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Staff Kaylee Fullington **************** Editor-in-Chief

Gabriel Dejesus ************ Graphic Designer

Miranda Morgan ******************** Copy Editor

Lionel Getten **************** Layout Manager

Daniel Graham ********************** Copy Editor

Kamille Tate ****************************** Writer

Maximilian Morici *********** A&E/Culture Editor

Chayse Larsen *************************** Writer

Loureyna Pablo ****************** Opinion Editor

Rene Madrigal *************************** Writer

Eliam Carrion ************** Multimedia Manager

Gabe Jacome *********************** Centerfold

Nizar Masri ************** Social Media Manager

Alyssa Valle ********************** Photographer

Andre Manzo ********************** Sports Editor

Ian Jones ********************** Faculty Advisor

Ryan Jackson **** Life & Style / Features Editor

Nate Gosney *************** Program Assistant

Letter From The Editor My lovely Breeze team, A few semesters ago a shy and quiet version of myself stumbled upon our newsroom. Immediately welcomed with open arms, I was eager to express my creativity in the company of my peers. Not only have I experienced growth through self-expression, but in a newfound confidence as well. Your perseverance has taught me that the world will only crumble beneath my feet if I let it. Even when the room is buzzing, your encouragement has lifted me up to nurture the creativity of this team. I applaud the dedication to yourselves –– not allowing outside forces to skew your passions. You are on the right track team, and remember this magazine is for you. Share it with the world and be proud of this product, it would not be possible without your voice. With the most love, Kaylee (Kiwi) Fullington 2

Table of Contents ANXIETIES OF THE MODERN AGE: WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT? Page 4-5 *********************************************** Sew What? How Art Can Turn Angst Into Activism Page 6-7 *************************************************** Data Collection and Privacy in The Digital Age Page 8-9 **************************************************************** Echoes of Anxiety and Its Antidote Page 10-11 *************************************************************************** How I Garden My Soul Page 12 ******************************************* Artificial Intelligence in Education: Risks and Potential Page 13-16 ************************************************************************ Know Your Rights Cards Page 17 ******************************************************************* Humans of Chaffey: Kim George Page 18-19 *************************************************** The War on Sports: Transphobic Corruption Page 20-21 ************** Why is My Dripping Faucet Under More Scrutiny Than a Billionaire’s Greed? Page 22-23 ******************************************************************************** American Fatigue Page 24-25 ******************************************************** Mourning a Martyr, Forgetting the Man Page 26 ********************************************************************* The Elemental Clock is Ticking Page 27 ********************************************************************************* Letter To The Editor

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Sew What? How Art Can Turn Angst Into Activism by Loureyna Pablo

It feels like every day we wake up to a horrifying headline. Or two. Or more. With bad news in our faces and on our screens incessantly, life can feel all out of control. Constant overwhelm is so exhausting. Desperately trying to ground myself in order and peace has seldom done wonders for me. It feels like a hunt for something nonexistent. What if instead of wildly searching everywhere for a remedy, we just have to lean into the messiness of our own selves? I have always been into arts and crafting (lately that is writing, sewing, collaging and ceramics). Though for most things, my talent is middle-school prodigy at best. But self-acceptance has freed me. I have found that letting go of perfection has allowed me to relax, finding solace and empowerment in the act of making things. My junk journal is unorganized? My ceramic mug is wonky-looking? So what? That is a part of the art. Once I get past that wall of insecurity, I gain access to a soothing feeling of control. I get to creatively decide what happens and what does not. With the relentless genocide of Palestinians, the chaos of the U.S. government and other things even further out of my reach, I channel all my guilt, rage and fear into a burning productivity of something I can grasp in front of me. With sewing, my current hobby, I have the agency to turn my angst into activism. For my first pair of skinny jeans turned baggy -- achieved through

