THE
BREEZE Volume 27, Issue 5
In this issue...
We Reach Out to You! Our student body speaks out about this contentious election
Condoms, Death and Weed? It’s not just about who sits in the Oval Office as we take a look at some of the most controversial Issues your vote could decide
Battlefield 1 Review Find out if DICE’s historical revisionism is all you need to forget about this historic election
TheBreezepaper.com
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October 31, 2016
Letter from the Editor:
“Derp.” Photo by Hanajun Chung
This election has highlighted the issue of bias in the media, many voters even cite it as a legitimate concern when deciding on either candidate. In fact, if you type “mainstream media” into Google the top auto-complete results include “bias” and “lies” as well as “definition” and “ratings.” The consensus in some circles is that all or most mainstream media are untrustworthy, elitist and have a strong liberal bias. This may leave undecided voters, the Ken Bones in the room, to turn to the deep corners of the internet for their news. Sites that peddle conspiracy theories and misinformation to the plebeians* are a result of a growing mistrust towards the mainstream media. Media literacy is not something that’s taught in schools, but it absolutely should be. The ability to parse through political jargon and to distinguish reliable from unreliable sources leaves one less vulnerable to being duped by demagogues like Rush Limbaugh and Alex Jones, as well as their frog-meme-wielding cohort**. Now, this is certainly not meant to defend the likes of CNN or any other large news outlet you can think of. It’s true that these brands, which are owned by some of the largest conglomerates in the world, have fallen short on delivering the fairest and most objective coverage. This alone isn’t enough to condemn all the big news outlets. Unfortunately it’s not that easy to distinguish what is trustworthy or not. To generalize anything that broadly and dismissively stifles any productive conversation. Instead, the media literate consumer knows to take every new bit of information with the appropriate level of skepticism. The more extraordinary the assertion, the higher the standard of proof should be. More often the standard of proof rests on how much the consumer already agrees with a given claim. So yes, the big mainstream news is biased, and so is every other outlet in some way or another, some are just more blatant or transparent about it. Instead of using this as an excuse to avoid listening to opinions we may not like, we should use it as a reason to approach all forms of media with a more discerning mind. Roberto Hernandez @DeadEndRob
*This sentence contains sarcasm **In reference to the alt-right’s co-opting of the popular ‘Pepe the Frog’ meme in their online trolling
Editor-In-Chief Roberto Hernandez
Sports Editor Edward Gutierrez
Staff Writers and Photographers Students of Journalism 30 & 31
Managing Editor Kyle Smith
Opinion Editor Chris Salazar
General Manager Roberto Hernandez
Online Editor-In-Chief Daniel Steele
Baseline Editors Joshua Arnao Juan “Charlie” Vargas
Lab Techs Daniel Steele DeChanne Lane Emmanuel Vargas
Features Editor Michelle Caldera News Editor Jullian Aiden Bravo A&E Editor Juan “Charlie” Vargas
Audio/Visual Editors Hanajun Chung Emmanuel Vargas
Faculty Adviser Michelle Dowd
Photo Editor Elizabeth “Liz” Duncan
Journalism Coordinator Neil Watkins
The Breeze is published up to eight times a semester by the journalism students at Chaffey Community College, 5885 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737. Telephone: 652-6934/6936. Opinions expressed in this publication are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff and should not be interpreted as the position of the Chaffey College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof. Letters and guest columns for or against any position are welcome. Letters should be kept as brief as possible and are subject to non-substantive editing according to guidelines established by the Associated Press. The Chaffey Breeze is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges and the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
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October 31, 2016
Table of Contents
Calendar Monday, Oct. 31 Halloween Costume Contest Classified Senate is sponsoring a Halloween Costume Contest today at all three campuses from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Contestants will be given a chance to win prizes. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. For more information visit www.chaffey.edu/clssenate/Resources/Halloween.pdf Wednesday, Nov. 2 Political Poster Making Workshop Artists Pavel Acevedo and Duan Kellem will lead a Political Poster Making Workshop in which participants will have the opportunity to screen-print various prepared images on the theme of “immigration” or create their own work. Participants may print posters or may bring their ownlight-colored t-shirt to print on. The event is free but space is limited.
Wednesday, Nov. 2 Resume Workshop Writing The Chaffey College Career Center will have a free resume writing workshop in MACC208 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Students will have an opportunity to learn more or develop new resume writing skills.
Friday, Nov. 4-5 The Full Monty The cast of the Full Monty will perform at the Chaffey Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and the performance is rated “R” for subject material and some language.
Tuesday, Oct. 8 Election Day Don’t forget to vote this election on Nov. 8. Voter registration is now over and the general election is right around the corner. There are 17 propositions on the ballot. Every vote counts.
What you need to know
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What the Frack?
5
The Closure of ITT Tech 7 Pussy Talk
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Vox Scholasticum
10
To be or Knot to be
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No Love for Sex Workers 15 Sunday, Nov. 9 Exhibition Walk-Through Museum Director Rebecca Trawick and Spanish Professor Mercedes Limon will host a bilingual tour on the exhibition “No Human Being is Illegal” at the Wignall Museum from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Election Breaks Satire
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Top Shelf
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Battlefield 1 Review
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The Music Around You
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Politics + Sports Collide
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Growing Pains
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CHAFFEY COLLEGE POLICE: CRIME LOG OCCURRENCE
LOCATION
ON CAMPUS?
10/20/2016
Lot 2
No
Outside Warrant/Misdemeanor Revoked/Suspended License
10/20/2016
210 W/O Archibald Ave
No
Revoked/Suspended License: Failure to stop posted stop sign
10/24/2016
Possession of Marijuana
10/25/2016
NATURE
Marijuana Possession over 28.5g.
