Jan 26, 2017 (48.4)

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The

Volume 48 Issue 4 Jan. 26 - Feb. 15

ommunicator Spokane Falls Community College

NEWS/OPINION: MINIMUM WAGE

A&E: PIRATES AT THE RODEO

FEATURES: CYBER SECUIRTY

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Contents

The Communicator 02.16.2017

Editor: Blake Herrod

sfcc.blake.herrod@gmail.com

The

Cover photo done by Collin Masteller at SFCC Cafe

Staff

Editor-in-Chief: Sam Jackson

Mission Statement

Sam Jackson

Our job, as student jounalists, is to inform our readers. To follow up, report and present to all. This newspaper is comprised of a diverse sizeable group of voices that is welcomeing to any and all.

News Section Editor: Nicolas Zerbe Blake Herrod

Chandler Pedersen

Follow Us: The Communicator at Spokane Falls

Managing Editor: Blake Herrod Assisting Managing Editor: Chandler Pedersen

Staff members can be contacted via email: sfcc.firstname.lastname@gmail.com

Communicator

Opinion Section Editor: Chandler Pedersen Beats Section Editor: Chloe Rowles Photo Editor: Robby Bremner

Nicolas Zerbe

Chloe Rowles

Robby Bremner

Layout Editor: Stephanie Goodhue Web Editors: Stephanie Goodhue Collin Masteller

@TheCommunicator_SFCC Stephanie Goodhue

Collin Masteller

John Chillberg

Reporters: Collin Masteller John Chillberg Emily Darjany Zech Herford Joy Putnam Photographer: Collin Masteller Adviser: Jason Nix

Emily Darjany Contents page designed by Stephanie Goodhue

Zech Herford

Joy Putnam

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Jason Nix

Editor: Nicolas Zerbe sfcc.nicolas.zerbe@gmail.com

News

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SFCC student Sharaya Peterson (left) helps Sky Alvarez (right). Photographer / Collin Masteller

Minimum wage increased in Washington Joy Putnam sfcc.joy.putnam@gmail.com

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inimum wage workers, including many SFCC students, just got a raise. On January 1, 2017, the minimum wage was raised from $9.47 per hour to $11. Thanks to Initiative 1433 (I-1433) which passed with nearly 60% of the vote in last November’s general election, the raises will keep coming. Minimum wage workers can expect a raise every January through 2020, when the wage will go up to $13.50 per hour.

I-1433 also provides for paid sick leave.

One argument against I-1433 is that it will discourage new businesses from coming to Washington. Instead, new businesses will relocate to states with a lower minimum wage.

“I don’t think that that’s going to be a big factor,” said Mark Wylie, Economics Instructor at SFCC. “It’s not like these are jobs in factories where they can manufacture in one state or the other.”

Opponents say a better solution is to raise the federal minimum wage to even the playing field. The federal minimum wage is set by the Department of Labor and is the lowest amount any state can pay for minimum wage. Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.

Whether or not everyone agrees with the increase, it’s important to consider the hard facts that are going to effect Spokane.

Proponents of this plan argue that a higher federal minimum wage, $12 per hour, would make individual states less likely to price themselves out of the market.

“In theory, it would be a desirable thing, but we have to be taking into account what is the political reality right now,” said Wylie. “The only realistic way of raising the minimum wage is to do it at the state level.”

This initiative will have an impact on minimum wage workers in Spokane.

The city of Spokane is the second largest city in Washington, but it is surrounded by small, rural towns and farms.

“It’s going to obviously raise incomes for a lot of people who work in the service industries that are the main ones that employ minimum wage workers,” said Wylie. “The ripple effects on the larger economy are harder to predict.”

Opponents argue that an increase in minimum wage will drive prices up and if the cost of living goes up, the increase of minimum wage will have no effect. Wylie argues prices will not go up enough to offset the gains they made with the raise.

