VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE
RAMPAGE
November 2, 2017 | Volume 43| No. 3 “Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” William Wordsworth
President’s Round Table
Rams Take a Win By Genesis Jimenez Reporter
down, VVC started catching up to Glendale’s points. Soon after VVC brought its points
Friday the 13th, The Victor Valley College (VVC) Volleyball team is played the Vaqueros at Glendale Community College (GCC). It’s the first match of the conference play and VVC wins the game completely, dominating 3 out of 3 sets. The VVC Rams scored the first point of the game. Soon after the Rams made the first point, the Vaqueros made consecutive points and took the lead. When the 3 to 4 voices in the crowd cheering for VVC started to quiet
back up, there was a back and
Reporter
Continued
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5…
Hamilton @ The Pantages By Megan Dykstra Reporter
The lights dimmed, signaling the already full auditorium that the show was about to begin. The familiar beginning notes blared throughout the theatre, adding to the excitement in the room. It was no surprise to the audience that what they were watching was a masterpiece. Almost everyone by now has heard of the popular musical Hamilton written by Lin ManuelMiranda. Hamilton is about the first treasurer of America and his complicated life of non -stop writing through rap. It may sound odd, but it is be-
News pg. 2
cause of the huge success of the original Broadway show that it is now at the Pantages theatre. It will be in Los Angeles until the end of December and even has as long-time stints in Chicago and New York. Having listened to the original cast album as many times as manageable, it was no surprise that the show itself was exceptional. The different atmosphere entirely was not expected. The audience seemed to be just as much in on the action as the performers on stage. The cheers of the audience every time someone appeared on stage was expected and the audience was
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By Alexis DeJesus
even encouraged to cheer on Alexander Hamilton during the Cabinet battles. The cast itself was the highlight of the show. Joshua Henry almost surpassed Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr and constantly had the audience cheering with his amazing riffs. Jordan Donica played Jefferson/Lafayette and was exceptional at both roles. He drew in the audience with his Jefferson where he let his hair loose, literally. His afro was almost a second person playing Jefferson, and Donica seemed to know that. Each member of the cast was amazing and had the audience either Continued on Page 8...
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The President’s Round Table (PRT) is a national association that supports African American leaders as well as students in community colleges. Recently, PRT named Herbert English, Jr., the Dean of Student Equity and Success at Victor Valley College, one of 14 recipients with the Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership, otherwise known as the Lakin Institute. The PRT is an association which was founded in 1983, focuses on connecting African American Community College Leaders with mentors. Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, Dean of the Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership says “African American leaders account for about eight percent of the college presidency. Based on a historical rate of change, racial parity within the college presidency will occur in 2050. This Institute will endeavor to accelerate this timeframe”. PRT concentrates on ensuring the success of African American Community College Leaders in leadership positions on campus along with successful admission and employment of African American students nationwide at community colleges. Hosted October 15-20, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland, the program allows the fellows Continued on Page 5...
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November 2, 2017 Page 2
Wild Fires Spread Across Northern Cali By Malik Cotton Reporter Several wildfires destroyed many cities in Northern California. Most of the wildfires were in in the Wine Country on October 9th resulting in
since then. According to SFgate.com, as of Monday October 16, the three largest fires in the Wine Country: the Tubbs, Atlas, and Nuns, have burned over 182,000 acres in Sonoma and Napa counties. More than 7,000 buildings
try’s Tubbs fires. Also, 22 out of those 42 deaths have happened in the Sonoma county wildfire. This makes the Sonoma wildfire the third deadliest wildfire in California history according to cbsnews.com. A 1933 Los Angeles fire that
many deaths and injuries. The amount of deaths and damage caused by these wildfires have gradually increased each day
have been destroyed or damaged. There have been 40 confirmed deaths from all of the wildfires with 17 of those deaths from the Wine Coun-
killed 29 people was the deadliest, followed by the 1991 Oakland Hills fire killed 25. According to cbsnews.com, the Northern California fires
have caused at least one billion dollars in damage to insured property and that number is expected to climb. Those statistics are devastating not only for all of the victims of the wildfires, but also for the numerous winery businesses affected by the devastating fires. The taste and cost of wine in Northern California will undoubtedly be affected by all of the fires that have happened since early October. More specifically, the wines could possibly have more smoky flavors. This is called smoke taint and that means compounds in wildfire smoke are absorbed by vines and berries. There’s no telling how much of the wine will be affected by the wildfires or how long it will take for the smoke taint will wear off. Hopefully sooner rather than later the winery businesses and numerous victims of the Wine Country wildfires will no longer have to worry about the aftermath of this disaster.
Salvation Army Warms Winter By Patrick Patton Reporter
The Salvation Army, on La Paz Drive in Victorville, is holding its annual Coat Drive. The Coat Drive will not only include coats for anyone in need but also sweaters, and supplies this fall season. This will be the fifth year the Salvation Army is holding its annual coat drive. “Anyone in need of a coat gets one,” Maxine DiDonato, Social Service Program Manager for The Salvation Army – Victor Valley
Corps. Right off La Paz Drive in Victorville, just west of 7th Street, is the humble sanctuary that is the Salvation Army. Nestled right in the heart of one of Victorville’s busiest and poverty stricken roads, 7th Street is home to many travelers both privileged and penniless. Even though they are located in Victorville, this Salvation Army “services Phelan, Barstow and Pinon Hills communities” DiDonato said. Perhaps one could say it is the best location for a sanctuary which provides homeless ser-
vices, a food pantry, and clothes. Giving back is only the start. The winters in the High Desert can either be unbearable and/or unpredictable. The Salvation Army wants to ensure that everyone in our community is equipped with, as DiDonato said, “the perfect coat.” The coats will be given to those in need, “mothers [can] come get them for their children, individuals just come up and get a coat” said Didonato. In addition to distributing coats and sweaters, they will be handing out supplies as
well. “We’re going to have all the jackets sorted and cleaned…we’ll have sweaters and other things too… [if] we have extra bread or extra produce we’ll hand that out as well” said DiDonato. The distribution day November 4th from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. This Drive will help a lot of families get through the cold winter. Coats and other items are greatly needed and appreciated.