Vandalism
10/26/2016
College Dr./Chaffey Way
@thebreezepaper
@thebreezepaper
Yes
Wilson Ave/Canistel Ave
No
MACC Building
Yes
The Breeze
Follow Us
/Chaffeybreeze
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October 31, 2016
FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Jullian Aiden Bravo @Mr_Reporter_ Liberation of Mosul
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After two years of Islamic State (IS) control, Iraqi forces and U.S. led coalition launched the long-anticipated offensive to take back the Iraqi city of Mosul. The estimated 30,000 Iraqi security forces are going head-to-head with the estimated 3,000 to 5,000 Islamic state militants. The liberation of Mosul is an important step toward defeating the IS as it is the militant group’s de facto capital and Iraq’s second largest city. The operation is expected to last weeks to possibly months, but the true time the operation will last is contingent on how well the IS could put up a fight. IS militants already pushed back when it attacked the city of Kirkuk. Nonetheless, Secretary Ash Carter says the assault is going according to plan. It is expected that about 200,000 people will flee the city as the fighting closes in on the city. People have already reported a thinning stock of essential supplies. - Source: BBC News
Earthquakes Rock Central Italy
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Two earthquakes rocked Central Italy on Oct. 26, collapsing buildings and leaving many without electricity. The first earthquake registered a 5.4 and two hours later, the second earthquake registered a 6.1. There were no reports of deaths in either event. The site of the two earthquakes is located 50 miles north of the site of the August earthquake, which claimed the lives of 300 people. Italy is susceptible to earthquakes because the country is located near two of the Earth’s major tectonic plates. The two plates are known as the Eurasian and African plates. They constantly grate against each other, causing seismic and volcanic tension. ON top of that, Italy also has a series of fault lines near its Apennines Mountains. - Sources: USA Today, CNN, Time
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Protestors Arrested at North Dakota Pipeline
More than 250 people, including film-makers and journalists, were arrested at Native American oil pipeline protests. North Dakota police are being accused of suppressing free speech and using excessive force against nonviolent protesters. The Dakota Access Pipeline, as it is called, would be 1,172 miles long and would stretch from the oil-rich Bakken Formation where Montana and North Dakota meet Canada and southeast where South Dakota, Iowa and Montana meet. The pipeline would transport fracked crude to a refinery near Chicago. But protestors say the pipeline would harm the environment and impact historically significant Native American lands. The affected tribe has taken the battle to court. In total, there have been 269 arrests since August, police officials say. - Sources: The Guardian, CNN
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AT&T Buys Time Warner
In 1983, 50 companies owned 90 percent of American media. Today, only six companies run the same 90 percent of American media. These six companies essentially run our media lives. But in a major shift in media control occurred when AT&T purchased Time Warner for $85 billion. The merger will be completed by the end of 2017 and AT&T Chief Executive Randall Stephenson will be the head of the two companies. AT&T agreed to pay $107.50 a share, evenly split between cash and stock. The deal still need approval from Washington. - Sources: Frugal Dad, The Wall Street Journal
World Wildlife on Decline
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Since 1970, the world’s wildlife has declined by an average of 58 percent, according to the Living Planet report and World Wildlife Foundation (WWF). The report suggests that if the rate continues, the world would see a two-thirds decline in wildlife by 2020. The data collected was from a sample size of 3,700 different species of birds, fish, mammals and amphibians—about 6 percent of the total number of vertebrate species in the world. The number one cause of the decline is human activity such as farming, logging, pollution and poaching. Much of the Earth’s land has been impacted by humans, leaving only 15 percent of protected nature. Aquatic habitats such as rivers and lakes are impacted the most due to water extraction, pollution and dams. - Sources: BBC News, The Guardian
The Breeze
Photo by Mathias Appel via Flickr
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October 31, 2016
Pumpjacks drilling oil through the boring at the Inglewood Oil Field. Photos by Jonathan Mendoza
Michelle Caldera
@MISHPUNCH1208
WHAT THE FRACK? T
he sound of swaying trees and the tumbling of crisp, dried leaves are scattered throughout the grassy slopes of the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, located in Inglewood California. It’s used to host local park goers to enjoy the man-made waterfalls and streams that lead to the base of the park’s pond. Along the boarders of the park resides a metal fence with protrusions of barbed spikes from the wire that angles itself upright to ensure no entry. A sign reads “Warning Trespassers will be prosecuted.” Hydraulic fracking has long been used to balance the demand for natural gas. The process involves pumping natural gas from the depths of the sea and urban areas by using a combination of sand, water and chemicals, through horizontal drilling. There are different forms of fracking that occur along the coast of California and has recently begun to expand outward into urban areas, near cities and homes. The BP oil spill along the Gulf of Mexico is one of the most notable fracking incidences as the wells that drilled at the bottom of the ocean gave way, creating a
massive pollution site that took years to clear. To many researchers, the threat of air and water pollution is much greater than what most people anticipate. The Sierra Club, an environmental organization that establishes support from regional activist, has rallied a few protests to ban fracking. They claim it can cause harmful effects such as increased uncertainty in seismic activity, as well as increased water and air pollution. Drilling companies such as Freeport-McMoRan, located in the Inglewood Oil Field, adjacent from the Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area, use pressurized clean, spring water to send down the oil wells to resurface natural gas. Kathryn Phillips, director of the Sierra Club in California, states, “We are exposing our water resources by injecting underground, near clean aquifers”. Phillips believes that clean water continues to be wasted by these big oil-drilling companies, even though we have been experiencing a five-year drought. “Temperature differences and new ailments will begin to happen”, said Phillips, “we are in a world of hurt The Breeze
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October 31, 2016