the power of sewing -- I accented them with embroidered flames and statements of “ABOLISH ICE” and “NO KINGS,” scrappily stitched on the sides. In a time when media coverage is spotty and communities are being erased, I have to use at least an ounce of my privilege to project what others cannot safely say. While it is a bit censored so that I can wear it to my workplace, the jeans have helped me spark meaningful discussions. Because of the jeans, I have talked with coworkers about the No Kings protest that took place in June, and some of my peers have felt inspired to create again. Chaffey alumna Tiffany Benitez, a friend who I met in Environmental Biology, discussed with me how activism plays a role in her work. She aims to create work that reflects the bubbly and positive light she wants to be in this world. Her process is slightly different than mine, as she does not vent out her negative feelings directly in her art; but the intent in her creation comes from the urge to remind those that “forgot what it is to live, love or respect.” Especially considering current issues we have discussed — including the threat of climate change our class explored — using art to call others’ attention to what is going on in the world is how she finds it to be an expressive tool for activism.

Sewing has allowed me to DIY how I express myself and gives me control instead of yielding it to big brands. Lately, big brands and trends have begun to reflect a societal shift towards conservatism’s restraint and gendered roles. I challenge those confining ideals when making clothes that empower my character. Against the backdrop of the current government, creation can stand out as a bold “f*** you” to vile politics that obsess over identity. Additionally, sewing my own clothes serves as a counter to the rise of big companies rapidly mass manufacturing fashion. I incorporate environmentalism into my work by thrifting fabrics that would end up in a landfill. Using what you have and what could be repurposed are accessible and sustainable ways of creating (bonus, you are rebelling against overconsumption.) I used to struggle making my sewing look professional and clean. Mistakes in sewing are unlike painting, where messiness can easily be perceived as intentionally abstract. My stitches are crooked and sleeves can be so uneven that the work is nearly unflattering — but what I make is raw, and it is real and it is me. For sewing and any other art or craft, imperfection is the most sacred marking of humanity’s touch. How could I live if perfectionism never lets me try? I don’t make anything that rocks the world or is revolutionary. Even with hours of practice and watching Nava Rose sewing DIYs, my work is still a far cry from ending up in a fashion show or going viral for its commendable political messages.

And sew what? I am not doing it for the sake of fame. Ultimately, my progress from each project inspires me to do just continue creating. To get outside my area of comfort and to get messy and real and louder in the face of all things trying to tear my humanity down. It is time we all embraced carefree creation outside of the digital. Pinterest, TikTok, and AI are not necessary when you have yourself. Creation requires nothing more than your brain and whatever you can make use of within your reach. Just pick up the damn pencil or find the craft scissors at the bottom of a drawer. Let your instinct or current feelings drive your creative session. Maybe yo will make a silly doodle of your pet. Maybe even a museum-worthy piece. It is a long shot, but who knows? Maybe you will make something that sparks a movement.

Data Collection and Privacy in The Digital Age by Daniel Graham “I built my FYP brick by brick.”

of these contracts, however, sits at about 34,000 words and would take the average reader approximately two and a half hours to read completely from start to finish.

A seemingly harmless phrase that highlights the delight social media users experience when browsing relatable posts or “niche” interests. What the phrase does not acknowledge is how these platforms filter content to hook users into scrolling preferred content. It all boils down to the advent of the algorithm.

Among the clauses detailing the platform use, lost are the important considerate facts about data management and privacy rights. Coupled with a declining literacy rate in the US, the lack of consumer awareness in respecting online privacy is unsurprising.

Through a Chaffey College survey of 31 students and staff, 96% declared they use at least one social media platform multiple times a day. A majority of respondents expressed comfortability with companies using personal data to provide a tailored experience. One respondent asserted to have no problem with it “until they sell it to data brokers (that) could do harm.” Data brokers are third-party companies that exploit weak privacy laws to gather personal information. This data collection creates a profile on each online presence: remembering every clicked link, saved product, and shared videos or memes.