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Special Thanks to Veterans By Morgan Earles Reporter November 11th is Veterans Day in the United States. Although if it falls on the weekend, it is celebrated the day before. This year, as well as years in the past, restaurants in the High Desert will be celebrating local Veterans. These restaurants give out free meals to honor and give thanks to veterans. Vets need to show proof with a Military I.D. or come in uniform. IHOP will be giving out a free stack of red, white, and blue pancakes on the 10th, and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is giving free meals up to $12.95 on the 10th and 11th. The listed restaurants are hon-
oring free meals on Veterans Day the 11th: Applebee's is giving a free meal, Mimi’s Cafe is giving out a free meal from a select menu, Outback Steakhouse is giving their famous Blooming Onion and a beverage for free, Red Robin is giving a free Red’s Tavern Double burger and bottomless fries. Golden Corral will be giving a free buffet with a beverage on Military Appreciation Night, the 13th from 5:00-9:00pm. Veterans Day is
celebrated to honor the end of World War l. President Coo-
lidge said long ago, “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” It pays tribute to those who lost their lives, and also veterans
who served for their country in wartime or peacetime. Sergeant Zachary Corrales was a Scout Sniper in the 1st Battalion 7th Marine Regiment. He had an 18 month tour in Afghanistan where he also was Marksman Coach and was part of a 60mm Mortar team. He served a total of 4 years active duty. Corrales said, “They were the hardest and proudest four years of my life and if I had to do it again I would in a heartbeat, I am grateful for all the businesses that support and honor the veterans.” Thank you again to our veterans for serving.
Costumes, Not Culture By Alexis DeJesus Reporter In recent years, the topic of cultural appropriation has been a very popular yet controversial topic in American society. The Oxford Dictionary defines cultural appropriation as “The unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.” These topics pop up in the news during festival season, which runs from spring to late summer, and during the Halloween season. The most popular costumes that are targeted are
ones portraying People of Color, or POC.. These costumes vary from “Indians” to Mexican cantina girls, and even to people using blackface as a costume. The people who are most often caught sporting
these costumes are White people. The biggest issue that arises when they use these types of costumes is simply that these are not costumes. These are cultures, they are often stereotypical, and can be high-
ly offensive. An Indian headdress is not something to be worn for fun. To use Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, as a costume is inappropriate because this is a day that many Hispanic people use to remember their beloved friends and family who have passed away. Using blackface, which is when someone uses dark brown or black colored facepaint or foundation to give the illusion that they are African American. Blackface originated in the 1820s and was commonly used by white men who would dress as plantation slaves as well as freed blacks in plays where they mocked those with brown
skin. The use of the three examples provided above show how the use of these “costumes” is offensive and stereotypical, but there are some costumes that are over the top. Indian costumes for women can be highly sexualized, as seen when these costumes are given very revealing necklines and the length of mini skirts, leaving it to be tight-fitting and offensive. When considering using these types of costumes, it is important to realize that at the end of the day, you are able to take these costumes off. You are not only appropriating a culture when you dawn the costumes, or mocking POC - you are taking part in the reasons why people think it is okay to steal a culture or use stereotypes to represent a wide range of humans who deserve respect and equality.
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Scholarships Are Coming to VVC! By Courtney LeMay Reporter The Victor Valley College Scholarship Drive will be open to all students very soon. It provides students the opportunity to receive additional financial support toward their education. This year the applications will open January 16, 2017 and will close on March 30, 2017 at 5p.m. sharp. The scholarship drive is a long-held tradition, spanning more than 10 years. This drive is held yearly thanks to the foundation and the donors willing to give aid to Victor Valley College students. Glen-
nis Duncan, the Business and Accounting Manager for The Foundation, said this regarding scholarships, “It lets students know someone else believes in and supports their dreams.” One wonderful detail about
application to all scholarships the participant is qualified to receive. Through the month of April, a review and selection process is conducted. In May, chosen applicants are contacted regarding the scholarship
the VVC’s scholarship drive is that it requires only a single application. The application consists of one essay, two recommendation letters, and unofficial transcripts. Once the application is received, an automated system links the
they will be awarded. “Students are very thankful, especially during the ceremony, they are grateful from the bottom of their hearts,” said Gabi Callender, Scholarship Specialist and Advancement Assistant for The Foun-
dation. The scholarship ceremony is held in June. It is a formal presentation of all recipients and a chance for the recipients to meet the donors of the scholarships. This year the drive is offering 57 different scholarships. Multiple scholarships can be given from the same source and each can have varying amounts awarded. In 2016, the foundation had their largest scholarship drive ever. Over 350 applications for scholarships were submitted. A total of 162 recipients received varying awards, for a total amount of $167,000. To apply go to www.vvcfoundation.com and click on scholarships.