regarding climate change”. Government regulations have been lenient on fracking, as many oil companies have recently extended drilling throughout urban areas. Beverly Hills High School had been an oil-drilling site for a few decades but has recently been banned because of the effects of air pollution that could cause potential cancers in the future. Communities near fracking sites are believed to gain financial benefits for oil companies drilling in or near their vicinity. Wealth stimulation becomes a byproduct for low-income communities, allowing them to become easy targets for fracking. According to Phillips, we must “transition the transportation sector to electric vehicles”. By pushing the automotive industries into creating more electric vehicles that may become more available to the public, we can then begin to reduce our dependency on carbon fuel. “We must increase renewable energy and dramatically cut carbon emissions”, said Phillips. Future effects of fracking in urban areas have considerable consequences. By using preventative measures to reduce the amount of carbon emissions used, and efforts to improve regulations to ban major oil drillers from oil extraction, we may then be able to prevent toxic exposure for short and long-term effects. Photos by Jonathan Mendoza
The Breeze
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October 31, 2016
Futures in Limbo:
JULLIAN AIDEN BRAVO
The closure of ITT
T
he lives and education of ITT to pay back their student loan debts. Technical Institute’s 35,000 stuWhile the Department of Education is dents were put on hold after the in fact providing loan discharges for forfor-profit school shut its doors for good mer ITT students, the money funding the on Sept. 6, leaving many students in debt closed loan discharge might not be enough with no degree. to match the insurmountable debt these The closure of ITT comes shortly after students have. it announced it would no longer enroll new Harris has fought against for-profit students. Following that announcement, schools in the past. Her most notable fight ITT filed for bankruptcy on Sept. 16, against for-profits is her lawsuit against which led the Department of Education to Corinthian Colleges in 2013. She says halt ITT’s federal student aid funds. these students are “victims” who were All 137 campuses are now closed, but “scammed” by for-profit colleges. online students in the July 2016 academThe Department of Education is ic term were able to finish their programs, which ended Oct.16. 1. 137 campuses shut down “After more than 50 years of educating students, ITT Technical Institute has d i s - 2. 35,000 students affected continued operations at our resident campuses,” ITT said 3. Many face crippling debt on its website’s homepage. “We want to thank all our students and staff who were with us over those years and wish all of you the best in your future.” The Department of Education is working with thousands of former ITT students, many of whom are looking for opportunities to continue their career and/or manage their debt. According to Student Federal Aid, students have two primary choices: Apply for a closed school loan discharge or continue education by transferring credits to another institution. A closed school loan d i s - encouraging former ITT students to charge will relieve a student from the ob- continue to seek an education, as there are ligation to repay a loan. Eligibility require- students who have become dispirited by ments state that students will be approved the school’s closure. for a discharge only if they attended an “A college education is still the best ITT school that closed and were unable to investment a person can make in oneself finish their program of study. and the surest path to the middle class,” But not everyone could be granted a said Ted Mitchell, Under Secretary of loan discharge. California Attorney Education. “While ITT’s closure may be a General Kamala Harris, who sued Corin- disruption, we cannot allow it to be the end thian Colleges—a now inoperative for-prof- of the road for these students.” it school—for false advertising, says many A third option would be to enroll at former ITT students could still be forced a community college (CC). But credits The Breeze
@MR_REPORTERearned at a for-profit school are ineligible for transfer at a CC, thus giving students no other choice but to start over. There already are several ITT students who have applied to Chaffey College, according to Eric Bishop, Vice President of Student Services. The best a CC can do is reach out and provide options. Chaffey offers students information sessions. Some students are not aware of the advantages community colleges have over for-profit schools. A couple advantages are financial and academic security. This is the purpose of information sessions—helping students understand what a CC can offer. The primary goal of a CC is to provide students with an education, as opposed to for-profit schools, which focus on making a profit off students. Students also have the option to test for credit, which gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge and score out of an area of study such as math or English. However, credits by examination are limited to certain programs. “Their worlds have been put to the side,” Bishop said. “When I talk to these students they don’t realize how cheap it is to go to college. We want them to understand that they have options.” Bishop, who has been on conference calls with the Department of Education, said there has been no discussion regarding an articulation agreement, which would grant students the option of transferring credits from a non-profit to a CC. Approval of such an agreement would be up to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. For the 35,000 ITT students who had their education put on hold, the closure of ITT was most certainly frightening and infuriating. They are the latest casualties of the for-profit school industry. And the speedy degree and high-paying job they were guaranteed, proved to be nothing more than empty promises.
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PUSSY
October 31, 2016
TALK
RAVYN SALAS
The aftermath regarding Trump’s leaked video and the ‘locker room’ defense. In an election hinged on gender dynamics, Trump’s treatment of women has been brought to the forefront of the campaign and been the talk of many social media platforms. Recordings of the types of conversations he has have surfaced, where he refers to women as bitches and bragging about grabbing and groping them. Trump is recorded saying, “I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it,” he said. “Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.” In the frenzied aftermath of the video’s release, many republican officials were outraged and pulled their endorsement and vote for Trump. Women came forward 8
with allegations that Trump had harassed them and inappropriately kissed them or groped them without their consent. He defends himself in the second debate and denies doing what he brags about in the video. He argues that this sort of banter is commonly used among men. “Yes, I’m very embarrassed by it. I hate it. But it’s locker room talk and it’s one of those things,” he said. “It’s just words, folks. It’s just words.” Though they may be “just words”, the real life consequences of sexist language have a tangible effect women. Though not necessarily a direct correlation, the language used in mainstream media represents a disturbing trend. Julie Song, professor of Sociology at Chaffey, understands the way sexist lanThe Breeze
guage adds to a culture that normalizes “locker room talk.” She pushes her students to analyze the language of media, and how that differs between men and women. After being inundated with so many sexually aggressive actions and lewd comments, women often internalize this and project these views onto themselves. This becomes normal. “I think a lot of young women today equate sexuality and the way they look with power and I think that’s a huge misconception,” Song says. By the third debate, 11 women had come out saying that Donald had grabbed, groped, and even kissed them without their consent. When the moderator brought up these claims, trump denied the allegations entirely, with a low, elongated “Wrong.”