“Even if employers don’t fire workers as a result of the minimum wage increase they may respond by shortening work hours or reducing www.communicatoronline.org

on-the-job training,” said Roshan Khattry, Economics Instructor at SFCC. The initiative is backed by labor unions and worker advocates who say the state’s current minimum wage isn’t enough to live on. Opponents say the minimum wage isn’t meant to be a living wage, but rather an entry level wage. Wylie disagrees.

“The reality is that for an increasing number of people minimum wage jobs are not a starting point, they are something you do in the long term,” said Wylie. “If people are working in these jobs long term they have to make a wage that at least gives them the chance of supporting themselves and their family.”

Washington is an 80% service-sector economy. It depends on consumers who have money to spend. Wylie believes the new minimum wage will put more discretionary income into the hands of workers who will turn around and spend those dollars in Washington.

Although there are still those who disagree.

“I think increasing minimum wage gives people more money to spend,” said Thomas Vogel, student at SFCC. “It’s not the minimum wages fault that people will initially lose jobs, it’s the employer’s.”

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The Communicator

News

01.26.2017

The changing face of North Monroe Nicolas Zerbe

sfcc.nicolas.zerbe@gmail.com

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View from the top of Monroe Hill.

Photographer Robby Bremner

orth Monroe business owners are up in arms about the city's $7 million plan to rebuild their neighborhood. The City of Spokane is seeking to convert the four-lane roadway stretching from Indiana to the bottom of Monroe Hill into a two-lane street with center turning lane. The goal of the North Monroe Corridor Project is to slow the flow of traffic thus making it safer for pedestrians crossing streets. The project also aims to beautify the

area and increase walking traffic in the neighborhood.

Several local establishments have voiced concerns over the construction timeframe and how it may affect their business.

“For us it's about creating a more livable corridor,” said Marlene Feist, Director of Strategic Development for Spokane Public Works & Utilities. “When you reduce conflict for drivers you allow them to slow down, see the businesses and see the pedestrians.”

Research conducted by the city shows that reconfiguring the lanes of traffic will have little impact on the actual flow while improving safety for both pedestrians and motorists alike. The proposed plan also aims to create better and safer parking along the active road and to widen sidewalks for those traveling on foot.

The city is currently unable to estimate the length of construction as the project is not yet through its engineering phase. Meetings are currently scheduled with a group of impacted business owners in hopes of working through their concerns with construction time, impact and design.

“They're telling us how it's not going to affect us, that we'll enjoy a steady organic growth when it's all done,” said Tom Morris, Owner of All American Tattoo. “Well yeah, any of the businesses that survive might."

Morris is one of many area business owners now involved in the Monroe Street Business Association whose goal it is to put an end to the corridor project.

Several members of the association – which consists

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Editor: Nicolas Zerbe sfcc.nicolas.zerbe@gmail.com

of nearly fifty Monroe business owners, according to Morris – hang “Say No to Monroe Street Project” signs in their windows, hand out flyers in their shops and display large banners outside of their buildings in support. Their concerns lie primarily with the construction time for the project, fearing their business will suffer without easily accessible storefronts.

Several Corridor Advisory Board members, a group established by the city to assist in the implementation of the project, now display Say No signs as well. While few businesses are outright supporting the project, some are attempting to stay neutral on the matter.

“I’m kind of on the fence, I think they're probably going to do what they're going to do regardless,” said Richard Acker, Owner of Marilyn’s on Monroe. “We're kind of between a rock and a hard spot here.”

Antique shop Marilyn’s on Monroe opened its doors this November but Acker and his business partner were unaware of the project's existence until contacted by a member of the business association to join the cause. Acker has taken a more passive approach, not currently for or against the redesign and so deciding not to take part in the weekly meetings, instead waiting for more information as the project develops.

Additional information about the North Monroe Corridor Project can be found on the cities website, spokanecity.com

Editor: Nicolas Zerbe sfcc.nicolas.zerbe@gmail.com

Carrie Bolinger, B.A.S Coordinator at SFCC

News

/ Chloe Rowles

Come for your Associate’s Stay for your Bachelor’s SFCC’s first four-year degree explained.

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tudents whose goal is a four-year degree may need to look no further than their local community college.