Learning the Basics Behind Degrees at VVC By Courtney LeMay Reporter From Administration of Justice through Welding, Victor Valley College has an array of degrees to choose from. The aspects behind the available degrees at VVC are extremely important for every student to know. VVC has a total of 35 degrees; 24 are Associate in Arts (AA) or Associates in Science (AS), while the remaining 11 are Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associates in Science for Transfer (AS-T). AS and AS-T degrees are given to different academic disciplines regarding math and sciences. The AA and AA-T degrees, are awarded within the Liberal Arts and Fine Arts disciplines. Both AA and AS
degrees prepare students for a general transfer to a four-year university. AA-T and AS-T degrees prepare California Community College students for transfer to a California State University (CSU) under their discipline of choice. “They stream line getting out Community College.” said Manika Record, a VVC CalWORKs counselor, regarding degrees for transfer. Out of the 60 units required to graduate, a minimum of 18 units are needed within the degree coursework. VVC’s AA and AS degrees have a long list of classes that can be uses to completing the unit requirements. In comparison, the available AA-T and AS-T degrees have a minimalistic list to choose from, as they require more in-depth course-
work under that discipline. According to Manika Record, getting an AA-T or AS-T degree comes with 4 major perks, “First, students are guaranteed to finish the Associate's Degree for Transfer (ADT) in 60 transferable units. Second, the student’s transferable GPA gets a .1 bump automatically. Third, Guaranteed admission into a CSU in California upon completion of an ADT. Fourth, guaranteed to finish a Bachelor’s degree in 60 units.” A well-kept secret is that certain degrees can overlap. This allows students to receive multiple degrees for only a few more units. For example: A student is receiving an AAT degree, they may be able to also get an AA degree with the addition of a few extra classes.
This secret can only be implemented when the student is receiving an AA-T or AS-T and wishes to add a coinciding AA or AS degree.
For a beginner, look at all VVC’s degrees and what they encompass, start on page 80 of the 2017-2018 Victor Valley College Catalog. Students should meet with a counselor often to discuss individual educational plans. This is important because they can help guide students on their path to a university. Be aware of all aspects regarding a degree before officially declaring it as your major. Reach for the stars, go for more than one degree at VVC.
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President’s from page 1…
the opportunity to create an op en dialogue with chancellors, CEOs, and presidents as well as be immersed in all aspects of academic leadership. As Dr. Marlon Hall states, “The Presidents’ Round Table is com-
Features
mitted to growing the talent pipeline for serving our communities with capable and committed leadership”. Herbert English, Jr. has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Sociology from California State University San Bernardino, a Master’s of Arts degree in Education from the University of Redlands, and is pursuing a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership at California State University Fullerton. Before coming to Victor Valley College, English was the Director, Center Academic Achievement and Retention at Hood College in Frederick, MD, and he has also worked as a Social Worker for Riverside County Child Protective Services and additionally as the Director of the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino.
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Rams, from page 1 forth scoring from both teams. The first round was a definite win by the Rams, scoring 25 to 16. The whole game was a nail biting experience. Even someone with no knowledge about volleyball could say that this game was worth watching. *Christa White, the head coach for the last 23 seasons, stated “we have been struggling all year to play as a group with the energy level up… but today they [the VVC volleyball team] brought it.” White, also felt the game they played was one of the first games where the team played, “three absolutely solid sets.” For the few VVC fans at the game, they left
the GCC gym with their heads held high. The Rams took the show. The game had its ups and downs and it was a great, entertaining and exciting thing to watch. The team is currently 1 -0 and is off to a great start. A rematch with Glendale Community College will take place November 1, 2017 and will be a great match now that both teams have gotten to know each other.
No-Kill Victorville By Kelcie Hartley Editor Every Saturday outside of PetSmart at the Jess Ranch shopping center in Apple Valley, hope is given to shelter animals. High Desert Animal Coalition (HDAC) is a group of dedicated members that volunteer at animal shelter to give these animals a chance at finding their forever homes. Once a week, the HDAC volunteers get together to transport a variety of dogs and cats to PetSmart. Diley Greiser, a founding member of HDAC, emphasizes on the importance of these events. “These animals have the greatest chance of being adopted on our Saturday events. No one likes visiting animal shelters. They are sad, depressing, and the animals are scared, they won’t act like themselves. We bring these animals out to give them their greatest chance of exposure to finding a good home.” Pet exposure is a start to keeping population numbers
within San Bernardino County shelters low. However, HDAC have managed to go another step further. They have found
nardino County a no-kill zone. Greiser believes “the key to creating a no kill zone is the No Kill Equation. The equa-
a possible solution to stopping shelters from putting down perfectly adoptable animals. Currently, their biggest goal is to make the San Ber-
tion is simple. Its key factors are, a director or leader that is knowledgeable and passionate about animals and their care, community programs, and
bringing animals out of the shelter to give them exposure to potential owners.” The equation was made to save animals without going over the County’s budget for animal control. According to the No-Kill Network, Ventura County has been a no-kill county since January 2014. Knowing the NoKill Equation can work, HDAC has adopted the Barstow animal shelter. “By adopting the Barstow shelter, we can prove to other shelters that they can go no-kill without busting a budget.” states Greiser. HDAC is always looking for new members to help them in their cause, saving the animals. One simple act of kindness could save countless lives.