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October 31, 2016
PHOTOS BY DANIEL STEELE “I would say the only way - because those stories are all totally false I have to say that. And I didn’t even apologize to my wife, who is sitting right here, because I didn’t do anything. I didn’t know any of these women, I didn’t see these women.” He denied having any involvement with these ladies but what has recently come to light shows the patterns of sexual aggres-sion that Trump feels he’s entitled to with women. “I also think that the rape culture prob-lem is huge, this idea that rape is not a big deal,” Song says.”A lot of the mass media outlets, you know just frame it as boys will be boys. I think the Trump case is a really good example of that. He’s just saying that this is locker room talk.” Melania Trump also describes her then 59-year-old husband’s comments as just “boy talk.” Whatever you call it, bragging
about groping women, without consent is sexual assault. To dismiss these comments as just childish banter or locker room talk is not only irresponsible – it’s dangerous. Trump’s comments in the last debate illustrate that he feels women are either liars or nasty women for speaking out. The amount of credibility a woman must have in order to be taken seriously, paired with what some people see as a gain or comeuppance for the victim, is enough to deter many victims from speaking out. After Trump denies the allegations, he says “I believe Chris, that she got these people to step forward. If it wasn’t, they get their ten minutes of fame.” If not seen as credible or with the backing of many victims, as in the Cosby scandal, going public with allegations can come with a heavy blow to someone’s reputation. “This is the problem with rape culture, its, you know, the onus of proving that The Breeze
you’ve been sexually assaulted is on the victim and I think that’s a huge problem,” Song explains. Trump’s claim that his offensive comments were “locker room talk” is easily accepted, while the burden of proof lies on the women coming forward with allegations. Trump discrediting the women is one more subtle way this culture is reinforced.
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October 31, 2016
Vox Scholasticum: What the People Have to Say About Election Day by Roberto Hernandez, Maya Hood, Katherine Ramirez, Quinn Hafoka, Juliana Alvarez, Ravyn Salas, Michael Villarreal and Michael Ravenelle
Hamid Zahir, 26 physics major and military veteran
“The most shocking part was Trump ignoring the great democracy and not accepting the nominee. He’s starting to question the democracy that so many soldiers have fought for and its insulting. It is irresponsible.”
Stephanie Garcia, 22 undecided
“I became very discouraged after Bernie (Sanders) lost... I’m not enthusiastic at all, but I’m going to vote for Hilary because the wall that Trump says he’ll build, I kind of take it personally because my older generations jumped over the wall. Just that thing alone motivates me to vote for Hilary Clinton... I think something that we learned from this election is that people are seriously interested in a third party.”
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Alex Kennedy, 20 undecided
“I’m kind of undecided because they’re both pricks, both losers...I’m not even voting.”
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October 31, 2016
Saida Parvez, 19 kinesiology
(Prop 64) “The only thing that wants to make me say yes to make it legal would be the tax money would help pay for whatever else we need as like a community or whatever but I don’t think that people need it, Most people use it for non medical reasons.”
Sean Hill, 20, criminal justice
(Prop 62/66) “I feel that with prop 47 that was passed in 2014, which is the law that people who were charged with drug charges, drops them down to misdemeanor. So all they have to do is a minimum of 1 year in jail which means that they are back out selling, and the reason they did that is because the jails are full. So with the death penalty it can free up the space in jail so we can hold more people in jail. So I think the death penalty would be a good thing so I think yes we should keep it.”
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Esmeralda Avila, 18 art major
(Prop 56)“There are people here who are suffering from asthma, and I think we should make the prices higher because you see the statistics every year of peoples asthma is getting worse, and people getting second hand smoke”
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October 31, 2016
Gladys Morroy, 27 psychology
“I am conflicted about this election because I really feel like we only have two options. There is so much propaganda. I haven’t heard from the two candidates actually talk about the real issues going on, like the Syrian war or the Russia’s nuclear drones.. I don’t think this election will have a positive impact at all.”
Sheyla Criego, 22 teaching/education
Wish the election was not coming up. Wish it was a few years later, had more time to establish something better. This election is not positive at all. I wish we had Obama for four more years. I don’t think we are learning anything from the debates, the real issues are not being talked about. The debates are not teaching us anything. I don’t think we should watch the debates. I’m on the fence about deciding whether I should vote or not.”
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Tyneka Washington, 21 English
“I disagree. I think we should watch the debates and we should vote. It’s my fault that I haven’t done the research into the propositions and the candidates. But I know that I should vote. Especially because I know that some of the propositions connect to education.”
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October 31, 2016
Jonas Owusu, 23 nursing
“ I have been keeping up with the debates. I watched the last two debates but not the last one. Donald Trump doesn’t really cover the issues. It’s definitely an interesting election. I am not enthusiastic about it though. I want Hillary to win even though she is not the greatest choice. Trump does not have the temperament to be president of the United States. And if Trump were to win, I think a lot of nations will become uneasy. Trump is just a joke.
Marinda Bejarano, 19 liberal studies
(prop 64) “Weed has been proven to help with health related issues. Like anxiety, and cancer, and they are creating stuff that you can like spray on your stomach that can help with cramps. I think it's benificial for people, I think its a better medical alternative.
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Travis M. Alwin, 24 political science major and ASCC President
“Get out there and vote! I can’t stress this enough. Millenial's votes count more today than ever.”
