensenada and Cancun to simply having a lower

Rampage 3

Earth Talk

From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

www.studentmarket.com

legal drinking age. If you want to save money and drive to Mexico from Fresno, you’ll hit the border in approximately seven hours, according to MapQuest.com.

As of this year however, passports are required to cross any border, whether to Mexico or Canada, a development that students are finding will impede their spring break plans. So if you want to head to a tropical location without the hassle of acquiring a passport, head to Florida.

Panama City, located in the northwest portion of the “panhandle” in Florida, is one of the most vastly traveled areas of the United States during the spring break season. From its beautiful beaches to its unlimited night-life - ranging from night-clubs to block parties -- Panama City has always been a spring break favorite. If you enjoy Florida and are looking for a less intense spring break experience, there is always Jacksonville or historic St. Augustine.

Whether or not you travel during spring break, make sure you take the time to relax, refocus and give yourself an experience to remember. This could be the last spring break opportunity you truly have before the responsibilities of life come into play.

Dear EarthTalk: Most environmental organizations appear to be run by men. But who are the women leaders in this field? I’d love to know about them. -- Leeona Klippstein, Carthage, NC

resources for people who want to “green up” their lifestyles.

Mary Evelyn Tucker codirects the Forum on Religion & Ecology and has organized major environmental conferences bringing together religious leaders of all faiths. A woman, Mary Pearl,

T h e ranks of environmental advocacy are teeming with female “movers and shakers,” both at the community level and in some of the highest posts, though one would not know it from watching mainstream TV networks that tend to let men do most of the talking.

F o r starters, it was a woman, RaImage courtesy of Getty Images chel Carson, Environmental leader Rachel Carson who ignited the modern environmental movement heads wildlife Trust, an internawith her 1962 book, Silent Spring, tional network of scientists enwhich brought widespread atten- gaged in work to save endangered tion to problems with pesticides. species. And Rebecca Wodder The book led to a U.S. ban of has been president of American the pesticide DDT, spurred the Rivers, the nation’s leading river founding of several influential conservation group, since 1995.

Theo Colburn, senior scienvironmental groups and helped blaze the trail for passage of the entist at the World Wildlife Fund, nation’s bedrock environmental co-authored the 1996 book, Our Stolen Future, which brought laws in the early 1970s.

And it was Lois Gibbs worldwide attention to the fact who in 1978 pressured New York that common contaminants can authorities to evacuate and clean interfere with human fetal develup Love Canal, a chemical-dump- opment. And Laurie David, wife turned-housing-development suf- of TV icon Larry David, produced fering from high incidences of Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth and birth defects and cancer. Gibbs founded Stop Global Warming, an also lobbied Congress to pass “Su- effort to engage everyday people perfund” laws mandating cleanup in addressing climate change.

Thousands of other womenof similar sites. Today she runs the Center for Health, Environment & -in boardrooms, in offices and “in Justice (CHEJ), which helps com- the trenches” all over the globe-work tirelessly on environmental munities with similar problems.

Wangari Maathai has led issues, which affect us all equally thousands of women in Kenya in regardless of sex, race or natural restoring denuded lands through origin.

CONTACTS: CHEJ, www. tree planting, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her chej.org; NRDC, www.nrdc.org; efforts. Another green heroine was CNAD, www.newdream.org; Dorothy Stang, who was murdered American Rivers, www.ameriin 2005 by land speculators angry canrivers.org; Forum on Religion at her efforts to preserve Amazon & Ecology, www.environment. harvard.edu/religion; Our Stolen rainforest.

Not all of environmental- Future, www.ourstolenfuture.org; ism’s leading female lights have Stop Global Warming, stopglobalsuch a high profile, but their work warming.org.

GOT AN ENVIRONMENis key nonetheless. Deb Callahan turned the League of Conserva- TAL QUESTION? Send it to: tion Voters into a strong political EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environforce during her decade-long stint mental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, as Executive Director. Frances Westport, CT 06881; submit it Beinecke became the first woman at: www.emagazine.com/ president of the Natural Resources earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: Defense Council (NRDC) in earthtalk@emagazine.com.

2006. And Betsy Taylor founded Read past columns at: www. the Center for a New American emagazine.com/earthtalk/arDream (CNAD), which provides chives.php.

News

4 Rampage

March 7, 2007

Choice: opponents debate whose rights supercede continued from page one sides contest that they are advocates and protectors of choice.

A spokesman for Planned Parenthood said it seeks to protect the mother’s right to choose.

On the subject of abortion, Patsy Montgomery from Planned Parenthood said, “We’re not saying it’s not a difficult decision, but the option should be there.”

However, ‘Survivors’ argue that in taking that liberty the mother is violating the unbornchild’s rights, violating its choice.

Director Kortney Blythe of The Survivors said, “We believe that life begins at conception. And as soon as that happens, the child is endowed with the same rights granted to you or I by the Constitution.”

Montgomery explained that Planned Parenthood’s goal is not to promote abortions. She said that they simply advocate availability of that choice if a woman faces the possibility of bearing a child.

Although the Planned Parenthood facilities, like the one on Fulton Street near Fresno City College, offer abortion services it’s not all they do. Montgomery asserted that abortions constitute only two percent of operations nationwide and one percent in the Central Valley.

According to its website, along with abortions, Planned Parenthood offers contraceptives, pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted disease education and testing, menopause/mid-life services, prenatal care, breast exams, cancer screenings (Pap test), and vaginal infection screening and treatment.

According to information provided by Planned Parenthood, the late Rev. Martin Luther King, the inaugural recipient of the Margaret Sanger Award, praised (founder of Planned Parenthood)

cagle.msnbc.com

Sanger and her efforts through Planned Parenthood. King said, “There is a striking kinship between our movement and Margaret Sanger’s early efforts…Our sure beginning in the struggle for equality by nonviolent direct action may not have been so resolute without the tradition established

by Margaret Sanger and people like her.”

The issue on the FCC campus on March 1 wasn’t planned

by Planned Parenthood though.

(Planned Parenthood owns the second most recognizable organization name in the nation behind the Red Cross) The issue at hand seemed to be a woman’s right to abort and an unborn child’s right to live.

Roe v. Wade, the controversial U.S. Supreme Court decision from 1973, laid down a legal precedent for a woman’s right

to abort for any reason without reprimand, in the beginning of her pregnancy.

Montgomery supports Roe v. Wade. She said, “We don’t think the government should be making these decisions for us.”

FCC student Sarah Crawford, one of the sign bearers for Planned Parenthood, said, “If the mother doesn’t want the child, then it had no right to be there.”

Blythe, however, disagrees.

She said, “Those of us who were born after 1973 are survivors of the abortion holocaust. Legally, we could have been aborted.”

The website for The Center For Bio-Ethical Reform claims that approximately 3,700 abortions occur everyday in the United States and that 1.37 million occur every year. That’s only of a fraction of the 126,000 daily and 46 million that occur worldwide every year,

the website said.

Based on those numbers and assuming there is no fluctuation, that equates to a few thousand shy of 48 million abortions in the United States since Roe v. Wade.

The Survivors website puts the tally well over 50 million.

Martin Gilbert estimates in his book “Atlas of the Holocaust” that 5.75 million members of the Jewish population were executed between September 1, 1939 and May 8th, 1945 during what is commonly known as The Holocaust.

These numbers constitute less than one-eighth the number of abortion deaths in the U.S. since 1973 and worldwide since last year.

The Survivors’ website said, “...the Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust speak out on behalf of the one third of our generation that was lost to abortion since 1973.”

The site added that thier

outrageous costumes everywhere and a sense of mystery from the spectators and marchers in masks, the event honored the spirit of Mardi Gras.

Of the many participants in the annual parade, one of this year ’s newest additions to the Mardi Gras line-up was Fresno’s own Roller Derby Girls. Even though it was their first, they fit right in with the rest of the eccentric Tower crowd and proudly represented for their tough and interesting interpretation of roller skating.

They sported their rough skating gear and retro skates, but weren’t afraid to take a few pictures with fans and put on a little show.

But like every Mardi Gras since the infamous Fresno riot there were dozens of police in

attendance enforcing order and trying to preserve the peace and besides a few drunken brawls

girls’ music tape was eaten by their machine at the beginning of the parade. Since they were one of the first groups in the line up, it held up the parade for a second and was a real inconvenience for a few of the other floats. Even though their tape was lost and they didn’t have any music to dance to, they still managed to carry on and remain in the parade showing these little girls truly had heart.

The parade itself was very festive with bright streamers everywhere and quite a few costumed characters.