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Getting to Know Your Fellow Rams By: Malik Cotton bakery business in the future. She wants to transfer to the Katia Shumpert is an 18 University of California, Los year old who is in her first Angeles after she completes all semester at Vicof her courses tor Valley Colat VVC. Her lege. Her favorite favorite school part about VVC subject is so far is the scenMath. In her ery. She graduatspare time, ed from Hesperia Shumpert enHigh School in joys baking, May of this year. dancing, drawShumpert is maing, hanging joring in Busiout with ness Managefriends, and ment and she doing nails. would like to start her own Reporter
at night, just gazing up at the stars and contemplating life. He hopes to be able to help as Ethan Denkers is a 20 many people as possible year old student in his second throughout his life. year at Victor Valley College. He is currently in the nursing program and is looking forward to transferring to either UC San Francisco’s School of Medicine or UC San Diego’s School of Medicine. He eventually would like to open his own physician's office. He has a passion for building model boats in his basement. Ethan enjoys taking long walks on the Huntington Pier
By: Genesis Jimenez Reporter
Chanel Tellez is a 27 year old student at Victor Valley College majoring in Nursing.
Tellez is currently enrolled in prerequisite courses and is working part-time at a local nursing home. She hopes to one day work at a hospital and says she would like to “be able to help people in need and save lives.” In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, exercising and watching movies. Her favorite movie is Star Wars and she is very excited for the upcoming film to premier. What she loves most about this season is “the holidays, specifically Christmas, because of the kids.” She has two toddlers and enjoys seeing them “get all excited under the Christmas tree.”
By: Tyler Wolfe Reporter
enjoys singing and expresses, “Although I’m not a good singer, I love to sing.” Ballods are Alina Lattimore is a 23-year her preferred music category to -old medical assistant student, rock out to. attending her fourth semester at Victor Valley College. She is preparing herself to be able to transfer this upcoming fall 2018. Lattimore is hopeful that she’ll be able to attend either one of her top two schools, Cal Poly Pomona or UC Davis. When she’s not in school, she likes to spend her time relaxing by reading books. Some of her favorite genres include poetry, horror, and adventures. Alina By: Tracy Ochoa Reporter
cently hired at Which Wich, a local sandwich shop. Clorinda was an avid drama student at Clorinda Hernandez is an Hesperia High School, scoring 18 year old student at Victor leading roles in multiple plays Valley College. She was re- and winning several awards over four years of drama competitions. She hopes to participate in future VVC productions. Her favorite food is cheese ravioli, but she also enjoys the ground beef and spaghetti her mom makes. She is currently majoring in nursing, and hopes to be a nurse as soon as she completes the program. By: Susan Monaghan Reporter
actor is someone who has the ability to embody a character. Reporter Without a doubt, Aaron has a Aaron Stanfield is in his long road ahead of him, but he second year at Victor Valley will someday be a great actor. College. His goal is to get his associates degree in fine arts for acting and hopes to transfer to UCLA. Stanfield started his love for acting by watching movies. He says, “By watching movies, it became natural to want to act.” Stanfield says that the best thing about acting is, “Being able to express myself through someone else's opinions.” His idea of a good By: Morgan Earles
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Getting to Know Your Fellow Rams By: Brayan Torres Reporter
Brandon Sweets is a 21 year old graphic design major. He is known as “Sweets” by all of his friends and family. After receiving his degree in graphic design, Brandon plans
to transfer to the University of San Diego to continue his education and to receive his Bachelor’s in Marine Biology. He enjoys spending time with his dog, Mark, and makes time for his passion for correctional and SFX makeup. Sweets was instantly drawn to the makeup industry at the age of 19, when he started working at the MAC counter and putting makeup on all of the scary actors in the fall season at Knott’s Scary Farm. Other than being a makeup artist, he enjoys going to the beach and going surfing. He started to surf the West Coast at the age of 9, when he lived in Maui, Hawaii.
By: Megan Dykstra
way towards transferring. While she was at Excelsior High School, she had been Makenna Dykstra is a Lib- taking college courses and eral Arts major at Victor Val- says, “It was efficient. It was ley College and is making her nice to get remedial classes done right away while I was in high school so that I could just jump right into college.” In the future, she plans to attend Cal State University, San Bernardino to further her education. While there, she hopes to change her major to theatre arts with an emphasis in acting. She quotes, “It’s something I’ve been interested in since I was little.” She will be graduating from VVC at the end of this upcoming spring semester. Reporter
By: Elizabeth Manzo Reporter
Yvette Banuelos is a nineteen year old student at Victor Valley College. Banuelos is majoring in Criminal Administration and dreams of being a successful business woman. Banuelos discussed how VVC was not her first choice because she did not want to attend a community college. She ecstatically said that she does not regret her decision, “A lot
of people speak down on community colleges, but I love it here. The entire faculty at VVC, from the counselors to the professors, have been extremely kind and helpful throughout my time here.” Victor Valley College has been a great home to Yvette and would recommend a junior college before attending a university because it isn’t only cost efficient but convenient.