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October 31, 2016
CHRIS SALAZAR @CHRISECLECTIC23
“For centuries the death penalty, often accompanied by barbarous refinements, has been trying to hold crime in check; yet crime persists. Why? Because the instincts that are warring in man are not, as the law claims, constant forces in a state of equilibrium.” —Albert Camus
C
alifornia is one of 30 states that practice capital punishment. The inefficient system has cost Californian taxpayers $ 4 billion since it was reinstated in 1978 after a six year hiatus when capital punishment was found to be unconstitutional in 1972. And while the retributive nature of the punishment beckons the lesser angels of our nature, the system is broken. Currently, there are 741 inmates on death row. But their finality stretches far beyond the horizon visible from their prison cell because the appeals process is incredibly slow-going. Consider that California has only executed 13 inmates since 1976. Many in favor of capital punishment often scoff at the lengthy appeals process suggesting that the tortoiselike procedure be gutted entirely. But that’s nonsensical. The justice system cannot function properly sans appeals. If the process was ransacked, the 156 inmates released from 14
death row with evidence of their innocence since 1973 would forever remain bereft of life. The most recent exoneration to occur in the golden state was in 2000 when Oscar Lee Morris’ accuser, Joe West, came clean. “The testimony I gave against Oscar Morris,” said West in a 1997 sworn declaration, “. . .was a lie.” The confession came several weeks before his passing. So, capital punishment could work if the U.S. was more like China and simply disposed of its criminals equally rapid— except Morris was innocent, and there are no do-overs. Voting yes on proposition 62 would repeal California’s death penalty, mitigating fiscal and moral decline. While recent decades saw greater voter support in favor of capital punishment, the idea that revenge is virtuous still holds prestige. The sentiment is understandable, justifiable, even but the data suggests that voters may have to challenge their perception. The Breeze
In 2009, Professors Michael Radelet and Traci Lacock of the University of Colorado conducted a study to discern whether capital punishment is a greater deterrent than long-term imprisonment. The study, Do Excursions Lower Homi-
cide Rates? The Views of Leading Criminologists, was published in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, found that “There is overwhelming consensus among America’s top criminologists that the empirical research conducted on the deterrence question fails to support the threat or use of the death penalty.” While voting yes on proposition 62 would repeal California’s death penalty, replacing it with life in prison without the possibility of parole, requiring those prisoners to work and pay restitution to the victims’ families, voting yes on proposition 66 accomplishes nothing that repealing the death penalty couldn’t do better and faster.
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October 31, 2016
CHARLIE VARGAS @CHARLIEVARGAS19 PHOTO BY EMMANUEL VARGAS
P
roposition 60 undermines civil rights of amateur and professional sex workers in California. Under proposition 60, pornography filmed anywhere in California, would require all performers engaging in vaginal or anal sex to wear a condom. Performers already practice an identical law passed in 2012 known as Measure B, which requires condom use during the filming of vaginal or anal intercourse filmed in Los Angeles County. This law is currently regulated by California’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) which responds to concerns and complaints about production companies that disregard this law on top of the industry’s biweekly testing of performers for STDs and STIs. Precautionary measures are necessary but the proposal oversteps its bounds and violates freedom of choice. The law implies that sex workers in the industry may not fully understand the risks of their own job. It demeans performers and portrays them as unclean, unsafe and incompetent all while stripping them of their choice to abstain or use a condom.
Proposition 60 would make it mandatory for producers to enforce condoms with the penalty of a fine if they fail to enforce it, but they are also subject to a lawsuit by the state and by any citizen who has no financial interest in the film. According to section 6720.6 part d) of the proposition, “If judgement is entered against one or more defendants in an action brought under this section, penalties recovered by the plaintiff shall be distributed as follows: 75 percent to the State of California and 25 percent to the plaintiff.” To make matters worse, this proposed law does not clearly specify who could be sued. Section 6720.8 opens a path to sue any individual whether they’re professional or amateur for filming intercourse without a condom. The law accomplishes legal leeway by using vague definitions such as “adult films” which is defined as, “any recorded, streamed, or real-time broadcast of any film, video, multimedia or other representation of sexual intercourse.” The vagueness of “any” in this definition opens the door for not just producers to be sued but for perform-
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ers in professional or homemade adult content to be sued individually as well. The legislation endangers performers financially and also undermines their privacy. As a consequence of a court trial, a performer’s personal information would be publicly available. In an interview with abc7 news, Ela Darling, President of the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee commented on the law and its potential privacy and safety dangers for performers. “I’m terrified of what might happen,” she said. “I have people who threaten to rape me, people who threaten to slit my throat, and people who threaten to kill my dog.” The law would not reduce STDs or STIs. Instead, the bill demands a forfeiture of rights, endangers performer safety and increases lawsuit susceptibility. Harm not withstanding, choice and privacy should be a natural right for every individual. The industry is responsible for the well being of their performers. There is no need for legislative intervention. Proposition 60 is anti-sex work coercion.