Traditionally, students attend community colleges in order to quickly enter the workforce or to transfer their credits to a four-year institution. SFCC has recently joined many other community colleges in offering four-year degree programs to its students.

SFCC now offers Applied Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Systems and Technology (IST) and Applied Management (AM), with a Cyber Security degree coming fall quarter of 2017. While ideal candidates are those who already have an AA or an AAS, students with extensive work or personal experience can take the Prior Learning Assessment, which determines whether your experience can be used for school credit.

“The reason we began to offer these is that in Washington,

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there weren’t enough people graduating with Bachelor’s degrees,” said IST Department Chair Max Josquin.

Two-year Associate’s degrees require only lower division classes, which include classes in the 100-299 level range. Four-year degrees would include upper division courses, which are level 300-499 courses.

“These programs are designed for students who are in the AA or AAS programs to easily transfer their credits toward a fouryear degree,” said Carrie Bolinzger, B.A.S Coordinator at SFCC. “But anyone can apply.”

Dallas Hammer is a student in the IST bachelor’s program who put his AA degree toward his BA at SFCC. “I’m looking at jobs in network administration, database management, server maintenance,” said Hammer.” That behind the scenes technical world is kind of what this degree is based on.”

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, employment for computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2014 to 2024. The median annual wage in 2015 was $131,600.

“I wanted to do something where I knew I had job security,” said Hammer. “I really hope that it’s something that shows that I have knowledge and experience in a field that is going to keep growing.”

The required classes of the Applied Management BAS degree are all online, while the Information Systems and Technology BAS degree has evening classes once a week per course.

According to Community Colleges of Spokane’s Tuition, Fees and Waivers of 2016-2017, upper division courses would have higher tuition rates than their lower division counterparts.

Lower division courses are approximately $103 per credit for Washington state residents and $148 for non-residents, while upper division courses are approximately $201 for residents and $252 for non-residents. These programs are also eligible for grant funding and financial aid.

“Getting a bachelor’s degree from SFCC is more affordable than it would be from a university,” said Bolinger. “Generally it costs $6,000 per year, or $2000 per quarter.”

Beyond tuition, mandatory fees of universities tend to be much higher than those of community colleges. Offering BA programs at SFCC also makes higher education more accessible to more people in terms of location and ease of transitioning from an AA program to a BA program.

Washington has allowed bachelor’s degrees from community colleges since 2005, and the first set of students will be graduating from SFCC with a bachelor’s next quarter.

“The outcome is going to be pretty interesting,” said Max. “I’m pretty sure we’re going to see some good results.”

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The Communicator 01.26.2017

Opinion

Editor: Chandler Pedersen sfcc.chandler.pedersen@gmail.com

Fight of the year: Minimum wage Blake Herrod

Chandler Pedersen

sfcc.blake.herrod@gmail.com

sfcc.chandler.pedersen@gmail.com

Minimum wage has gone up thanks to the voters in 2016, and will keep going up every two years until 2021.

Having more money in your pocket is always nice. Making $11 an hour looks really great on paper. But perhaps this idea is hurting more people than it would of helped.

“Economic models predict that an increase in the minimum wage will usually lead to slower job growth and more unemployment in the long run,” said Roshan Khattry economics teacher at SFCC.

“I’m against it, because I feel like it will hurt a lot of small businesses, and some were when the wage was raised,” said Candice Brennan, student at SFCC. “I think it hurts people in general, especially if you have a small business.”

With prices going up on products, it seems cost of living will also go up in a few months. Making it harder to live than it was before the increase.

“I was doing research on places that had raised minimum wage before and it seems that the cost of living also increased, due to minimum wage,” said Ian Ibanez, student at SFCC. “So it happens slowly and gradually over the course of a couple months.”

“While those couple of months, you’ll be ahead of bills, and be ahead in your payments or just have more money in general, at the end of the day, it’s still more expensive to live.”

Some owners of small businesses can’t pay everyone $11 forcing prices to go up, or laying off some of their employees.

According to www.odohertyspub.com they had to shut down the up north store due to the increase in minimum wage.