In one case, a family found themselves unable to sue Disney for the wrongful death of a loved one because they were subscribed to Disney+. After Disney backtracked on the “mandatory arbitration clause” buried somewhere in the Disney+ contract, it was finally decided that the case would be heard in court. This is just one example of how these lengthy agreements can lead to the abuse of rights.

Unfortunately, users unknowingly consent to this invasion of privacy when signing up for these media platforms. Many are familiar with the “manage cookies” banner popping up while visiting most websites, and for most it is natural to select the “accept all” button just to view the screen properly. What users are actually doing in this scenario is giving the website permission to track every click next through the site. This allows data brokers to push services that fit users’ interests while also providing the company with an understanding of what attracts clicks to products on the site. Some platforms and services make users accept their terms and conditions before further access is permitted. The average length

Users are torn when confronted with the reality of how these services operate, with some survey replies stating users are willing to sacrifice their personal information and liberty because, “it is more convenient if they do,” while others detest the prospect.

“These platforms aren’t giving me a dime for my information,” one user states. Another survey respondent states, “because the retrieval of information isn’t visible to social media users, it feels like it’s too hard and too time consuming for someone to really consider the implications of their data being collected.” Due to the normalization of data collecting, many consumers do not pay attention to how exactly their data may be used. Between the terms and conditions that go unread and the proliferation of data collection on nearly every online platform, it is hard to imagine that users have any agency over what type of content is being viewed or interacted with. Even news sources are becoming tailored to certain opinions or social circles. Fortunately, there are methods to preserve what little privacy is left on the internet. For cookies, one can instead click “manage cookies” to disable any that are unnecessary. One can also invest in data-removal services such as Delete Me that will actively delete personal information from data-collecting sites for a subscription fee. Unfortunately, these services will cease once the payment is stopped and the data will be available to collect once again. This is the current state of the internet. Users accept compromising their privacy for the sake of convenience. Those that wish to secure some personal information must take extra –– sometimes inconvenient –– steps to gain agency back for a limited time.

Echoes of Anxiety and Its Antidote by Maximilian Morici We have come to live in a world that is saturated by sound. Silence is rare. Notifications are never ending. People have few places to turn for peace. Anxiety on a global scale is on the rise. Especially in the younger generations, where music is more accessible and integrated than ever. Music has always been a mirror of society: a reflection of the struggles and emotions of the times, a tool for expression and connection in a world that often feels as though it is moving far too fast. In the 60s and 70s, anxiety disorders were considered to be rare. The general consensus among doctors was that stress, nerves and tension festered from anxiety. The more these factors popped up in daily life, the more likely it was to see the development of anxiety. Today, a myriad of factors contribute to stress levels. Pressures from social media to present an idealistic version of oneself. Political instability and division, separating family and friends. A non-stop bombardment by a stream of information that never sleeps, and constant noise. Rising music genres reflect societal tensions. From the fast pace of hyper-pop, to the slow, nostalgic feeling of bedroom pop. The overstimulation and repetitiveness of electronic dance music or EDM. Popular lyrical themes reflect fears of the future. Loneliness in a world that is more connected than ever. The doubt that one will find a way to be successful in these hard times. As well as the burnout from working hard every day at work, school and in one’s community. Striving to build a future that was possessed by previous generations, but are unable to attain themselves. The algorithms of the major music platforms sell moods. They curate playlists and reel young people into a drip feed subscription service. These algorithms know our own anxieties before we even know them ourselves. Targeted ads try to sell products and services, even if one wants to lie down and decompress from society. Peace must be purchased. While there are some drawbacks in accessing music in modern times, research done by Sabino Recovery (a nationally recognized mental health and addiction treatment group out of Tucson, Arizona) suggests that music can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by providing a distraction from negative thoughts and emotions. Music has also been shown to reduce stress through the release of dopamine and the lowering of cortisol levels. Listening to music can be beneficial in a number of ways. Many students find it helpful to listen to ambient music as they study. Therapists will often have classical music playing to reduce stress and invoke deep emotional responses. Yoga and meditation classes often play calming sounds or white noise to help bring you to a state of mindfulness. However, music can be a double-edged sword. Constant access to music can also amplify anxiety. It can expose you to sensory overload, when hearing too many sounds, the brain becomes overwhelmed. This can cause physical tension and even panic attacks.