Just about every float that was there either had their own live band performing or music to add to their moment in the spotlight. Some businesses didn‘t even have a float

group are, “dedicated to defending the right to life of future generations, we are engaged in a battle to end America’s genocide.

We recognize the urgency of this war, as over 3,000 children die each day in the United States because of abortion.”

Survivors groups educate passersby on college campuses around the nation about, what they call, common medical atrocities.

They show graphic photographs, detailed displays, and a team of well-informed college-age presenters.

Students confronted presenters first on the abortion issue. Conversation strayed occasionally to topics like evolution. Unlike previous visits from faith-based groups, though, The Survivors ‘said’ came with a less condemning message.

“We’re here to educate people and equip them to make educated decisions,” said Blythe.

“We’re not here to yell at anybody.”

Though the Survivors are a Christian organization that cites Biblical scripture, said Blythe, they are not an exclusive one. She said that they’ve had Buddhists and even atheists join them in their pursuits.

The dialogue, for the most part, remained civil. Both groups managed to keep their tempers cool while students, Survivor members, and Planned Parenthood representatives mingled with each other and voiced their opinions dealing with this volatile issue.

“It’s been an interesting week,” Crawford said.

2007 Mardi Gras Parade in the Tower shows Fresno’s diversity

By DC Leavy

Rampage Reporter The Tower District held it’s 2007 Mardi Gras Parade on Febraury 18, on Olive between Palm and Blackstone. This year’s event had a massive turn out with hundreds of Fresnan spectators screaming for beads and local merchants advertising their shop.

This annual Fresno event is a smaller version of the one New Orleans throws every year and is considered one of its most popular traditions.

The Parade had everything from children gypsy skirts per-

forming belly dancing to drunken costumed fans cheering whenever they saw bright colors. All and all, it was a truly festive event. With

Photos by DC Leavy

in Sequoia Brewing and Bobby Salazar’s they did a pretty good job.

Although a few people got arrested, nothing major happened to interrupt the festivities. People threw the traditional beads and a few people threw candy, but the most interesting had to be a couple of homeless men (or in costume) throwing condoms at the crowd after the main part of the parade was over, reminding all to be careful during the drunken stupor of the event and not make an unwise and possibly un-healthy mistake.

The only disappointment happened when the performing little

but still had bands playing in the back of their truck and their business logo spray-painted across the side. The “sound of music” was definitely in the air and the spirit of the celebration really shined.

Local business and bars had discounts on drinks and admission, as well as special favors if you were in costume or had the traditional Mardi Gras beads, illustrating that no wise business man passes up a potential cash crop like Mardi Gras.

As the first day in the three day event, Mardi Gras started off great. The Happy fans, cheering spectators and a huge plethora of diverse people from all over

the Central Valley made Fresno a place where all were proud to call home.

News

March 7, 2007

Tree Fresno and FCC promote healthy living

ambulances on standby.”

By Shirley Nakagawa The annual “Healthy Living Fair” is a fund raiser for Tree Rampage Reporter Fresno, a non-profit, volunteer Tree Fresno and the Fresno based organization that is dediCity College Health Science Divicated to the beautifying of our sion are running for your life and city with trees. The organization healthier lifestyles on Sunday, has planted over 30,000 trees March 11, called The Healthy since 1985. Their last project was Living Fair, at the Tower District the planting of trees in downtown on Yosemite Ave. and Fresno in January of Olive Ave. this year.

The international “Everything bike race and runners that Tree Fresno does, will start at 8a.m. and whether they’re trees, the fair will continue trails, or green belts is until 6 p.m. Numertrying to increase the ous events for the famquality of life for evily will include a kid’s eryone in the area and bicycle race, bicycle that is what this fair rodeo, and a bounce is about,” said Jane house located next to Fortune, Director of the Blockbuster on Tree Fresno.

Olive Ave. The Police Fortune conDepartment will also tinued, “They (FCC be offering the “driving health students) are experience” in their poperforming a service, lice cars. Some tables whether one is givset up at the event will ing a blood pressure include students from test, a diabetes test, FCC’s Health and Scian intake test from ence Departments offerthe Respiratory Deing free health services, partment, or a dental and businesses from check from the Denthe Fresno area include tal Hygienist. We did KSEE 24 (Tree Fresit last year and we no’s sponsor media), had it on the campus GNC Vitamins, Life because we partnered Source Water Master with the Health SciSolvent-Free Cleaners, ence Department. which is environmental And this year because Photo by Joseph Rios as well as health. Life Trees add beauty to FCC grounds. we wanted the health Source Water Master Solvent Free end up at the Tower District, which fair to not only be environmentally Cleaners and Generation Homes, was a spectacular event, that we would oriented but to have the health the only builders in the Valley go ahead and have it at the Tower with professionals there. We have to include solar panels in their all our allied health groups.” almost every hospital involved homes, are just a few of the many “There are three com- like Kaiser, St. Angus, and the VA who will be set up at the Healthy ponents to this,” said Andreen. (except Community Hospital), and Living Fair.

“There’s International Bike Race, all the health care professionals “I am so proud of this divi- ‘Run Through the Trees,’ and the from FCC.” sion, and the truly talented people Healthy Living Fair. All three are Registration is open to the who are this next generation of separate and all three are going public to walk, run, or ride bikes workers, this next generation of on at the same time, all under the with the professionals. Awards healthcare providers….and the same umbrella. You can look up and ribbons will be given at the number of people who are coming and see a bike rider screaming past end of each race according to each out of the Health Science Division you on Olive Ave. And if there’s a category. To participate, visit Tree who are going to be caring for us is crash and burn—cause apparently Fresno to register at www.treefresno. astronomical,” said FCC Respira- there are crash and burns - there are org or call 559/221-5556. tory Therapy Instructor Christi Andreen. “It’s great to promote the college in such a positive light.”

Professional bike rider Levi Leipheimer, who won the Amgen Tour of California, will be racing in the international bike racing.

“If you look at the Feb. 26, Fresno Bee in the sports section’s front page, on the lower left, they are talking about a gentleman (Leipheimer) who is down in Long Beach right now, but for the last three years he has been in the Tour de France as far as bike races go.

He is in Long Beach right now, but will be here in two weeks, so this is an international race and is no small thing,” said Andreen.

On the same day as the bike race, spectators will see another event called “Run Through the Trees,” which is a fundraiser event for Tree Fresno.

Last year’s annual “Run through the Trees” was held on FCC’s Campus and drew more than 4,000 spectators and participants. This year’s event at the Tower District is estimated to draw 5,000 or more.

“The rain was coming down and people still came out,” said FCC Associate Dean of Instructions of the Health Science Division, Dr. Carolyn Drake. “There were the bicycle riders who are very committed and there is the Tree Fresno Runners who are also committed. We decided since they

Rampage 5

Poetry Jam unites FCC

By Francine Ramos Rampage Reporter Thursday February 22, at noon in the Student Lounge area , Jothany Blackwood, Dean of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts held a Poetry Jam for both students and faculty. The theme of the celebration was appropriately titled, “I have a Dream” and was a part of the ongoing events honoring African American History Month. The rain and bad whether didn’t deter student interest in the event.

The Student Lounge was full of eager participants, ready to perform personal written poems and those there for their listening enjoyment. The performances varied on styles and subjects, some spoke of being single, others sang spiritual hymnals, while some spoke of worn leather boots.

Regardless of the poem topic one thing was universal and that was unity.

Unity is something that Jothany Blackwood is quite familiar with. In February, Blackwood partnered with the City of Fresno to bring the Martin Luther King Award Ceremony Celebration to FCC. It was the first time that the Martin Luther King City events were brought on campus. Blackwood was also the keynote speaker for the event.

For Blackwood’s efforts and collaboration with the City of Fresno and Fresno City College, she was given an award at the Poetry reading Thursday afternoon.

Jothany Blackwood received a Commendation to our Fine and Performing Arts Communication Department at Fresno City College from City Council member Cynthia Sterling from District 3.

Continuing with the celebration of African American History month was the Poetry Jam that Blackwood also arranged. “There was so much diversity and there was a nice tone. The room felt safe for a lot of people to share.” said

Jothany Blackwood in response to the outcome of the poetry event.

Several poets went up more than once to share their work. At the end of each reading there was always applauds and thanksgiving. Seated next to one student was a well-dressed woman in red slacks and a red blazer. During the change of poets from the podium; the lady in red turned to the student and asked if she would like to read a poem. The student revealed to her that she didn’t have one with her. She then kindly told the student to use one that she had not yet used, if she desired. The student politely declined, but said she was struck by the kind lady’s generosity. That kind lady in red was Gennean Brown, MPA. There were several moments like this during the poetry event, when something more than just words filled the room. The moments when people treated one another as a friend and cheered and comforted poets that were preparing to read their work.