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October 31, 2016
A & E / OPINION
“When the politicians are providing us with the fiction there’s no place for people like me,” -Armando Ianucci, creator of “Veep”
A
rmando Ianucci is an award-winning filmmaker exceptional in political satire. The Scotland-based writer is mostly known in America as the creator of the award-winning HBO series “Veep,” a show about a former-senator-turned-vice president Selina Meyer tries to juggle the disfunction and idiocy that is American politics. It’s hilarious, intelligent and anyone with the slightest interest in political satire should seek “Veep” (or even his British-based spiritual predecessor, “The Thick of It”). Ianucci, like many other satirist, debunks some form of accepted idea, notion or concept through comedy and storytelling—in search for a concealed truth. So it’s both disheartening and hilarious (as any great piece of satire) to find Ianucci feeling much like the rest of America when considering the antics between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Critics and fans flocked to Ianucci through social media, wondering how his stories would be affected by this election. His response came during a Sep. 23 interview with CNN Money. As expected Ianucci’s response was hilariously sad: “A lot of people keep asking me if I am going to do a ‘Thick of It Brexit’ or a ‘Trump Veep’ and the answer is no! If we plotted a lot of these lines in fiction we’d be told we had barely credibly story lines.” It’s an incredibly a daunting task to go out and count exactly how many different forms of satire exists solely targeted at Presidents outside the thousand other political shenanigans that’ve occured in the past century. Just counting political cartoons that have been published since the dawn of print journalism would require months, if not years of research. Even scrolling through The Week’s political cartoon section will reveal at least two comics per week that have been related to this upcoming 16
election. After scrolling through their back catalog 100 pages, there are still illustrations reworking the visage of Clinton and Trump for every punchline. This isn’t limited only to The Week: L.A. Times cartoonist David Horsey has been drawing the pair for over a year—same goes for the Daily Cartoon at The New Yorker, as well as Patrick Chappatte from the New York Times. In print form, both candidates (third parties AND vp’s included) have had their share of colorful exposure. It makes sense, when comparing the workloads behind creating a cartoon and producing a film or television series. For decades, viewers have seen the election mocked repeatedly through the sketch mainstay Saturday Night Live. There have been so many iconic portrayals of former presidents and election sketches that it usually becomes a matter of when with these things and this year was no different. While Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of Trump during their take on the debates was hilarious, the writing itself ultimately revealed nothing that Trump himself didn’t already say or do with his “butthole” mouth. Same goes for Clinton as their three sketches reveal no truth, but only repeat it. Kate McKinnon’s take makes her Clinton contain a childlike glee, which is less character work and more McKinnon having fun. That then raises the question: Is there a right way to satirize this current election? One would have to consider the way it’s presented. Since the reality regarding the controversy of both candidate resonate (for better or worse) with people today, it may be best to visually preserve that scenario in complete accuracy through documentary, maybe even in the form of mockumentary. This is why Ianucci’s shows work so well, because his camera lets the acting, writing and situation land the laughs. Prior to Ianucci, Sacha Baron Cohen’s The Breeze
2006 feature-length “Borat” film was the last impactful political satire that blends both the reality in fiction that revealed a incredibly racist, troubled America during the Bush administration. A dramatic (e.g. comedic) adaptation could work, but then that leaves the possibility of another “Man of Wire” / “The Walk” scenario. The existence of films such as the 1972 “The Candidate” and 1957 classic “Face in the Crowd” reveal a pre-Wikileaks America that understands the mechanizations behind campaigning. However, what ultimately takes place is meant to be funny, while mainting a dark, cynical point of view. It’s that balance of light and dark that grounds these movies about corrupt men trying to win an election. It isn’t until we see it under today’s eyes that it’s like holding up a mirror. Parody had become truth in our reality, removing the comedy and only leaving the horror. Political comedy still lives strong through shows like “The Daily Show” and “Last Week Tonight,” and they’ve done fine in covering this election. But they’re only as good as the news provides. “South Park” is an interesting case. Keeping current, they rework newsworthy items into their narrative, but the unpredictability of current events has also worked against them as well. Maybe the solution isn’t to satirize this election at all. Despite the lesser debate sketches, SNL contained a clever sketch featuring Tom Hanks as a Trump supporter and contestant on Black Jeopardy, debunking the notion of a Trump supporter. There’s no denying that both candidates provide enough material for stand-up set, but rarely can the joke genuinely enjoyed when the source material can be so disgusting and vile. It’s frustrating, but there is hope in said trepidation: it could possibly lead to the next great bit of art and satire. Hanajun Chung / @hanajun
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October 31, 2016
TOP SHELF PROFESSOR PICKS A & E / COLUMN
DECHANNE LANE
For the column’s final installment, here are books suggested by professors.
1
2016
2
2009
3
ASK THE QUESTION
Steven Mansfield
1986
THE POISONWOOD BIBLE
This book focuses on the religious affiliation of our elected officials and presidential candidates, allowing us to gain more insight on who we are voting for.
Barbara Kingsolver
WHITE NOISE
A fictional novel that provides a foreign perspective of America, specifically in 1959 in the Belgian Congo.