“After 6 years, due to soft sales and the rise in minimum wage our cute North Pub is closing this Saturday, Jan 21st,” said O’Dohertys Irish Pub North.

With the increase to $11 it seems like it’s only going to hurt the people who make minimum wage, and small businesses. By increasing the cost of living and the prices on food and other goods.

There are many positive perks to the increase of minimum wage, including the fact that workers will now have more money to put back into our economy and will be able to live more comfortably.

“The raise in pay could go toward meeting their basic needs and living expenses offering an improved standard of living.” said Brent Booth, a business instructor at SFCC, “Those affected by a minimum wage increase can gain the opportunity to improve their lives and move from where they are towards better overall living conditions.”

With people being able to afford and live comfortably, this should be good for businesses big and small.

With employees now living comfortably, they should be happier with working, and could improve their work to better their companies.

“A boost in the minimum-wage could potentially improve worker morale,” said Booth. “Which in turn could improve worker productivity and customer satisfaction.”

One of the only issues people who are for the new minimum wage seem to bring up, is the fact that this new wage could hurt small businesses who do not have the funding to pay their employees the new wage without it hurting their growth as a business.

“The only issue is that there are some small businesses where I think that the employers, they might take a little bit of a hit, you know.” Said Chris Kohut, a student at SFCC, “But as far as corporations are concerned, if they are going to make ten billion instead of twelve billion, I don’t feel sorry for them.”

With small businesses possibly taking a hit, it’s without doubt that larger corporations will either adapt to this new wage, or lay off some employees to kept their income steady. Such corporations that have already laid off employees is the hardware store Lowes, which has recently fired 2,400 managers this January, across the country from multiple stores, according to www.usatoday. com.

www.communicatoronline.org

Editor: Chandler Pedersen sfcc.chandler.pedersen@gmail.com

A&E

Death by Pirates performed live at the Knitting Factory on Inauguration day.

Pirates at the Rodeo YARGG! Strap up yer boots ye landlubber, we’s going to the rodeo!

Collin Masteller sfcc.collin.masteller@gmail.com

For more information on band member and show dates, Death

by Pirates can be found at: www.facebook.com/DeathbyPirates

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n Inauguration day 2017 Death by Pirates reunited once again to play at The Knitting Factory alongside The Nixon Rodeo.

“I think the last time we played a show was All Age Rage at the Viking in August... it’s kinda surreal playing in front of a big crowd like that, almost like it’s not even rea l,” former SFCC student and drummer for Death by Pirates Troy “Turtle” Gunion said.

Death by Pirates formed in 2013 as a local rock band. The original lineup included Brent Forsyth who is now the lead singer of The Nixon Rodeo.

The two bands are often seen playing together on the same show bill. Death

by Pirates toured frequently in the past but now exclusively play shows such as Friday’s single release show for The Nixon Rodeo. They have not played a live show in over 6 months.

“I enjoyed having fun on the stage, felt good being up there again,” Turtle said.

The show did not go off without its problems. On the first song equipment www.communicatoronline.org

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Photographer | Collin Masteller

failure led to Mr. Gunion having to keep beat on his own which slowed down some songs tempo.

“I was holding a note for like 20 minutes because of it,” singer Reuben Gunion said.

“I was taking a nap between strums,” guitarist Tony Accardo said.

Despite the technical setbacks the show went on.

“We actually got thru our whole set without taking out a song,” Reuben said.

Longtime supporter and VIP attendee Steve Barclay expressed excitement about seeing the band perform again.

“Still my favorite band of all time. CHOO CHOO,” he said Death by Pirates does not tour full time but they can still be found playing around town once in awhile.

They have plans on playing another St. Patrick’s Day show this year.

They hope that their favorite venue The Viking will be open once again for the event.

“We always do the Patty’s day show, that’s gonna be a sick show this year,” Rueben Gunion said.