Jothany Blackwood did it again.

She managed to create a partnership amongst both students and teachers by unifying them through poetry.

“I liked it. Things went really well. It showed a lot of insight from different students and instructors. As you can tell it wasn’t all African American students that participated, it was everyone.” said Kenneth Belmont Vice-President of Pan African Student Union.

Throughout the month of February many events were held for African-American History Month. “Poetry is a part of sharing and revealing our soul. And we all need that expression. It’s so needed.” said Jothany Blackwood.

Students have seen the words of Martin Luther King come to pass and through events like this poetry jam put together by Jothany Blackwood, they can again witness the dream.

News America’s political future up for grabs

6 Rampage

March 7, 2007

continued from page one Senate Historical Office, Obama is only the fifth African-American sits on the Committee on Armed Senator in U.S. History and the Services, the Committee on En- only African American currently vironment and Public Works, the serving in the U.S. Senate. AcCommittee on Health, Education cording to the official website Labor and Pensions and the Spe- BarackObama.com, “Obama cancial Committee on Aging. Clinton didly discussed his own religious has had White House experience in conversion and doubts, and the the past. Her husband Bill Clinton need for a deeper, more substanwas the 42nd President of the tive discussion about the role of United States and held the office faith in American life.” for two terms from 1992-2000.

John Edwards (D) Barack Obama (D) – Democratic nominee for Vice – Born Barack Huessin Obama President in the 2004 election on August 4, 1961, Obama is cur- with fellow running mate John rently one of the most intriguing Kerry. Edwards, the one-term candidates for the White House. U.S. Senator from North CaroSurviving campaign implications lina, announced his candidacy for of a Muslim background, Obama’s the 2008 Presidential election on diverse upbringing has only made December 26, 2007. A trial lawyer the junior United States Senator before entering politics, Edwards from Illinois a more popular candi- defeated Republican Lauch Fairdate for the White House. Elected cloth in North Carolina’s 1998 to the U.S. Senate in 1996, Obama Senate election. Edwards is curwas unsuccessful at gaining a seat rently a top favorite in California in the U.S. House of Representa- and recently spoke with citrus tives in 2000 but bounced back farm workers in Fresno, where nicely with a re-election win to he promised to push for federal the state senate in 2002 running relief to help all those affected unopposed. According to the U.S. by the freeze. He later attended a luncheon at the Sunnyside Country Club in Fresno. According to News 14 in Charlotte Carolina, “John Edwards’ rural roots might give him an edge in California’s interior valley, a region his leading rivals for the Democratic nomination.”

Democratic Contenders

Rudolph Giuliani (R)

www.muzix.org

Hilary Clinton

obama.senate.gov

Barack Obama

www.telegraph.co.uk

John Edwards Other Democrats to watch.....

Joseph Biden, Christopher Dodd, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, and Bill Richardson

– Giuliani started his career as a lawyer, prosecutor and businessman before going into politics.

He first gained fame as United States Attorney and retired from that position when the Reagan Administration was winding up its tenure in the White House.

Giuliani continued on with law after a failed attempt to become New York City Mayor in 1989, in what became the closest election in NYC’s history. Giuliani came back four years later and won and later was reelected in 1997 for his second term. Through all his struggles and accomplishments in the office of Mayor for NYC, Giuliani became a huge figure in politics after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. When his term limit was up for Mayor, he decided to form a committee to look at the possibility of a Senate seat in New York. With health and other personal issues arising, Giuliani eventually bowed out of what some called a lock election win for him and the seat ended up going to a now possible opponent for the White House in 2008—Hilary Clinton. According to the Chicago tribune, Giuliani is casting himself as tax-cutting and tough-on-terror but some conservatists are concerned over his pro-abortion, anit-gun stance. and support of civil unions for gay

couples.

John McCain (R) – Currently senior U.S. Senator for Arizona. Presidential candidate in the 2000 election but was defeated in the Republican primary

by George W. Bush. The son and grandson of United States Navy Admirals, McCain attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. McCain then served as a naval aviator and saw combat in the Vietnam War. McCain first gained popularity after being held as a prisoner of war for five and a half years, from 1967-1973. Upon his release and return, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives in Arizona’s 1st district in 1982 and then to the United States Senate in 1986. He is currently on his fourth term. Though a supporter of the war in Iraq, McCain has criticized Bush’s handling. On a televison show with David Letterman, McCain said, “Americans are frustrated, and they have every right to be. We’ve wasted a lot of our most precious treasure, which is American lives.”

Mitt Romney (R) – Romney was the 70th Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, elected in 2002. He served one term and did not seek re-election in 2006. Romney is a former CEO of Bain & Company, a management company and cofounder of a private equity investment firm Bain Capital. In 1994, Romney led an unsuccessful Senate campaign against incumbent Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy.

Romney also served as the CEO and organizer of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 12, 1947 and is a great grandson of the Latter Day Saint leader and apostle Parley P. Pratt and the son of former Michigan Governor, American Motors Chairman and Presidential Candidate George W. Romney. According to the website electromneyin2008.com, Romney stated, “Affirming America’s Culture and Values: American values are at the heart of America’s historic rise to world leadership. These include, among others, respect for hard work, sacrifice, civility, love of family, respect for life, education and love of freedom. To remain a superpower in the world we must continuously and vigorously reaffirm these key components that have led to America’s greatness as a country.”

Whomever your choice for president may be; get informed.

Don’t get lost in the media circus.

America’s future depends on it.

Leah Edwards contributed to the story

Republican Contenders

www.hamilton.edu

Rudy Giuliani

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES ALREADY ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2008 ELECTION? A: CAPABLE. THERE IS A LOT OF CAPABLE EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES. AL GORE HASN’T OFFICIALLY DECLARED YET. I THINK HE’S PLAYING A GOOD GAME. HE’S WAITING FOR NEXT YEAR MAYBE. Q: WHO IS ONE CANDIDATE YOU SEE CAN GAIN MOMENTUM LEADING UP TO THE ELECTION? A: IT WOULD BE HILARY CLINTON. THEN AGAIN SHE STARTED SO SOON. SHE WON’T BE A FRESH FACE BEING THAT SHE, FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS OR SO, RAN [HER CAMPAIGN].

Q: IF PRIMARIES WERE TODAY, WHO WOULD BE THE LEADING CANDIDATE FOR EACH PARTY AND WHY? A: IT WOULD BE HILARY. THE OTHER SIDE SO FAR IS GUILLIANI; PERHAPS MCCAIN. THEY HAVE ALL NAME RECOGNITIONS. THEY ARE FRONT RUNNERS.

www.ratherbiased.com

John McCain

www.ontheissues.org

Mitt Romney Other Republicans to watch......

Sam Brownback, James Gilmore, Mike Hackabee, Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo, and Tommy Thompson

Q&A

With Political Science Instructor Sarbjit Johal

By Buen Moua Rampage Reporter Q: WHAT DO THINK IS MOST SIGNIFICANT ABOUT THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION? A: ONE IS THAT IT IS EARLY. THE SEASON HAS BEGUN EARLY. THE OTHER ONE IS YOU HAVE A MAJOR FEMALE CANDIDATE THAT MIGHT WIN—HILARY CLINTON. SO THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT ARE MOST SIGNIFICANT. Q: DO YOU THINK IT MIGHT HURT THIS COUNTRY THAT NO ONE WITH CLOSE TIES RO THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION IS RUNNING IN 2008? WHY? A: NO. I DON’T THINK IT WILL HURT BECAUSE THERE ARE DIFFERENT IDEAS. PEOLE WOULD SAY “HELP” PROBABLY BECAUSE THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME IDEAS, IF THEY WERE THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE CANDIDATES ATTACKING EACH OTHER’S C A M PA I G N S I N S T E A D O F SPENDING MORE TIME FOCUSING ON THE CURRENT ISSUES THAT CONCERN THIS COUNTRY? A: THAT’S WHAT A LOT OF VOTERS RESENT. THEY RESENT THE ATTACKS. IT HURTS THE CANDIDATES. THE PEOPLE BENEFIT THE ONES THAT DON’T DO THAT. Q: HOW SIGNIFICANT IS IT FOR JOHN MCCAIN TO ANNOUNCE HE IS A CANDIDATE ON THE DAVID LETTERMAN SHOW? A: HE’S JUST FOLLOWING MODERN POLITICS—WHERE YOU DO THAT, WHERE YOU TRY TO GET A BIG AUDIENCE. Q: DO YOU THINK RACE/ GENDER PLAYS A BIG PART IN THIS UPCOMING ELECTION? A: IT WILL. YOU KNOW, WITH BARACK OBAMA AND HILARY CLINTON. Q: DO YOU THINK THEY HAVE AN ADVANTAGE OR DISADVANTAGE BECAUSE OF THEIR RACE OR GENDER? A: I THINK IT IS AN ADVANTAGE. ADVANTAGE BOTH WAYS. PEOPLE MIGHT SAY IT IS ABOUT TIME WE HAD A WOMEN [PRESIDENT]. MEN HAD TRIED IT SO THEY MIGHT THINK THAT. WITH BARACK OBAMA, IT’S HARD TO FIX HIM AS A CANDIDATE. IS HE WHITE? IS HE BLACK? ONE WHITE PARENT AND ONE BLACK PARENT. Q: HOW MUCH MORE IMPORTANT IS IT FOR AMERICANS TO VOTE IN THE 2008 ELECTIONS COMPARED TO PREVIOUS ONES? A: IT WILL BE IMPORTANT BECAUSE IRAQ REMAINS TO BE A PROBLEM AND PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR A SOLUTION.