with Andeavor, as they recruit out of the school. Although she has been living here in the High Salataima Siavii is in her Desert since she was 8 years-old, 5th year at VVC studying en- Long Beach happens to be gineering. She chose engineer- Siavii’s home town. ing because of her interest in science and math and hopes to work for the Andeavor (formerly Tesoro) oil refinery. Her interest in Tesoro comes from a desire to work with her family, who have been working there for a long time. Siavii will be transferring to Cal State University, Long Beach next fall to study Electrical Engineering and will hopefully get an internship By: Richard Grant Reporter
By: Courtney LeMay Reporter
Leti Stevens is a firstgeneration college student currently attending Victor Valley College. Stevens aspires to become a doctor stating, “I want the opportunity to help people in a physical sense.” She has started her career in assisting others by taking the position of vice president on the Associated Student Body (ASB) here at VVC. Stevens says, “It feels By: Patrick Patton III Reporter
Ann Marie Rodriguez started attending Victor Valley College last winter. She hopes to become an elementary school teacher. She’s currently taking 9 units as opposed to a full 12 units this semester. Rodriguez may be ambitious towards her goals, but nothing lights up her eyes more than
great to be a part of change.” Leti will be graduating from VVC with an AA in Math and Science along with an Associate for Transfer Degree in Communication Studies. She lives by the quote, “Time and change are inevitable consistencies that do not aid human existence,” which is a quote everyone can relate to. Netflix. After a long day of studying, Rodriguez loves to go home, turn on Netflix and lose herself in one of her favorite shows. Her favorites are Orange is the New Black, Gossip Girl, and Revenge. If you are like Rodriguez and love to study then get lost in a bingeworthy drama series, find her around campus this semester, and just don’t spoil the ending of the show for her.
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Hamilton from Page 1 laughing or crying. Solea Pfeiffer as Eliza made the audience feel the sadness when the scene called for it. This show included some younger talent as well. Ruben J. Carbajal was a student of the very near Cal-State Fullerton and Jacob Guzman, the co-dance captain of the production, is only twenty-two. When the main cast was not singing or
stealing the scene, they were often acting along with the incredible ensemble, helping to tell the story through movement. “It was excellent.” A woman who wished to remain anonymous said about the performance. It was her first time ever hearing or seeing Hamilton. “Definitely the best musical I’ve ever seen.” Makenna Dykstra, a student at VVC, added.
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This was by far the best musical and best performance by a cast and ensemble I, personally, have ever seen. Each piece of the story was so detailed that sometimes it was hard to catch everything that was happening on stage, but in a very good way. I was eager to see what would happen in each upcoming scene and the constant singing kept the story moving. Some of the cast had trouble conveying emotion in
some scenes, but this was only because of the focus on the fast paced rapping. The rapping, however, generally worked to add to the energy of the scene. We can rest assured that Hamilton is in good hands outside of Miranda and still going strong.
Charlotte’s web By Genesis Jimenez Reporter Creative, funny, engaging and emotional are just some of the words used to describe this year’s Charlotte’s Web live play. The closing show was Sunday October 15, 2017 at the Victor Valley College (VVC) Performing Arts Center (PAC). Families waited patiently in line for their tickets with flowers in hand. Watching Charlotte’s Web live was enchanting and is a different way to experience the story about two friends. The play had no intermission so it was interesting to see how creative the actors would
work with their props and backgrounds. The set was very simple
but the actors brought the stage to life.
Zack Payne, who plays Homer Zuckerman the uncle, says the best part about the play would be, “Watching the whole thing grow, from the beginning, where we’re just sitting in a room in chairs and reading the script, to where we’re standing under the lights, everything’s coming together and everybody’s just having fun.” Throughout the play, there was always something captivating to the eye. Wild movements, creative costumes and funny jokes seemed to have the crowd's interest. Although, Charlotte’s Web was played at a community college, the setting and the feeling of sitting in 9... continued on page
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The Rocky Horror Picture Show By Susan Monaghan Reporter VVC’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show ran in the Black Box Theater last month for two Fridays and two Saturdays, premiering on October 20. Though the show was two hours long (not including the pre show), began at midnight, and cost $10 to attend, opening night drew an almost completely packed theater. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is usually staged as “shadow theater,” where actors lip synch the play in front of a screen displaying the movie. Before the show, there is usually a “pre show” where audience members are encouraged to volunteer for risqué challenges. Audience members arrived in varying levels of costume, from Magenta-esque eyeshadow and basketball shorts to full character cosplay. The 11 p.m. pre show featured several different games that at times barely stayed in the realm of an R rating, and the audience was perfectly willing to both embarrass and be embarrassed. The show itself began with an incredible ballet/interpretive dance number in the light of a single
spotlight and the screen, performed by Andrea Smith, who played Columbia during the rest of the show. Smith has been a fan of Rocky Horror for ten years, and saw the traditional shadow theater staging at the New Art in L.A for the first time a year ago. “Mina brought up the idea of presenting the show, for her to direct, and I was like okay, I need to be a part of this,” said Smith. The cast members ranged from veteran fans like Smith to Nathan Heilman (in the character of Eddie), who saw the movie for the first time after he was casted: “The director, Mina, she had talked to me and said that she wanted me to audition. She dropped a, ‘You remind me of Meatloaf.’” Heilman has known Nina since the two
Web from page 8…. a theatre and hearing the audience react was something memorable. The actors in the play varied in age which was something not expected since it is a college mainly for adults. Kids especially love these shows because after the play, the actors stay in the PAC center to take pictures or talk to the audience. Payne, perfectly says it himself, “Come to the next one! We have so many opportunities for you to see our shows, to take part in our shows, and just to be a part of the great VVC family and be there at one of its greatest traditions.”