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The Communicator 1.26.2017

Features

Editor: Chloe Rowles

sfcc.chloe.rowles@gmail.com

Photographer | Collin Masteller

SFCC’s Cyber Security Club SFCC’s Cyber Security Club Struggles to Become Active on Campus Collin Masteller sfcc.collin.masteller@gmail.com

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s you click on an email budget there are over 40 clubs opor a video on YouTube, do erating on campus right now. These you ever wonder who else clubs have budgets that are paid is watching? The SFCC Cyfor out of student funds. These ber Security Club does. In the fall budgets range from $400-$96,000. quarter of 2016 the SFCC Associated The Cyber Security Club has been Student Government (A.S.G.) voted approved with a budget of around and approved a new Cyber Security $500 according to Talley. They Club. As of print time the club is will not receive any of the apstill not active. proved funding until all of the “I apologize that I got caught up proper steps have been completed. in finals and didn’t get it handled,” Every student who attends SFCC club president Cameron Talley said. pays fees that fund these proIn order for a group to become a grams. According to the Communiclub they must ty Colleges of accomplish certain Spokane (CCS) “They are student driven clubs, Tuition Schedthings. This process starts with ules for 2016it is up to them to complete the adopting a consti17 every student process.” tution and budget. enrolled for 15

Heather Mckenzie-Waite It also requires credits will pay the signatures of a minimum of 20 individuals who $130 in fees per are interested in seeing the club quarter. The fees not only pay for come into fruition. The club must student programs but also includes then be approved by the A.S.G. and student voted Tech, Comprehensive, Senate before becoming fully recogGym Renovation, and Bus Pass fees. nized.

Talley hopes to get the ball “They are student driven clubs, rolling again and have the club up it is up to them to complete the and running by the end of the Winprocess,” SFCC Director of Stuter quarter. dent Funded Programs Heather Mck“I am getting together with the enzie-Waite said. “Both A.S.G. and club members to figure out what it the club did not complete all of the is going to take to make this hapsteps.” pen soon,” he said.

According to the SFCC activities www.communicatoronline.org

Editor: Chloe Rowles

sfcc.chloe.rowles@gmail.com

Features

SFCC students warm up with a medicine ball in the fitness center's weightroom on Wed., January 25, 2017.

Photographer |Collin Masteller the modern military to prison.

“Getting to workout outdoors in nature or on the beach in the sunshine and not a climate controlled room with mirrors is a huge benefit,” said Antranik Kizirian, YouStudents Get Creative to Find Tube fitness celebrity. “It’s cheap, Affordable Ways to Get in Shape but it’s also fun because you get to learn what you can do with your body and what you can’t do, and Nicolas Zerbe what it would take for it to get sfcc.nicolas.zerbe@gmail.com there.”

The hub of bodyweight fitness can be found on Reddit, the popular any people have decided to content aggregate and ‘front page forego the gym and instead opt of the internet’, specifically under for free-of-charge bodyweight the r/bodyweightfitness subreddit. fitness to keep themselves in shape.

There you will find videos, discusBodyweight training is a way to exsion and routines to help you get ercise without the use of weights or in shape of your own accord. machines, using only a person's own “The Recommended Routine is good body weight as for strength trainresistance. Body"You can definitely get slim and ing,” said Kizirian. weight fitness, “Yoga is excellent athletic with just your body." for well-rounded as it’s called in most circles, posture improveKeith Banfield can be done anyments and flexibiliwhere with enough ty training.” room for a push-up, lunge or plank. It One of the drawbacks of working serves as a great way to get in shape out without machines or weights is or stay there at little or no cost to a lack of extra resistance. Withthe individual. out a readily available way to pack Bodyweight training is a practice on extra weights, putting on musthat has existed as long as people cle mass is a difficult task. If have. Simple workout regimens that in- done correctly it still serves as a clude push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and great way to get or stay in shape, the like can be found everywhere from but you won’t be winning any body-

Get Fit For Free

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building awards after using gravity as your only resistance.

“It would be hard to get big without weights,” said Keith Banfield. “But you can definitely get slim and athletic with just your body.”