Entertainment

7

March 7, 2007

“Zodiac” leaves you wanting more after ciphers are sent to three area primary difference: the infatuation to piece the clues together while newspapers to be published. The with cigars is replaced by animal eating breakfast.

by Quinn Robinson “Zodiac” has numerous Chronicle is one of the recipients crackers.

Rampage Reporter twists and turns throughout the of the ciphers and Graysmith beAll of these characters comes immediately enthralled by quickly become obsessed with movie. At some points, director the mysterious killer. finding out who this Zodiac person David Fincher allows the viewer The chilling tale of the ZoRobert Downey Jr. plays is while the killer ducks in and out to act as another detective trying diac killer who haunted the San Chronicle reporter Paul Avery of the public spotlight for many to piece together the information in front of them in between sips Francisco Bay Area for over a who is assigned to the story. Avery years. decade has come to the big screen and Graysmith form an odd and The movie carries the view- of Cherry Coke and handfuls of in Warner Bros. latest release sometimes funny relationship as er through points in which you popcorn. In other moments, he has “Zodiac.” they work together to try to solve think you’re right there ready to us thankful that houses in CaliforJake Gyllenhaal plays the the vast puzzles sent in by the handcuff a suspect, but then you nia do not come equipped with role of Robert Graysmith. Gray- Zodiac after each new killing. can’t because the evidence you basements, after an unexpected smith is a cartoonist at the San San Francisco police are have in the case doesn’t match-up encounter between Graysmith and the Zodiac killer while the former Francisco Chronicle who seems also scampering around trying to with the person. out of touch with his colleagues solve the case as the number of After the case grows cold, follows up on one of his leads.

This movie catches the at the newspaper. While he’s still victims keeps climbing.

Graysmith is so resilient in his trying to find his place at the paper, Mark Ruffalo plays lead continuing search for the killer audience from beginning to end a couple of double murders take investigator Dave Toschi. Toschi that his relationship with his wife and even with the good acting by HH225ME/Fresno St LTC Rampage will 3/5/07 1 Kenis Bickel Disk place in the Bay Area, puzzling remind2:16 you PM of a Page younger severelyBrown strained.

He 74.5:HH225ME/F even en- Gyllenhaal and Downey Jr., the authorities and haunting the public version of Columbo with one lists his kids into helping him try most interesting character in the

Find out more about Army ROTC's Summer Leader's Training Course.

Contact MAJ Barry Whyte at 559-278-5460 or email at bwhyte@csufresno.edu or stop by RM 211 upstairs in the North Gym.

ign.com

movie is Ruffalo’s.

Fincher and the rest of the cast did a great job of bringing Zodiac to the big screen. Although the movie may run a little long for some (2 hours and 40 minutes), the ending left the audience wanting more.

Running Time: 2 hrs 40 mins Director: David Fincher Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox, John Carroll Lynch.

Rated R for some strong killings, language, drug material and brief sexual images.

Reviewers Grade: A

8 Rampage

Entertainment

March 7, 2007

Green Machine: positive vibes, good music Photo by Todd J. Placencia

Reggae group brings peace, love, and “herbal wisdom” to Fresno City College

by DC Leavy Rampage Reporter

“Jah Rastafari!!”, “One Love!”, and the preaching of unity and happiness were some of the sounds you might’ve heard coming from the courtyard in front of the cafeteria on Wednesday during the Club Rush and Pan African society’s tribute to black history month at FCC.

With the help of the black faculty staff at FCC and mainly through the efforts of their chairperson, Dr. Jean Kennedy, FCC was privileged and blessed to have Green Machine, one of the most influential and talented reggae bands Fresno has ever created, play for students and staff.

Though I was only able to catch a few tracks in between classes, students as well as staff got to enjoy the rhythmic sounds of true roots reggae and a taste of one of the best parts of the African culture.

With the world so currently influenced by pop-culture hip hop and pre-occupied with war, it was a nice change to have a more positive sound illuminating the walkways and corridors of the FCC campus.

So between the stress of afternoon classes and the rush to meet project deadlines, students and staff had some peaceful background music to make the hustle and bustle go by a little smoother.

After Green Machine’s performance, I got a chance to interview these legends of the Fresno Reggae underground and get a little info about them and also try to convince them to come back again with some more positive vibes for all the students and staff that need it.

Green Machine consist of Justin Goodrich on the Keyboards, Ras Horace on vocals, Tina Avila on bass and lead vocals, Chris Avila on Guitar, Jeff Wagner on the drums and DJ Up Chuck who also is the group’s sound technician. Most of the group originated from Fresno. The most recent ad-

dition to Green Machine, Justin Goodrich, is also a resident of the Tower District located just a few blocks south of FCC. “I grew up playing video games and just jamming with my friends and they contacted me because they thought I had a good sound and they asked me to join the group. I’ve seen them play before

Anna Nicole dying we could really use it.

The band’s sound brings a positive message about having love and respect for your fellow man/woman along with understanding of the higher power (Jah). Since they themselves are marijuana enthusiasts and believe in the legalization of the herb, a lot of their tracks speak on behalf of the cannabis and celebrate the use of the Ganja plant.

“Herb is a gift from the most high. It was put here for you and me to be free and aware, so why should it be a crime?” says Ras Horace, one of the founders of the group and the inspiration for a lot of the group’s songs.

As advocates for “Herbal Wisdom” they feel its part of their responsibility to spread the word of “Jah” (Rastafarian name for god) to the misinformed and un-enlightened.

“It’s all about a vibe; music has its own language and its own pulse. If you play it good, people will listen and understand the message.” says Tina Avila.

Over the past few years green machine has played countless shows in Fresno and has played at almost every annual Earth Day celebration in Fresno which is usually held downtown next to

“Music has its own language and pulse. If you play it good, people will listen and understand the message.”

Tina Avila bass and lead vocals

Photo by Todd J. Placencia

and knew that I wanted a part of it.”

The Band is currently trying to get signed on to Macy Gray’s label and have projects in the works for all their eager fans. “The next album is going to be called “Rolling a Spliff; we’ve already got plenty of song for it we just need to produce it,” says Tina Avila. Though their not positive when it will be finished it is expected to be released within the next few months.

Through dozens of tracks released since the years they started, Green machine has made it their mission to teach the world something a little more uplifting than what America has currently accepted as normal. So between Bush, Iraq and

Photo by Todd J. Placencia

Photo by Todd J. Placencia

the courthouse. They’ve also played alongside many famous artists like Afro Man as well as local favorites like 40 Watt Hype.

Overall their performance at FCC had students dancing and faculty smiling. I as well as the rest of the student body and the black faculty and staff would love for them to come back and play another show and look forward to seeing them again.

Entertainment

March 7, 2007

Singin’ the blues

by Ife-Chudeni Oputa Views Editor

From the title, which is inspired by a Blind Lemon Jefferson song, to the soundtrack, to the mood, “Black Snake Moan” is all about the blues. The music sets the tone for the film’s raw and provocative storyline.

In the film, Lazarus (Samuel L. Jackson) goes from playing the blues to living them. After losing his brother and his wife to each other, Lazarus is broken, angry and prone to the bottle. He stays wallowing in bitterness until he finds Rae (Christina Ricci), beaten, unconscious and left for dead on the side of the road.