Social comparison can be another downside. In the past, artists’ day-to-day lives were not well known to the public. Their music was shaped by the culture, and they had a level of anonymity. This contrasts with many popular artists of today’s time, like Drake or Sabrina Carpenter, who were famous long before they ever started their careers in music. We have access to every single aspect of their lives on a daily basis. This can cause many people to compare themselves and their lifestyles to those of artists. Music artists are now the ones shaping culture with hit songs, trending sounds, endorsement deals and personal brands. Contributing to the consumer society we all now live in. Music consumption has become both an escape and a performance. People now use music to curate moods, building private worlds in public spaces. Self-medicating every emotion to try and feel how they want when they want. Forcing crafted feelings into uncomfortable spaces as a coping method for everyday struggles. At the same time, music is being sold as an aesthetic. Who one listens to and who one supports becomes indicative of one’s personal character. Music is not just listened to, it is shared. With that, one paints a portrait of oneself. Music in many facets is being abused. Artists who make a song to generate a trending sound. Music listeners who support an artist because it is fashionable. Concert goers who attend a concert to take videos to post to their social media accounts for social clout. At the ground level, music has so many wonderful things to offer. Deep listening to really connect with the artist. Unplugged concerts where society can have a communal space and have a real shared experience without the constant distraction of technology. Musical therapy to help those who need it most. Music can be a doldrum of calm in the noisy and stormy sea of today’s society. A space to come together to lighten the load of an anxious world. A home for those who feel there is nowhere in the world for them. As with many things in life, how one chooses to interact with music shapes our experience with it. The noise of today’s society is not getting any quieter, and the factors that contribute to our anxieties are ever-increasing. Modern anxiety has reshaped how culture creates, shares and uses music. Turning sounds into both an echo of anxiety and its antidote.

How I Garden My Soul by Kamille Tate “Your task is not to seek for Love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it” Rumi said. As a nontraditional student and Lover’s Lagoon columnist, I feel there are many communities to acknowledge and celebrate. While identifying within the LGBTQIA+ community, a breast cancer and stroke survivor, I thought to share a bit of how Chaffey College has allowed me to come back to life in a sense. Growing up an only child, I spent an astronomical amount of time by myself. My upbringing was quite controlled, yet unorthodox in many ways. I was the type of child who would cry if an authority figure raised their voice at me. However, I would speak up for myself when it came to having a unique style and healthy sense of awareness. This was easy to me because I knew of the differences within the family dynamic. The way I chose to speak, dress and overall express myself within my human experience led to feelings of isolation. The level of autonomy I expressed started to conflict within interpersonal relationships. I recall a relative telling me of my enjoyment in watching a series entitled “The Flying Nun”, and she told me the story as if I was not a part of it. I was told I would watch the show daily, then one day I shared with her that I wanted to be a nun. With delight in her tone she reminisced and laughed thinking it was the funniest thing. That was the moment I decided to protect myself from unsafe emotional spaces. I learned early on that I needed safeguards for myself after enduring constant mockery when sharing intimate thoughts.