were in middle school. “I’ve Photo Courtesy of Google Images seen her progress from middle school, in the drama department at in life, and this is just one of them,” Cedar, and it’s been really cool.” said Sotomayor. The director herself, Mina From the opening of “Science Sotomayor, has been a fan of the Fiction/Double Feature,” the cast show since she watched the movie threw themselves with appropriate on television when she was 10. enthusiasm into each number, “This is one of those things where bringing their passion for the show you don’t have to be a specific (either their own or their director’s) anything to come and enjoy it, it’s into every scene, amidst excellent just one of those things where you staging and lighting choices that can forget your times... instead of made VVC’s Black Box feel like a having to deal with a lot of stuff in professional theater, though no less the outside world that’s not so intimate. pleasant. I’m all about distractions
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Kehlani Parrish New Single “Honey” By Brigitte Chacon Reporter Kehlani Parrish, an artist who captivated the hearts of her audience with the openness of her lyrics and fresh approach, has released a new single titled “Honey”. “Honey” takes us on a journey, with Parrish’s beautiful voice her heart is invested in each verse, and it describes her new relationship “I came to find, my fire was fate with you“. The intro is accompanied by a soft acoustic guitar, a different sound in comparison to her previous album (Sweet.Sexy.Savage). That featured R&B sounds and Hip Hop. In a radio interview she explained the title of her previous
album was to advocate that wom-
en could be entitled to be described as (S.S.S) all in one. Parrish was first discovered in NBC’s network show America’s Got Talent when she auditioned with a band. However, it was Nick Cannon who helped her develop her music career. Fans often describe Kehlani as being a singer that aims to have a
Photo Courtesy of Atlantic Records
connection with her audience and strives to motivate and encourage them with her music. “Be alright” which was released in 2015 with her album (You Should Be Here) is a perfect example of that, “If you’re feeling all confused, no you are not on your own don't stress, yeah we're too blessed.” Kehlani uses social media to demonstrate her support for LGBT activists and other important impactful events within society Her new upcoming event “A Tsunami Christmas” is set to take place on Friday December 8th, 2017 in Oakland, CA If you’re out to venture for a new song to listen to make sure to check out her music it’s awesome!
Three billboards outside ebbing, missouri By Susan Monaghan Reporter The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) kicked off 2017’s award season with the premiere of dozens of movies, from up-and-coming directors and established names alike, but only one could claim TIFF’s first-place award: the People’s Choice Award.
This year, the People’s Choice Award went to playwright, screenwriter and director Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. The movie revolves around a woman who uses three billboards on the edge of town to condemn the local police department, who after seven months have failed to find a suspect for the rape and murder of her daughter.
Though the premise seems unsuited for a comedy, McDonagh has proven himself to be a master of balancing dark humor and gutwrenching sincerity. His two previous films, Seven Psychopaths and In Bruges, have both accrued a cult following since their release. The most recent of the two, In Bruges, won McDonagh a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the 2008 Academy Awards.
Photo Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures
The film stars Frances McDormand as angry, grieving mother Mildred Hayes, Woody Harrelson as Sheriff Bill Willoughby, and Sam Rockwell as racist officer Jason Dixon. Other stars include Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), John Hawkes (Deadwood), and Caleb Landry Jones (Twin Peaks: The Return), though the specific characters they will play in the film remain a mystery. Following Three Billboard’s premiere at TIFF, critics were quick to praise the film. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com said Three Billboards is “One of those truly rare films that feels both profound and grounded; inspirational without ever manipulatively trying to be so.” Jordan Ruimy of World of Reel said “Be prepared for one of the best endings of any movie this decade.” The film is currently sitting at 98% on rottentomatoes.com. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri will be released on November 10.
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November 2, 2017 Page 11
Futur ism At It’s Finest By Tracy Ochoa Reporter
lative, having no pity concerning anyone who wants to con-
If you’re into futurist, action packed movies then Blade Runner 2049 is the movie for you! Denis Villeneuve was the creator of this sequel based off the hit of the 1982 Blade Runner that starred Harrison Ford. Ryan Gosling played the young good looking bounty hunter that captured the screen by his outstanding performance. The role he played as a bounty hunter was to solve a mystery that could cause a war between the humans and the bio robotic androids, their lookalikes. While in his search, he makes a discovery unrevealing long hidden secrets that eventually lead him to the former blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison). Jared Leto plays Niander Wallace, a technology company owner who is responsible for manufacturing and creating the “look a likes”. Leto’s character is cruel, devious, and manipu-
Photo Courtesy of IMDB
tradict him. He uses a group of spies to investigate the weaknesses of his enemies giving
him the upper hand when it comes to attacking This sequel takes place in 2049, three decades after the original in futuristic neon filled Los Angeles. After the ecosystem collapsed an extreme storage of food swept the Earth. Niadner Wallace (Leto) created synthetic farming ending the food shortage and making him rich. With The Wallace Company raising it allowed Niadner to enforce the Replicant industry by producing the Nexus-9 Replicants, which were built as the new generation of artificial humans having more of a obedient behavior. An upgrade from the previous replicants seen in the past movie. The main focus of these Replicants are to be used as slaves, however some of them were used as hunters of the older models who still roamed the
earth. Agent K (Gosling) was a Replicant who assigment was to track down older models This sequel was far from a disappointment from the original. The director's vision was outstanding and made the visuals literally transport you into a different time. Everything form the script to the editing and cinematography was outstanding, there was no weak link within this movie. This movie definitely deserves an 8/10. The reason behind it not receiving a perfect score will have to be due to time frame the movie took, a whopping 2hrs and 44 mins. Also the ending was very unclear and left people wondering what was to happen next. The symbolic of this movie is very powerful and keeps us asking the same question, what it means to be human.