Lazarus diverts his energy to nursing Rae back to health, and he soon realizes that her wounds run much deeper than the visible bruises and scrapes. Rae is known for her insatiable “itch,” an itch just about every man in town has scratched. As Lazarus experiences her erotic spells, he resolves to rid her of her wickedness. As Lazarus attempts to exorcise Rae’s demons, he is forced to face his own.

Black Snake Moan shows that music soothes the savage beast, as Lazarus and Rae find refuge and hope in the blues.

Once again, Writer/Director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) delivers a file that breaks from the typical Hollywood monotony. The movie is superbly acted.

Jackson and Ricci’s stellar performances are complimented by a talented supporting cast, which included veterans such as John Cothran, Jr. and S. Epetha Merkerson.

Even rookie actor Justin Timberlake pulls his weight in the film.

While the movie earns its R rating, it is not a two-hour smorgasbord of smut.

The sinful subject matter is contrasted with the strong Black Baptist themes. If conservative viewers can get past Rae’s obviously lewd behavior, they should be able to appreciate a well-crafted and wellacted story.

The movie’s ending did not match up to the rest of the film. The Hollywoodstyle ending was disconnected from the genuineness of the rest of the film.

Nevertheless, the film will leave you anything but blue.

Rogue Festival

by Francine Ramos Rampage Reporter

It’s that time of year again! The Rogue Performance Festival, which spotlights independent performances and art from performers from as far away as London, England to artists from Fresno, began Thursday, March 1.

The performances are held throughout Fresno’s Tower District at places like JavaWava Cafe, Spectrum Gallery, The Starline, Tower Mosiac and Ashtree Studios.

The Rogue has been an annual festival held in the Tower Distrust for the last six-years. It showcases different genres of the art world from dance, art, spoken word to theatre and has something to satisfy just about anyone’s taste.

All shows are reasonably priced.

There’s everything from free shows like that of singing sensation Cosmic Hayride, to shows that cost under five dollars, like The Undercurrent’s Nicholas Nocketback’s Comedy Jihad and the short play titled, “We are Rwanda” as well as well as a variety of art shows. The Rogue, unlike many other Fresno events gives 100% of all box-office revenue to the performers.

No performance at the Rogue Festival is above seven dollars. So rather than pay the overpriced amount for a fluffed up movie ticket at Edwards support the arts and watch a Rogue performance. The Rogue Festival will run through March 10, so there are still plenty of times to watch a show. For further information on Rogue performances go to www.roguefestival.com

Wednesday, March 7, 2007 6:15pm: Poetry and Prose from Fresno State @ Spectrum 6:15pm: The Complete History of America (Abridged) @ Veni Vidi Vici 8:30pm: Jesus in Montana @ Starline Thursday, March 8, 2007 6:15pm: Nicholas Nocketback’s Comedy Jihad @ Spectrum 7:30pm: The Disgusting Truth About Life @ Ashtree 10:00pm: The Rap Canterbury Tales @ Dianna’s North Friday, March 9, 2007 7:00pm: Are Ya Dating? @ Dianna’s South 8:45pm: We Are Rwanda @ Spectrum 10:00pm: Love Can Be A Pisser @ Veni Vidi Vici Saturday, March 10, 2007 2:30pm: Tea with Anne @ Starline 5:00pm: The Naked Blues @ Veni Vidi Vici (Partial Schedule)

Rampage 9

10

Views Paparrazzi: Nefarious scum or necessary evil?

March 7, 2007

Is the media too involved in celebrity lives?

I’m not sticking up for the stars, but their privacy is being compromised...

by Eddie Ortiz Rampage Reporter It’s no secret that celebrities love the spotlight and that has been more evident today. The media has overexposed the celebrities.

The word paparazzo was popularized after the Federico Fellini 1960 film “”La Dolce Vita.” One of the characters in the film is a news photographer named Signore Paparazzo. The nickname “Paparazzo” means Mosquito, because of the character’s fast-talking and constant movements.

The first time I heard of the paparazzi was after the death of Princess Diana. Many blamed the paparazzi for her death. It’s apparent that her death has had no affect on the media, because they’re more invasive and obnoxious then ever.

Now I’m not sticking up for the stars or advocating for their extravagate lifestyle, but what I am saying is their right to privacy is being compromised. It’s clear the media has gone too far; from catching the meltdown of Britney Spears to covering the everlasting saga of Anna Nicole Smith’s death.

Some would say that celebrities know the price of fame. Having a picture taken while having coffee is only a small price to pay. But is it really a small price?

The paparazzi have made millions

of dollars off celebrities. They have no remorse or conscience; they go beyond all means to catch a celebrity in an unflattering moment.

The “paparazzo” has caused nothing but fanaticism. I believe the entertainment media should be demolished. But will it ever go anywhere?

As useless as the entertainment media is, I think it’s not going anywhere any time soon. For some odd reasoning we have a strong fascination with everything celebrity. We like to tear down our idols then build them back up again.

Financially were committed to the stars. Women like buying People Magazine or US Weekly. The public is more interested in Brangelina and Britney Spears than the war in Iraq. We have become blind to the world and the media only fuels that ignorance.

We’ve become so intently focused upon this group of people, and we submit to them our time, money, interest, and patience; we are portraying ourselves as inferiors. In a sense, we are saying that they are better than us. This type of idol worshiping is dangerous.

It’s important to remember that celebrities are flawed. They’re no different than you or I. They hide their imperfections with make-up and excessive surgery. So when you by these magazines at the grocery stores remember you’re looking at a fantasy not reality.

The media has every right to be involved in the business of celebrities...

by Quinn Robinson Rampage reporter Everyone that knows me in this newsroom can say I am very outspoken against the way the media, including The Rampage, the very paper I write for, has conducted itself through countless occasions.

Although I do not consider the daily activities of Hollywood stars and others like them more newsworthy than, let’s say, the foreign affairs of the United States or the race for the White House in 2008, many Americans think otherwise. Thus, news organizations are starting off their nightly broadcasts with celebrity news instead of serious news topics.

Since the media is going to play the game to get the ratings, I believe that they have every right to be involved in the business of celebrities—whether it is personal or not.

Now I know for a fact that everyone reading this article knows the issues involving Britney Spears over the past few months. Many have come out to say the media shouldn’t be in her business while she’s going through a tough time like she is.

I would absolutely agree to this point of view if Spears was just another person in the world. The problem is, she not just another person.

She decided a long time ago that she wanted to make entertainment her livelihood, and that it would put an extreme damper on the amount of privacy she would be able to have.

Knowing this, she still chose to chase her dreams and rake in millions upon millions of dollars through her success, and it is because of her success that she is in the media spotlight.

I’m constantly growing tired of celebrities like Spears, Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan drawing so much attention in the public eye.

Honestly they have contributed nothing remotely positive to society. Instead of drawing news to themselves for all the right reasons, they continue to draw news for all that is wrong. Hence, the media baby-sits celebrities like this instead of actually putting them in the news for something worthy of reporting.

The question here isn’t “Do they want to be role models?” because they don’t have a choice. They chose to put themselves in that situation when they chose their careers.

They’re going to be idolized and looked up to by their fans if they like it or not, and if they continue to be screw-ups then I hope the media is all over them.

I hope the media makes them out to be the lowest of people in this world. Honestly, they can’t get much lower than where they’re at right now, and that’s pretty low.

Campus Voices

Has the media gone too far with celebrities or are they just doing their jobs? “ They are invading their privacy and putting their lives in danger.”

-Cameron Grayson, Business

“ I think its both ways, doing their job and plus they are taking it too far.”

-Daisy Lilly, Culinary Arts

PROPS...

….to people who leave their cellphones on in class. …to cheaters, stop …to spring being lazy and do your sports, keep up own work. the good work guys. …to Jamie-fox for can….to the semester almost celling his show. being over. …to people with …to taco truck…it’s good potty-mouths, are you food on the go! too dumb to think of

by Bianca Betancourt …to people who say other words to express Rampage Reporter please and thank you. yourself? …to Jamba Juice because it is bomb.

CHOPS...

“ I think they need to mind their own business, ‘cause their invading other peoples privacy and they wouldn’t want other people getting into their business like that and then putting it out in the public, ‘cause everyone has bad parts about themselves, but they don’t want everyone to know about it.”

-Darrell Moore, Kinesiology

“ I think that they go too far getting into celebrities business and what they do behind doors some things are ment to be kept to the celebrities.”

-Marquesa Wright, Business Administration

Views

March 7, 2007

Rampage 11

Where’s my reality on T.V.?

by DC Leavy Rampage Reporter

Every time I turn on the television I see them; happy families bonding, friendly neighbors dropping by for some helpful advice and everyone striving towards their common goal: helping each other.