-Kenyan Callahan, Political Science -Michelle Dowd, English
4
2008 SHOCK DOCTRINE
Don Delillo
[A book about] media saturation and how it affects our thinking. Satire of higher education. Think about your own experience and look at the world more critically. -Neil Watkins, English
5
%&
5(38%/,&
Naomi Kline
3ODWR
Describes the now. What’s happening economically more so than any text I’ve ran across. Speaks Irrational fears of big government. -Charles Williams, English
The Breeze
" HSFBU CPPL GPS BMM DPMMFHF TUVEFOUT CFDBVTF JU HPFT JOUP UIF UPQJD PG KVTUJDF BOE EFMWFT JOUP UIF JEFB PG VT MJWJOH JO B 6UPQJB -Lavon Gentry, Philosophy
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October 31, 2016
BATTLEFIELD 1 WWI WITH A TWIST
Daniel Steele @MetalgearSteele
O
n paper, setting Battlefield within the bleak trench warfare of the Great War is risky. How do you place a franchise known best for fast-paced modern combat in a century-old war marred by extended stale mates and antiquated weaponry? The answer: fantasize it. Battlefield 1’s gorgeous alternate history take on WWI brought the hope of freshening the franchise and taking it out of the dull slump of the previous game. And it’s largely successful in doing so. One way Battlefield 1 improves upon its predecessors is with its single player campaign, which has struggled in the past with boring stories and uninspired missions. It tells the personal story of six different soldiers in separate parts of the war, where each character gets their own bite-sized campaign. One story features the female rebel Zara Ghufran who works with T. E. Lawrence (of Lawrence of Arabia) and his rebels to sabotage the Ottoman army, while another follows mischievous Royal Air Force pilot Clyde Blackburn. Each character’s campaign is only two to three hours; they tell concise stories that don’t overstay their welcome. This anthology method of storytelling greatly benefits the single-player as it frequently changes up the objectives and setting. The structure of each mission––when not occupying a tank or plane––flips between stealth and all-out combat, and the variety of objectives keeps the game from feeling too repetitive. The player will capture enemy positions, sneak through occupied German and Ottoman territory, defend an allied stronghold and search for parts to repair a tank. Although these missions are standard for
shooters on their own, the variety keeps the campaign interesting enough during each short story. The stealth is lacking, however. Too many times the enemy would spot the character while looking in another direction. The distance from which enemies are alerted is inconsistent, which was frustrating at times. It was much more satisfying to curse the stealth and opt for the Rambo method––murder everyone with big-ass machine guns. Battlefield 1’s single-player is decent and serviceable overall. It’s great compared to previous game’s attempts. As for the multiplayer––the actual meat and potatoes of the game––Battlefield hasn’t been better since Bad Company 2. The 64-player “Conquest” mode, where players fight for the highest score by capturing flags, is just as fun and hectic as it’s always been and shows what Battlefield has always done best––multiplayer warfare on a massive scale. It’s a blast to charge through enemy tank explosions on a horse, leap off to capture a flag and defend it with fellow players while picking off enemies with a lever-action rifle. The biggest addition to the multiplayer is the new “Operations” game mode. This mode is a combination of “Conquest” and “Rush”––a mode where one side attempts to blow up enemy positions while the other defends. In “Operations,” one side works its way down enemy territory by capturing two flags at a time, while the other defends them before they run out of lives. The defenders have three attempts to stop the attackers from capturing every flag. This mode is a great addition to the game and has been the most The Breeze
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October 31, 2016 fun, even the most exhilarating, aspect of the multiplayer. Desperately holding the frontline from droves of attackers while reviving team mates as a medic is the closest the game gets to feeling like Saving Private Ryan. Almost every soldier in WWI had bolt-action rifles, but the game takes plenty of liberties with its own array of fictitious machine guns and rifles. This means the dynamic of the gameplay remains largely the same as it’s always been, which is fine. The game’s developer, DICE, doesn’t want to deviate too far from its signature multiplayer gameplay. Rifles-only combat in miles of winding trenches is too far from the Battlefield formula. In many ways, the WWI era is a palette swap or skin change, but the older weaponry is a fresh enough change to the typical assault rifle used in so many modern military shooters. The historic regression also brings beautiful renderings of 20th century Europe and Arabia. And seeing the destruction of these environments, from the classical buildings to the vast dunes of sand, is beautiful in its own way. Battlefield 1 is the series’ most fully featured game in years. The new “Operations” mode is a satisfying addition to an already great multiplayer, and the game’s WWI setting is a welcome change to its typical modern era look. The single-player is a noticeable improvement, but still forgettable in the pantheon of first person shooter campaigns. They’re getting there though.
+ Improved Campaign + Fun weapons and maps + Great new “Operations” mode - Lacking in gun variety - Frustrating A.I.
Grade: B
The Breeze
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October 31, 2016
The Music Around You: A Tribute to Beach Goth and The Growlers
Story and photos by Charlie Vargas @CharlieVargas19
This column is part of a weekly web series on The Baseline
The Growlers performing at Beach Goth at The Observatory in Santa Ana Calif. on Oct. 22.
T
his week’s musical destination was at Beach Goth in Santa Ana Calif. The two day festival is an annual event hosted by The Growlers. They originally started out by just throwing backyard and warehouse shows for friends in Orange County Calif. but now they’ve reached a new level of DIY for throwing shows. From backyard gigs to music festivals, The Growlers showed just how much their following grew over the last couple of years. This year marked year number five for the festival and as always their line-up was juicy.
It included some pretty big names such as The Violent Femmes, Chicano Batman, Kali Urchis, TLC, Devendra Banhart, King Krule, and Gucci Mane. The festival did have a few setbacks which started out with the change of location. The Growlers originally wanted to host their festival at Oak Canyon Park in Irvine Calif. but decided The Observatory in Santa Ana Calif. might be a better
option after the disastrous parking situation of Day N Night at Oak Canyon Park just a few months ago. The Observatory was ideally what annual festival goers were expecting from the beginning, but I’m sure none of them anticipated the amount of people that were going to attend this year. The festival had four stages; two of them were packed to the brim with almost no elbow room the first day. The second day, rained pretty early making manners a tad worse on but when it poured performers such as Devendra Banhart thrived. With the rain consuming the festival his romantic musical essence was truly embodied as he told everyone, “You’re going to get wet. The Breeze
You’re going to get wet… But, you can keep each other warm.” Many people were upset and frustrated because of these factors, which is completely understandable. The Growlers themselves had said they were stressed about the sudden move, but they planned the majority of themselves and despite all of the unplanned mishaps that’s still impressive. They are the epitome of a band who is succeeding, all the way from the local scene to the big time and this festival showed new fans and annual fans that they’ve come a long way. It’s definitely worth noting and admirable to see local acts grow because just like the bands I’ve covered previously, who knows who’ll be running their own festivals next.
For more of The Music Around You, visit medium.com/the-base-line
Full Crowd at Beach Goth gathers around a main stage at The Observatory on Oct. 22.