Fall in line with the trends By Elizabeth Manzo Reporter Summer has quickly come to an end, and with a change of the season comes a change of wardrobe. Southern California does not get much of a temperature shift, but crop tops, daisy dukes and flip flops will no longer be trending throughout the fall and winter season. September initiated Fashion month which started off in New York then took off to London, Milan and Paris. Designers worldwide displayed exactly what will be in style for the 2017-2018 breezy seasons. Southern California Native’s may not be able to fully enjoy all upcoming
trends, due to warmer a cli- Chanel displayed refreshing mate. That just means Califor- looks with colorful patterns nians get to add their own and layers. Matching? Accordtwist to the fall trends. ing to the runways this past A fellow Victor Valley Fashion month, matching was College left behind in Ram was 2016. The looks asked what were most defithey believe nitely not an eyewould be sore, but instead a trending this creative combinaFall, Daniel tion of similar Pimentel tones. Hats were responded, also seen all Photo Courtesy of Vogue Maga“Pants and along the fashion Jackets.” Although that is cer- runways. This trend is great tainly true, Fashion month news for locals of the windy displayed a complex mix of High Desert that often suffer fall fashion, turning pants and from bad hair days. The bigjackets into a true art form. gest craze seen this fall is the Designer labels such as Tom- modernized fanny pack. This my Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, and fanny rack is not worn along
the waist instead across one’s shoulder like a satchel. This hot trend has been used by males and females, while being intricately used as a statement accessory. While summer ends, fall brings its own fun in fashion. The hot trends of 2017 are unique, while encouraging creativity in composing clothes. “In the midst midterm chaos or day to day stress, Fashion is my way of expressing myself, in some way I reflect my emotions into my outfits,” said fashion blogger, Amber Varella. Fashion can be more than pants and jackets, it can be a therapeutic method of relieving stress and getting creative..
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November 2, 2017 Page 12
Bad Call Costs Jets The Game? By Tyler Wolfe Reporter On Sunday, the 15th the Patriots met the Jets for one of the final games of week six. The Patriots ended the game with a score of 24-17 after recovering from a 14 point deficit in the latter half of the 2nd. Throughout the rest of the game the Patriots held a sturdy lead in the second quarter. #21, Butler, intercepted a pass meant for Jets receiver #11, Anderson, this resulted in a Patriot touchdown and a successful two point conversion. Only allowing for one field goal after an overturned call on a touchdown early in the fourth. The call came
after a catch made deep in Patriot territory when the Jets receiver # 88 caught the ball but juggled it as he fell to the floor. He recovered the ball before he hit the ground and many believed it to be a touchdown. The referees reviewed
the play in slow motion, as is done with every scoring play, and then determined it to be a touchback. The tight-end was seen catching the ball, losing control of it, and then regaining control out of bounds. “I feel like I scored,” Se-
ferian-Jenkins said. “But at the end of the day, that’s what the refs called. I’m going to go with what the refs said. But I’ve got to have better ball security.” The call has been a hot topic for debate, calling for many reviews and inquiries that warranted a response from two of the NFL’s Vice Presidents. Many disappointed supporters of the Jets claimed that it was a foul call and cost the Jets the game. This loss ends the Jets’ three win streak putting them at a 3-3 win loss record. The jets will continue on to play the Miami Dolphins on the Sunday the 22nd.
Photo Courtesy of images.performgroup.com
NHL GOLDEN IN LAS VEGAS By Gabriella Carrazco June 22, 2017 the National Hockey League added a new expansion team the Las Vegas Golden Knights. With this new team comes a new expansion draft designed to give the newer teams a chance at competition, or is it designed to give the new teams an advantage over the others? The last expansion draft was in 2000 and it added the teams Minnesota Wilds and Columbus Blue Jackets. When those teams were added the expansion draft rules were much different from this years. In 2000, each team in the league was able to save either nine forwards five defensemen and one goalie or seven forwards three defensemen and two goalies. Giving them the ability to save a total of 15 players or 12 players of their
choosing. This made it harder for the two teams to draft as there were less players to choose from. In 2000 there was also no regulation on the amount of experience a player must have to qualify as being open in the draft. So they could have been offering there lowest players who may or may not have even been on the ice in an actual NHL game. For 2017 there were slightly different rules giving each of the 30 teams the ability to save either eight players of any position and one goalie or seven forwards three defensemen and one goalie, and each player that was not saved had to have at least half a season experience on the ice or at least 70 games played within two seasons. This would seem like reasonable odds as how there is only one expansion team being added. Las Vegas decided to use every bit of those
Photo courtesy of NHL Las Vegas Golden Knights
odds in their own favor. Las Vegas drafted their new team but from the draft they also picked up 5 draft picks ranging from this year until 2020. With their team draft picks in Coach Gallant of the golden knights said, “It’s more talent than I thought it was going to be…” to David Schoen of Las Vegas Review Journal. The Golden Knights are eight games into the season were each team is scheduled to
play 82 games. The Golden Knights have won seven of those games giving them 14 points in their division just under the favorited Los Angeles Kings. If the draft gave them the boost they need to make it as a competitive team or if it set them up to take the best, we will only know by the end of the season. Every game so far has been competitive and exciting making the Golden Knights a team to watch.