I see big sisters teaching little brothers about life, and mothers smiling while they fix dinner. They always seem to find time to keep the house completely spotless even though you never see tem pick up a broom.

I see fathers going off to work to support the family and yet still finding time to solve everyone’s problems in less than 30 minutes. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a drug problem, social acceptance issues or adolescent battles with puberty, he always seems to a find a way to straighten things out for everyone.

Then, good conquers evil, the moral of the story is announced, and the whole family say’s how much they love each other and they end the day with a big group hug just in time for the closing credits.

How come my family isn’t like that, or should I say how come their family isn’t like mine?

Do I have to win some kind of contest first? Is there a magic potion I can drink? Maybe there’s a list I can sign up on. Are there rules to getting the picture perfect family? Is it really possible to end a day with everyone in the house saying,

“I love you” and having a group hug? Is it really possible?

This is usually about the time in my thoughts when logic slaps me in the face like a speeding train and I’m snatched back to reality. That’s when I here Dad’s voice say, “No there’s not. So get your head out of the clouds.”

“But are you sure Dad? Isn’t there something I can do?”

“Boy, what part of NO don’t you understand?”

I’ve never turned on the TV to see a single mother addicted to meth and struggling hard to feed her three children on a government awarded income. Why don’t I see kids huddled around the telephone at 2 a.m. so they can talk to their dad in jail?

Where is the baseball bat behind the front door to protect against the crack addict neighbor that keeps trying to steal your TV? I can’t even find the change jar for next month’s rent that’s being held together with nothing but faith and duct tape.

I know I can’t be the only one.

Where’s my half hour television show?

Where’s the show that actually shows my reality? Doesn’t the world have a right to see the story that isn’t all rainbows, sunshine and an old wise neighbor named Wilson passing out useful advice?

I said, “What part of NO don’t you understand?

I grew up in the ghetto where making ends meet was as common as breathing air. I don’t think my brothers and sisters and I ever saw a full fridge in our lives till we moved out on our own. My Dad was the friendly neighborhood drug dealer and he did whatever he could to make us have something to eat before we went to bed at night.

He didn’t fit the usual stereotype of the 1970’s black dealer. You know the “hip

cat” that keeps all the “Suckahs” in check.

The same media stereotyped dealer that knows how to handle them “Jive turkeys.”

But unlike the actors you’ve seen on TV he wasn’t anything like the common, ruthless, money obsessed “drug dealer” and he never let the drug rule him.

He saw it as just another job, like McDonald’s or Wal-Mart. This was just the fastest and most efficient was of supporting us. Though he was in and out of jail for most of my childhood he still found a way to visit me as much as he could and he always brought a present with him.

“Isn’t his life good enough to get a TV show? Doesn’t his story deserve to be told just like everyone else’s?”

“What part of NO don’t you understand?”

I remember when he tried to teach my sister how to drive his 1978 Cadillac when we were only 6 and 7yrs old.

To make a long story short let’s just say it ended with a huge sand pile, a $400 body shop repair bill and a really angry bum.

Doesn’t that sound like a great show? What about the time mom tried doing heroin for the first time and came home at 3am with the sheriffs, police and my father all chasing her down (….ahhh good times)?

I remember when my sister got sick and I didn’t know how to help her so I stole things from the store that I thought would help out. Everyday for a week I came home with candy, pills, cough syrup and other stuff because I was too young to know how to help. Well I did it for a week until I got caught and arrested for 3months. Oddly enough it didn’t even bother me because my third day in juvenile, my sister got better so I was happy. Doesn’t that sound like a good story?

“What part of No don’t you understand?”

I even remember the last time my family was together in the same house. I can still hear the police breaking down the front door while my father was in the bathtub and throwing my mom to the ground with a gun to her head. I can still remember the sight of my brother crying and dad getting dragged out of the house naked while the police ripped open everything we owned to find something to justify them coming into our world so suddenly.

I can still recall my mothers voice on the phone crying when she told me that I didn’t have a father anymore and she wouldn’t be able to take care of me so I should take care of myself. It wasn’t till later that I found out that three weeks after my father, who was 50yrs old at the time, was sentenced to two life sentences backto-back with 50yrs on top of that, he died in his prison cell because he was force fed the wrong prison medication for weeks.

Now doesn’t that sound like an interesting episode?

“What part of NO don’t you understand?”

I’m just tired of reality TV looking nothing like my reality. I’m sick of hearing about how every cloud has a silver lining and there’s always a moral to the story. Sometimes life isn’t as great as the world may want to believe. If I had a show that showed me the truth instead of what they wanted the truth to look like then maybe I wouldn’t have felt like I had the wrong life. Maybe I wouldn’t feel like the ugly duckling or the child the world forgot about. Just maybe if I knew I wasn’t alone I wouldn’t have felt so alone. So wouldn’t my story make a decent season of shows?

Isn’t the plot line intriguing enough to get my face on the camera?

“What part of NO don’t you understand?”

Ask the Interns Dear Interns, One of my “so-called” friends backstabbed me after I did a lot for her last year. She hurt me and then told other people that I hurt her. We stopped talking and hanging out for about 3 months.

She eventually attempted to get back in touch with me, through another friend who told me that she wanted to be friends again and that she was sorry for hurting me. I gave her another chance and we were friends for 2 months until she started being mean to me to the point of threatening to call the police if I did not cut all contact with her.

Right now I just need some encouraging words from you four.

Signed,

Drained Out Person

them. *This letter has been edited in the interest of space.

Dear Drained Out Person, It sounds like your situation is definitely frustrating!!! Friendships can often be difficult to navigate and manage. Friendships, in general, require two-way communication and sometimes the toughest piece is establishing healthy ground-rules. Some of the basic ground-rules that every friendship should have are the following: • R-E-S-P-E-C-T—Find out what it means to you. According to Webster’s dictionary, respect means having consideration for another person. This includes an appreciation of: morals, values, and beliefs.

• Boundaries—Like drawing a line in the sand…are meant to protect your territory, whether that is physical, emotional, psychological and/or spiritual. An understanding and recognition of one’s own boundaries is fundamental and necessary before one can recognize boundaries in others.

• Trust & Honesty – Friends should be people whose words/actions you don’t have to question, and who have your best interests at heart. If trust and honesty is a two-way street, then both parties should feel free to express themselves without fear of being judged or having their confidence betrayed.

• Safety – Friends should be a shelter from the storm of life…not a tornado in and of themselves. In other words, friends should provide a buffer to manage life stressors rather than being the source of

• Support – Friends should be there through the good times and the bad…not just when they need you. Friendships are about give and take, not give and give or take and take!

People either come into your life for a reason, a season, or life!

A friendship can be one of the most important relationships in life, but unfortunately not all were meant to last forever.

In deciding whether or not a friendship is healthy and should be continued, you may want to use the basic ground-rules we outlined above. If your friendship is lacking any or all of the above criteria, it may be time to part ways. The bottom line is that friendships should be mutually beneficial, and if that is not the case, you may want to re-evaluate the relationship and what is best for you.

Hopefully this information will be of use to you. Thank you for taking the time to write in.

Good Luck,

The Interns You can mail “Ask the Interns” letters to: Fresno City College Psychological Services c/ o Dr. Brian Olowude 1101 E. University Ave. Fresno, CA 93741.

Letters can also be dropped off in the following locations: above the bookstore in Psychological Services or the Rampage office, in the nurse’s office, DSP&S, or at the Career Center. We are looking

forward to hearing from you Fresno City.

The information contained in this column cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals. Due to time and space (in the column), we may not be able to answer all of the questions provided. If you have serious psychological issues you should contact the Psychological Services Department on campus (ext. 8055) or another mental health professional. If you have a life threatening emergency contact campus police (ext. 8201) or dial 911! We make no guarantees concerning any treatment or action by any person following the information provided in this column. We are not liable for any damages that may result.

The information offered can be regarded as trustworthy, supported by research, and reliable, however we make no guarantees of positive outcomes.

Views

12 Rampage

March 7, 2007

Joe knows how to make history in 2008 Man’s best drinking buddy Joe

Knows with Joseph Rios Democrats are poised to make history in 2008. For the American people the question becomes, “Is America ready for a Black President? How about a Woman?”

Well, I Joseph Rios, propose this question to the American people, “What about a Mexican?”

One nominee, who doesn’t have quite the notoriety of his opponents has, the potential to make his foot print on this election. I’m speaking, of course, about New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

Like Obama, whose mother was a white woman from Kansas and had a father from Africa, Richardson is only half Mexican.