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October 31, 2016
LOCKER ROOM TALK Politics and
Sports Collide
Edward Gutierrez
@EDWORDGEE
A
s multiple news outlets continued to cover believing that she will leave a ‘legacy’ such as Presithe election and whether or not either of our dent Barack Obama has. And when asked about issues candidates are even qualified enough to run the in the inner cities James believes Clinton will bring country, sports writers started to see what athletes truly forward change. thought about this years presidential election. From “Hillary has always been a champion for children Lebron James, Colin Kaepernick, Tom Brady and even and their futures,” James writes. “For over 40 years, Brian France, CEO of Nascar chimed in their thoughts she’s been working to improve public schools, expand on this election. access to health care, support children’s hospitals, and First athlete to make any noise in the media was so much more.” Colin Kaepernick, the ex back-up quarterback turned As for when Sports Illustrated asked about the starter who decided to protest the national anthem in recent scandal ‘PussyGate’ and the topic of it being wake of the wrongful police killings that continued to considered ‘Locker room talk’ James said, “What is take place in our country. He even caught the attention locker room talk to me? It’s not what that guy said. We of our very own Chaffey Panthers who exercised their don’t disrespect women in no shape or fashion in our right to protest by kneeling during the national anthem locker rooms. That never comes up,” James said. “I’ve this season. got a mother-in-law, my mom, a wife and a daughter As for when it came to who he believes should run and those conversations just don’t go on in our locker our country Kaepernick stated to the media saying, “... room.” to me it was embarrassing to watch that these are our Thus, showcasing that this ‘Locker room talk’ excuse two candidates,” Kaepernick said. “Both are proven doesn’t float with everyone, but yet others have unique liars and it almost seems like they’re trying to debate opinions on Trump. Take Nascar CEO Brian France, who’s less racist. At this point, in talking to one of my who has been a friend of Trumps for 20 years and friends, you have to pick the lesser of two evils, but the believes he’s the ‘Man for the job,’ stating, “You know end is still evil.” about his winning in business and success. I’m here to And yet, Kaepernick continues to believe America tell you he wins with his family. … Any of his children, is no walk in the park for African-Americans saying, you’d be proud to have them as part of your family. “He always says, ‘Make America Great Again.’ Well, That’s how I judge a winner, how somebody manages America’s never been great for people of color. And their family, raises their family. that’s something that needs to be addressed. Let’s make And Yet, Trump has shown very different of when it America great for the first time.” comes to being a family man, considering that he beKaepernick doesn’t stand alone, as other star athletes lieves he could just grab women by their privates. But began to give their own insight on this election. Exin the sports world athletes are human and their bosses pressing their beliefs on issues such as racism and who are to. They all possess unique opinions and look for they will support this upcoming race for presidency, different characteristics for who they believe should run such as three-time NBA champion Lebron James. our country. It’s going to be one hell of a race when it A bounty of healthy foods found on campus. Photo by Liz Duncan Earlier this October James endorsed Hilary Clinton, comes to this years presidency. The Breeze
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October 31, 2016
FALL CLASSIC MEMORIES Kyle Smith @_kyol
Whether inspiring and great, or painful to the point of tears, these World Series moments will never be forgotten.
FISK
BUCKNER
BALL FAIR
THE CURSE
WAVES
FALLS VICTIM TO
The Boston Red Sox were still under the curse of the Bambino when Billy Buckner allowed a slow dribbler through his legs to hand the Mets a World Series win. With two outs in the 10th and Boston up 5-4 a wild pitch allowed the Mets to score the tying run. Later in the at-bat, Mookie Wilson hit what would have been an inning ending ground ball. Instead, it was a walk off error for the New York Mets. It’s the most infamous error in the history of baseball. It’s the video that Jimmy Fallon watches on repeat after Drew Barrymore breaks up with him in Fever Pitch. It is never forgotten by Red Sox fans, especially Ben the school teacher.
I
n the historic Fenway Park, the Red Sox were battling back into a game that so clearly belonged to the Cincinnati Reds. After tying it up in the 8th, Carlton Fisk led off the 9th inning with a shot to down the left field line. Off the bat, he knew it had the distance but it looked destined for foul ground. Fisk dropped his bat, but never took his eyes off the ball he just crushed and waved his arms to the right, pushing the ball the fair. It hit the foul pole by the Green Monster and fell back into the field of play. A home run. A walk-off win. Fisk forced a game seven in the most spectacular way possible.
“There it goes, a long drive. If it stays fair ... homerun!”
-Ned Martin
1975
“And it gets through Buckner!” -Vin Scully The Breeze
1986
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October 31, 2016
The Cubs haven’t been to the World Series since 1945. Cleveland is no longer estranged to championships after the Cavaliers won the NBA title earlier this year. This World Series will be historic no matter the outcome, but how the winner is decided is always the most exciting part.
GIBSON FREESE DOES THE
PLAYS
IMPOSSIBLE HERO When mentioning great moments in sports Kirk Gibson’s pinch-hit walk-off home run in the first game of the 1988 world series is a must. After being out of commission for most of the year with two bad knees and expectedly sidelined throughout the playoffs, manager Tommy Lasorda gave Gibson a bat to hit against arguably the best pitcher at the time, Dennis Eckersley in the 9th down a run with a man on base. Vin Skully’s voice, “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!” and Jack Buck, “I don’t believe what I just saw!” are two of the most chilling radio calls for baseball fans to hear and they were both in response to one of the unlikely moments sports will ever see.
“In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened.”
-Vin Scully
1988
Facing elimination, the Cardinals jumped on David Freese’s back to force a seventh game against the Rangers. Down 5-7 in the 9th with two outs David Freese hit a triple to keep the season alive and tie the game His next at-bat was more important to the outcome of the Series as he led off the 11th inning with a walk-off home run. The final score was 10-9 as Freese jogged around the bases before throwing his helmet between his legs and getting mobbed at home by his teammates like a little leaguer. This is the game that showed everyone Chase Utley was born to play in the postseason.
“We will see you tomorrow night.” -Joe Buck ThTh e eBreeze Breeze
2011
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October 31, 2016
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