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Histor y of ‘Take A Knee’ By Richard Grant The protests that Colin Kaepernick started have become a very polarizing and divisive issue since the start of the 2017-2018 NFL season. Although, Kaepernick started the protest last year it has become an issue this season due to increased participation from other players. Players from across many different sports and teams both amatuer and professional. The latest news has come from the comments made by the President. August 14, 2016, Colin Kaepernick started his now infamous protests by sitting down during the playing of the National Anthem during the San Francisco 49er’s preseason games. August 26, 2016, Kaepernick gets his first media coverage of the protest and explains that the reason he was sitting is a response to the ongoing issues involving police brutality and people of color. September 1, 2016, Kaepernick takes a knee for the first time and is joined by safety
Eric Reid. Later it was revealed that Kaepernick met with a former U.S. Army Green Beret Nate Boyer. After that meeting it was reported that it was Boyer that suggested Kaepernick take a knee instead of sitting. On the same day, Jeremy Lane, of the Seattle Seahawks, decided to sit down during the National Anthem as well. The protests continued for the rest of the season. As more people started to take notice more and more players from the 49er’s and other teams in the NFL, along with other sports, decided to join in the protest during the Anthem in solidarity with Kap. After the season finished Kaepernick, who is now a free agent, wasn't able to secure a
Photos courtesy of AP
spot on another team. Despite no longer being a player in the league other players continued to participate in his protest. At the start of the 2017-2018 season, the protests continued with many players on various teams now sitting or also taking a knee. Some of the players wore wear shirts with “IMWITHKAP” written on the front. Even some of the couches and owners would even join in with taking a knee or standing while locked in arms with the other players. Much of the increased participation to the protesting was in
response to the statements made by President Trump about the players. September 22nd, President Trump had made a statement in Alabama saying, “love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, he’s fired’?” In the days that followed, the President continued to send more tweets condemning the players that were protesting. He claimed that kneeling during the National Anthem is disrespecting to the flag and the military. On October 9th Vice President Pence appeared at a Colts versus 49er’s game and made it public on his Twitter account that he was leaving because of the players kneeling. Although, there is some controversy in this with media outlets claiming it was a political stunt. This claim is because the picture used is from an older game and there are reports that his staff told the press pool to stay in their van, due to that he would be returning soon. There will likely be more news to come on this issue as time goes on and we will see what implications this has for the NFL and sports in general.
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DON’T FORGET!! Important Dates and Deadlines -Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) Information Session 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m Bldg 21, Room 171 Transfer Center Events November 15 - Career Event at OMD 7:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. SIGN UP BY 11/13/17
Photo by Kora Mahaffy
Correction from RamPage Volume 43, No 2: Genesis Jimenez wrote “Shopping at the Farmers Market”, not Megan Dykstra. FIND US · FOLLOW US · CONTACT US @VVCRamPage Follow us on Twitter and tweet us an interesting account you think we should feature in an upcoming edition of the RamPage! #VVCRams Contact us: vvcrampage@gmail.com View online at: Website: http://www.issuu.com/vvcrampage
November 2, 2017 Page 14 RAMPAGE STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Aurelia Dennis News Editor: Kelcie Hartley Features Editor: Adam Capps Entertainment Editor: Mitchell Bovee Student Interview Editor: Ailyn Ramos Reporters: Cynthia Bliss, Gabr iella Car r azco, Br igitte Chacon, Alexis Dejesus, Cuitlahuac Diaz, Megan Dykstra, Morgan Earles, Richard Grant, Genesis Jimenez, Courtney Lemay, Elizabeth Manzo, Susan Monaghan, Tracy Ochoa, Patrick Patton, Brayan Torres, Tyler Wolfe Cartoonist: Guest Wor k Welcome Advisor/Instructor: Deanna Hays Administration/Faculty: Rober t Sewell, Printing: Victor Valley College Campus Pr int Shop Mission Statement: The Victor Valley College RamPage is a student-run newspaper that aims to inform and entertain the Victor Valley Community. We strive to teach and preserve core journalistic values while supporting the unity of faculty and students on campus. CONTACT INFORMATION VVC RamPage, 18422 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, CA 92395 Email: vvcrampage@gmail.com or http://www.vvc.edu/offices/rampage Website: http://www.issuu.com/vvcrampage
GENERAL INFORMATION The RamPage is a newspaper published as an educational exercise and First Amendment Public Forum by students at Victor Valley College in Victorville, Calif. Issues come out approximately twice a month in the two full-length semesters, generally each March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December, for a total of 8 issues each calendar year. The views expressed by the RamPage are not necessarily those of VVC, its board of trustees, its administration, its faculty, its staff, its Associated Student Body Council or its students. The RamPage welcomes press releases, story ideas, letters to the editor, guest articles and guest editorials. Submit proposed items to the on-campus mailbox of RamPage Adviser Deanna Hays clearly marked as being submitted for publication. Or, email them to vvcrampage@gmail.com or mail information to RamPage, Victor Valley College, 18422 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, CA 92395. VVC’s journalism program belongs to the Associated Collegiate Press, the California Newspaper Publishers Association and the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. ADVERTISING The RamPage generally accepts as advertising only 8 1/2 - by -11 -inch flyers as inserts or various sizes printed in the paper. The cost of inserts is $100, which covers insertion/distribution of 1,500 copies. The cost and responsibility of designing, reproducing and delivering the 1,500 flyers to the RamPage is borne by the advertiser. To discuss display advertising options or to purchase any form of advertisement, call Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services Deanna Murphy at 760-245-4271 extension 2707. Acceptance of any advertisement in the RamPage does not constitute endorsement by the paper, college, district, board, council or student body. The RamPage reserves the right to reject any material — advertising or editorial — that it deems to be not in keeping with the standards of the paper.
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