His mother was from Mexico and his father was from the United States.

On those grounds, I could make a joke that Senator Hillary Clinton is only half a woman because one of her parents was a man. But I won’t go there.

Currently, Richardson sits in the number four spot beneath John Edwards, Obama, and Clinton. To the public, it might as well be an Obama-Clinton race.

What I’m proposing to the public is that they take a serious look at Richardson’s qualifications. If you did just that, I believe your seemingly concrete stance on the side of Obama or Clinton would become an unsettled one.

First, let’s look at his history. He spent much of his early childhood in Mexico City before he moved to New England, where he would attend high school and graduate from Tufts College with a Masters Degree in law and diplomacy.

Former President Bill Clinton admired Richardson while he sat in a Senate seat for seven terms

during the 1980’s and thought he’d be a skilled diplomat. He was.

As Ambassador to the United Nations under Clinton, Richardson traveled to and negotiated with over one hundred countries around the world. These countries included North Korea, the Sudan, and Iraq where he became one of the first U.S. Diplomats to sit down opposite Saddam Hussein.

During his tenure as ambassador, he negotiated the release of several American hostages. On September 8, 2006, he negotiated the release of an American Journalist and two Chadians who were being held in the Sudan on charges of espionage.

Richardson is not an official U.S. diplomat anymore, though.

Richardson has spent the last five years cleaning things up as governor of New Mexico. There he focused on lowering unemployment, energy efficiency, and health care.

Richardson told the Miami Herald, “I have been tested: I have foreign policy experience, I have energy experience (Pres. Clinton appointed him as Secretary of Energy).

I have been in the arena, and I have been successful.”

Where does Richardson stand on Iraq?

His campaign website said, “…our next President must be able to get us out of Iraq.”

In his article for the Washington Post, Richardson chastised the Bush administration and President George W. Bush himself for his and his cabinets policies in the Middle East and in North Korea.

“The recent tentative agreement with North Korea over its nuclear program illustrates how diplomacy can work even with the most unsavory of regimes.

Unfortunately, it took the Bush Administration more than six years to commit to diplomacy.”

He went on to say, “President Bush refuses to talk, except to make threats.”

President Bush recently claimed that Iran is supplying Iraqi insurgents with weaponry and Iran continually threatens the regions

its nuclear program.

In the same article, Richardson said, “Saber-rattling is not a good way to get the Iranians to cooperate. But it is a good way to start a new war…”

Richardson added, “Diplomacy is more than just talking to people. It requires speaking credibly from a position of strength.

As the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, as energy secretary, as a member of Congress and as a diplomatic envoy, I have always believed in and worked to achieve tough, credible and direct negotiations with adversaries. To be tough, you need strong alliances and a strong military. And to be credible, you need a record of meaning what you say. By alienating our allies, overextending our military, making idle threats and

Bill Richardson www.salon.com

antagonizing just about everyone, the Bush administration has undermined our diplomatic leverage. We need to change course.”

What the country needs is a unifier, someone to come into each and every American home and rebuild the long lost confidence in the executive office. We need someone who has a plan to solve the problems in Iraq, who can shift our energy dependency to independence. We need someone who can fix our bleeding economy and prevent big business from shipping overseas. And the President must lead us down a road to a place where health care is available and our education system is improved.

These problems aren’t going to be solved overnight, but I feel that Bill Richardson can connect with the American people and give them the assurance that he’s working overtime to get us on the right track.

The School of Hard Knocks

by Buen Moua

by DC Leavy Rampage Reporter First we make clothes for our animals, and then we create a clothing line dedicated solely to our four legged companions. Now it appears we’ve taken the pampering of our furry buddies to the next level; doggy beer.

Arjan Berendsen, a Dutch inventor, has created a beer dedicated to our furry little buddies.

Now the term “Man’s best friend” has taken on a much deeper form.

So besides being a companion, a guard dog and a part of the family that doesn’t disagree with you, now you have another drinking buddy to add to the list.

Berendsen thought of the idea one afternoon after a hunting trip with his wife and dog. “I felt bad that our dog could only drink water when me and my wife were enjoying our beer. After all he did all the work.”

Berendsen, who owns a pet accessory shop in Zelhem in the eastern part of the Netherlands, commissioned a local brewery called Schelde to produce the special brew. The beer itself is a non-alcoholic beverage that has a unique and delicious taste of malt liquor and beef. The Schelde beer company has trademarked this beverage as a bone-fide beer and has had reports of owners drinking it as much as the dogs do. “It’s made pretty much the same way as our other beers except we’ve taken out the alcohol and added some minerals for the flavor. In fact it’s probably a lot healthier

than regular beer.”

Though I think it’s a cool idea and people finally get a chance to enjoy a beer with the whole family (excluding human children). I can’t help but wonder how far are we going to take this humanizing trend of our pets?

I’ve seen dogs taught how to ride a skateboard. I’ve seen dogs that can walk a tight rope. I’ve seen entire apartments and miniature houses built just so a movie stars dog can feel like Hugh Heifner. I’ve even seen a dog that can water ski, pretty well too. If dogs start getting their own cars and we start legally recognizing dog marriages you can stop the world and let me off.

It’s not in human nature to just have a clever idea then just end it, we always tend to take things a bit too far. So even though it’s only non-alcoholic beer now could the next step be alcoholic beverages, or even little doggie cocktails? If this happens then as a politically correct society we’ll start wondering; Is it considered animal abuse if you’re getting your dog drunk? Should there be a required drinking age for dogs now? If that happens, since one human year is the equivalent to 7 dog years, is my puppy going to be able to start drinking at 3yrs old since he’s technically 21?

Cuddlebility and cuteness shouldn’t be a good enough reason to turn a dog into a wino. Next thing you know your dog is hanging out with the wrong crowds and ends up joining a gang. Then they end up getting caught robbing Whitie’s Pet Store and your dog is taken to the ASPCA. Once he was a lovable member of the family and your best friend, now he’s a felon.

There’s nothing sadder than getting a phone call from your dog at 2a.m cause he got caught drinking and driving.

March 7, 2007

Spotlight

Sports

13 Tennis

Scott triumphs for lady Rams

Photo by Joseph Rios

Megan Scott commands the women’s team from the No. 1 spot.

by Francine Ramos Rampage Reporter Fresno City College Women’s Tennis Team played against Modesto Jr. College Thursday afternoon March 1.

Fresno City lost the match with the final score 3-6. “The girls on the other team were wellprepared. But our team played well some really rose to the challenge.” said FCC Women’s Tennis Coach Joe Estacio.

FCC’s own Megan

Scott and Christina Flores played well during Thursday afternoon’s match. Scott won both her doubles and singles match as well as Flores winning her match. The Fresno City College Women’s Tennis Team has an upcoming home game Friday March 9 at 1:00 against College of Sequoias.

“As a team we will be working harder on strokes and speed for this upcoming match.

We will be also be working harder for a win.” said Coach Joe Estacio.

Photo by Joseph Rios

Men fall to Modesto 0-9

Men’s Tennis player Lee Xiong retunrs the ball in his singles match against Modesto Junior College.

by Francine Ramos Rampage Reporter

Modesto slipped by the Rams 3-6.

Photo by Joseph Rios

The Fresno City College Men’s Tennis Team played against Modesto Jr. College March 1.

Fresno City Men’s Tennis lost all nine of its nine matches to Modesto Jr. College.

“We played good, everyone on the team as a whole. Our team had some really good matches and played really well. We closed our games but Modesto was just stronger this time.” said Men’s Coach Costas Tsouloupas.

Men’s Tennis had a match against College of Sequoias on Tuesday February 27. The game was canceled at the last minute due to expected heavy rain. This Thursday March 9, Fresno City College men’s tennis will be making up the match with the College of the

Sequoias The game will take place at Fresno City College at 2:30.

Coach Costas is well underway in making sure that FCC Men’s Tennis will be well-prepared and is optimistic about their upcoming match against COS. “We played our best; ev-

eryone did against Modesto Jr. College. Next match against C.O.S we will be working to improve our shots, working harder definitely on our doubles and closing. We will continue to work as a team.” said Coach Costas Tsoulopas.

Men’s Tennis

Women’s Tennis

Schedule

March 13- at Sacramento

March 13- at Sacramento

City College

City College

March 15- VS College of

March 15- VS College of

the Sequoias

the Sequoias

March 20- at Modesto

March 20- at Modesto

Junior College

Junior College

14 Rampage

FCC steps over Hartnell College

Sports

March 7, 2007

Jonathan Hewitt scores a game-high 18-points for the Rams

by Joseph Rios Sports Editor Jonathan Hewitt came through again.