Mark Eyre is one of the many people who have found success with Bodyweight Fitness. After finding himself heavier than ever before Eyre turned to the internet to find a solution. What he found was the body weight fitness subreddit which, along with a new diet, helped to change his life. After a little more than a year Eyre is down over 30 pounds and credits the weight loss to the bodyweight fitness routine.

“I started eating healthy and finally put up a pull up bar in my room,” said Eyre. “Today I’m like a completely different person.”

If a low cost workout sounds like an ideal way to reach your New Year’s resolution weight loss goal then check out reddit.com/r/bodyweightfitness for more information.

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www.communicatoronline.org

Garrett Schmerer, the shortstop for SFCC's baseball team, does pull-ups in the weightroom on campus on Wed., January 25, 2017.

Photographer| Chloe Rowles

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The Communicator 01.26.2017

Throwback

Editor: Stephanie Goodhue sfcc.stephanie.goodhue@gmail.com

COMMUNICATOR DOWN BUT NOT OUT Stephanie Goodhue sfcc.stephanie.goodhue@gmail.com

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tarting this quarter we, as the Communicator staff, want to feature a throwback article dating back from previous years of the paper.

While sifting through the archives, where each individual issue is filed, I came upon this particular one which directly highlights the importance of this student run paper.

Within the article it describes how the budget for the Comminucator was approved and was going to be used to purchase two student-opperated print machines. These machines would benefit the students by cutting production costs in half by having students produce it instead of a third party.

However, between the time the budget was submitted and approved the machines became unavailable and the psper staff had to produce the paper in a singular column bodytype manner.

This very piece is tangible proof on how passionate the Communicator staff has always been. Committed to following up on events, reporting the findings and producing the paper no matter the circumstances.

www.communicatoronline.org

Editor: Sam Jackson sfcc.sam.jackson@gmail.com

Man on the Street

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What’s your New Year’s resolution?

Amber Langston “To not make a resolution.”

We asked students at SFCC what they’re New Year’s resolution is, here are their responses.

Zach Cohen

Amanuel Mamo

“To quit smoking cigarettes.”

“To do better in school.”

Marilyn Richard “To love myself.”

Harley Belisle “To be a better person.”

Skye Reynolds “To do the three months dairy free challenge.”

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The Communicator 01.26.2017

Communicator Picks

Editor: Blake Herrod

sfcc.blake.herrod@gmail.com

Totally tubular events on campus Blake Herrod sfcc.blake.herrod@gmail.com

Photographer |Robby Bremner Ads for Wild Walls, Mike Stern. Look at the activties calendar for more upcoming events

Cost: $2 with Student ID Events The Communicator (you can bring a friend). think are worth attending.

Maximum of 60 people (rides for the first 20 people). Sign The deal with Black Lives up at the ASG Office Sub, RM Matter 135 What: Helping the SFCC SFCC Jazz Presents The Mike Community understand why Stern Band Black Lives Matter is imWhat: Six-time Grammy nomportant and speaks to the inated jazz guitarist Mike unique history of the UnitStern will be playing at SFCC ed States regarding race, with his band and belonging. Date: Feb 8.

Time: 8pm.

11:30am-12:30pm Where: Music building audiCost: Free torium.

Where: SUB Lounge A When: Feb 10 Wild Walls Open Climbing: Price: $20/General, $5/CCS When: Jan 28 Students, Reserved seating Time: 4-6pm $40 Where: Wild Walls Indoor Winter Clothing Drive Climbing Gym Cost: $2 What: Camping clothing Sign up by 1/27/17 at the drive.

ASG office.

When: Jan 23-27 Bear Creek Tubing Trip Where: In front of library Where: 24817 N Mt Spokane Price: Bring your own tent, Park Dr and thing donate.

When: Saturday, Feb 4 8-10pm.

Transfer your A.A.S. Transform your life.

You know you can expect a remarkable education at Whitworth. What may surprise you is the flexibility of hybrid courses through the School of Continuing Studies. By combining convenient online learning with invaluable in-class collaboration, Whitworth’s six-week courses provide an accelerated path to career growth and personal transformation.

Hybrid courses available now. whitworth.edu/hybrid

School of Continuing Studies

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