In Fresno City’s Regional matchup against Hartnell College, Hewitt tacked up a game high 18 points en route to their 105-83 victory. It’s the second point topper in a row for Hewitt who locked down 32 points against Monterey Peninsula.

Hewitt called the win over Hartnell a “step in the right direction.”

The win put a cap on their bid for the state playoffs and gave the team a much-needed boost.

“It means a lot,” said Hewitt. “Last year we went in and we came up short. This year I’m trying to make sure I get that ring. That’s all I want.”

It was business as usual for FCC. At halftime the Rams led 54-46. Fresno took advantage of Hartnell’s turnovers and turned the lead into a binomial one.

“We needed to make a few shots to keep it close,” said Hartnell Coach Andrew Vasher.

“Then it got to fifteen. That put us in a position where we had to do some things that were out of our element.”

Vasher’s team was unable to capitalize on its size advantage.

The Panthers have four players 6-5 and up listed on their roster.

Fresno City has one, freshman Daniel Mitchell.

Hartnell out rebounded the Rams 47-36 on the night. Freshman E.J. Petty (6-6) led with 14.

His teammate Jordan Kilgore (6-9) trailed close behind with 12.

Where Fresno triumphed and continues to triumph against taller teams is on steals, turnovers, and three-point shooting. The Panthers committed 25 turnovers, 15 of them were FCC steals.

“We knew we were going to throw the ball away a lot,” said Vasher. “But you to stay together and make some shots because they’re going to force you to turn it over.”

The Rams sank 12 shots from outside the arch to Hartnell’s eight. Sophomore Philip Matcham led Fresno with three.

Twelve of the Rams’ thirteen players on the roster scored at least two points against the Panthers. Cory Billingsley put up 17 points, Brian Minor etched 14, and Sultan Toles-Bay and George DeLeon each tacked up 10.

Micke Marcial dropped eight of the team’s 15 assists.

What do the Rams have to do in the coming days? “We got to practice hard and focus in practice,” said Hewitt. “We got three more games – that’s it.”

Photo by Joseph Rios

Freshman Ryan Scott from Carlsbad drops a pitch in the Rams’ mathup against Taft College.

Softball stops Taft twice

by Francine Ramos Rampage Reporter

Photo by Joseph Rios

Brian Johnson goes up for two over Hartnell’s Jordan Kilgore.

Fresno City College Women’s Softball team played against Taft College Tuesday February 27. Fresno City started off strong in the first game of Tuesday’s doublehitter with a score of 8-for FCC and 4 for Taft. The winning pitcher was Ryan Scortt with 6 strike outs and 1 walk. The losing pitcher was Karlie Mohr for the first game.

Game 2 also was a landslide victory for the Ram’s, with the ending score for the Ram’s 13 to Taft 1.

The wining pitcher was Katherine Ramos and the losing pitcher Karlie Mohr for the last of Tuesday’s double-hitter games.

“We really seen a great defensive improvement making only one error each game which was great for us. Offensively we killed the ball yesterday.

They all worked as a team and continued hitting the ball.

The big thing still is to always stay consistent and that’s what I’ll continuously be working toward.” said Coach Rhonda Williams.

The next game for Fresno City College Women’s Softball will be March 1 against West Hills College in Coalinga at 2:00.

$10 OFF MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY! College students receive a $10 discount off an all day lift ticket every Monday through Friday, non-peak periods. Valid college photo ID is required.

www.sierrasummit.com Sierra Summit operates under a special permit in the Sierra National Forest

Sports

March 7, 2007

Rampage 15

Rams oust West Hills

by Bianca Betancourt Rampage Reporter

No sleep for the women Photo by Joseph Rios

Freshman defender Veronika Aldape practices juggling after a recent practice. The Rams soccer team doesn’t kick off the fall season until August 28, but Head Coach Oliver Germond is getting a head start on summer conditioning. FCC finished last season 17-5-1.

This last week proved to be a victorious one for Fresno city.

The Ram won their game against Modesto 7-6 last Tuesday and then went on to win the game against West Hills on Saturday 4-0 at Euless Park.

This is the Ram’s second win by shutout and their eighth straight win in a row.

In the six innings that the sophomore right-hander Terrance Brown pitched he struck out eight, walked three, and allowed two hits.

The Rams built a 3-0 lead before infielder Sean Halton hit a two-run homerun out of the park to increase the Ram’s lead and take a little bit of the pressure off.

Freshman pitcher Marcus Walden took the mound to finish off the game. Fresno City College’s Sean Halton had 3 RBI’s, Mark Pestorich was 2 for 4, and sophomore outfielder Joe Palomino was 2 for 3 with an RBI. Fresno City College’s record is now 14-3and they are undefeeated in the Central Valley Conference.

The Rams go on to play at Merced on March 6 and their next home game is against Porterville on March 8, 2007.

Photo by Joseph Rios

Left hander Lee Collins drops a pitch in the opening inning against Modesto Junior College.

Sports

16 Rampage

March 7, 2007

Bracket

Breakdown

Eight teams remain in the race for the Califonia State title.

Antelope Valley Record: 29-6 Playoff History: AV defeated Long Beach City on road 88-57 in the first round. They took down Santa Ana at home in round two March 3.

Sophomore Ade Dunduro scored a game-high 24 pooints.

Ohlone

Record: 27-3

Playoff History: Ohlone beat College of the Redwoods 86-65 at home in the first round on Feb 24. They went on to defeat San Joaquin Delta College 63-60 in their at-home second-round matchup.

Yuba Record: 27-7 Playoff History: Yuba ousted Merced College on the road in the first round of regional playoffs 95-77.

They narrowly defeated West Valley College in the second round 68-67.

Ventura Record: 26-6 Playoff History: After snatching their fifth-straight Western State Conference title, Ventura grabbed two wins in the first (99-86) and second (75-70) rounds of the Southern California regional playoffs.

Photo by Joseph Rios

Rams ride nine to Selland Both freshmen forwards, George DeLeon (left) and Kenya Edwards (right) celebrate after their victory over Hartnell College last Saturday.

Fresno City carries a nine-game winning streak into the state quarterfinals

by Joseph Rios Sports Editor

Three days.

Three games.

One title.

Fresno City College’s win at home victory over Hartnell College propelled them into their third straight trip to the state championship playoffs.

With the addition of the win over Hartnell, the Rams are riding on a nine game winning streak into the championship series.

Out of 93 teams in 12 conferences all over the state, only eight reamin in puruist of the Califonia state title. The reaming eight go toe to toe tomorrow in four seperate matchups at Selland Arena. FCC takes on Compton tomorrow at 7 p.m..

Antelope valley and ohlone open things up at 1p.m.. Yuba squares off with Ventura at 3p.m.. and West Hills takes on Saddleback at 5p.m..

The eight-team bracket dwindles down to just two on Sunday for the championship game at 1p.m..

Once again West Hills College comes into the picture for the Rams. Fresno City avenged their 100-90 loss to West in the teams’ regular season thriller for the Central Valley Conference title.

The two teams are 1-1 against one another and could meet again in the semifinals this Saturday. In order for that to happen, FCC has to beats Compton, who went on the road twice in the last two games, and West Hills has to take down Saddleback.

Saddleback convincingly defeated Los Angeles by more than 15 points before they narrowly defeat San Bernadino (72-68).

West Hills coach Mark Arce told the Fresno Bee that he hoped to get another shot at the Rams in the state playoffs

after his team lost to FCC in the CVC final This will be Fresno’s third trip to the playoffs in three years.

FCC took the title in 2005.

The Rams defeated an Bernadino 86-73 in the quarterfi-

nals of last year’s tourney. They lost to Fullerton College 71-67 in the semifinals March 11 2006.

Fullerton went went on to win the title, earning a win over West Valley 81-67.

Hartnell coverage on page 14

West Hills Record: 26-8 Playoff History: After losing to FCC in their CVC title matchup, West Hills took down Cabrillo College at home 67-65. West beat San Francisco in another narrow victory on the road 80-79.

Saddleback Record: 24-7 Playoff History: Saddleback defeated Los Angeles City College at home 60-42 in the first round Feb 23. The earned another win on the road against San Bernadino 72-68.

Compton Record: 22-9 Playoff History: Compton took down Chaffey College on the road in round one of the playoffs 77-87. They defeated Colleg of the Canyons on the Photo by Joseph Rios

Coach Ed Madec spends most of the game on edge. He broke character to crack a smile as time expired against Hartnell College..

road in the second round 72-86.