I was followed by extremely high expectations and hypercriticism that was used to invalidate every accomplishment. I began to confide in myself through journaling where I truly got to know myself and later become my own best friend. At the age of sixteen I shared my thoughts with my boyfriend at the time of my curiosity toward my virginity, expressing my love for him. The response was loving, but the only emotion I associated with the situation at the time was rejection. Rather than diving quickly into a new relationship, I chose a tattoo –– a black widow. Prior to that experience I had taken an informal vow of chastity. It was at that time I decided to commit to myself. While just learning external validation, expressions of affection and acknowledgement were used to control my behavior and words. Feeling as the black sheep of the family and in an unattainable relationship as the love of my life was older yet respectful as I was unaware of the boundaries within our communication. Nevertheless, the men in my life [Grandparents, Father, Uncles and my Love] were always supportive, encouraging, nurturing and expressed thought provoking wisdom in ways that I cherish to this day. All of those men are with God yet physically I embrace their spirits and take the lessons learned within my heart to discover love and life on my own terms.

and excitement our journeys intercept within the fields, classrooms and lounge areas at the Rancho Cucamonga campus and beyond. Embrace the awkward, silly, unique and often misunderstood aspects within as you unfold the parts others may not understand. The beauty of it all, is that age is just a concept we have a bit of control of, in the way of saying you are only as young as you feel, so let your inner child play in the appropriate ways within adulthood.

The idea of the human experience is fascinating as an ideology of the painful abusive mask of torment classified [in modern society] as love being long-suffering. The men who raised me were the opposite of that which is why I am certain that I will unearth a love in this lifetime that my dreams are made of. With that, I am excited to share the knowledge I have thus far as an empty-nester with a new lease on life. Beginning 2022 I was strictly an online student until the encouragement from my EOPS counselor allowed me to blossom into the woman I am today. Finding a sense of belonging and connectedness on Campus has broadened my capacity as I once believed I was introverted, but on the contrary, I am a fun-loving, extrovert with lots of lived experiences to assist the younger generation of scholars finding their way. Chaffey College has given me a joy I had never experienced within academia, allowing me to combine my love for learning and creative spaces to share the thoughts in my heart to hopefully inspire and allow others to feel heard and most importantly understood. As we strive toward our goals and dreams we can also enjoy the love

The secret is keeping that child alive as we come back to the basics, finding inspiration and encouragement from our childlike selves when we dive into our minds and hearts toward our purpose –– the major selected, the courses we engage in and the experiences we invite as undergraduate students. As I remove the seeds of negativity from my childhood, I am delighted when my younger self assists in my writing or taking steps outside of my comfort zone to mingle or attend events. The academic and social aspects of undergraduate school is quite transformational for emerging adults. While I am returning to school at an older age, I can leave the other aspects of societal norms, rules and roles behind me as I have entered motherhood. I am encouraging us all to reparent ourselves, not in the sense of our parents getting it wrong, but in a way of truly understanding the ways in which we may have allowed the thoughts, opinions or judgements to shrink the brilliant and curious person we are. Finding the flaws other people placed upon us and removing them through healing, self-expression and achievement. When we truly accept ourselves –– the good, the bad and the ugly –– we understand the art of aspiring to ascend toward the goodness within our hearts and minds. With Love, Kamille Tate

Artificial Intelligence in Education: Risks and Potential Artificial Intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, have become heavily integrated into education in recent years. This has sparked many discussions surrounding academic integrity and responsible use. The line between using AI as a helpful tool for guiding research or correct writing errors often becomes blurred when used to complete entire projects. As a result, many students risk relying on it as a crutch. While AI can serve as a tool to inspire and support students’ skills, it also poses significant risks toward creativity, originality and critical thinking skills. With new technologies on the rise, reshaping classroom functions, both teachers and students are grappling with the moral implications of using AI. How can it be used ethically, and what will it mean for the future of originality in education? While there are many ways AI poses a threat to diminishing education, students have discovered how to use it as a tool to enhance schoolwork rather than replace it. Many use it to impose grammar checks, transcribe audio clips or generate ideas. These tools can help save time and improve student productivity without undermining the learning aspect.

by Chayse Larsen

her writing in a way that does not take away from her personal voice or skills. Instead, these tools have helped her pursue educational endeavors. “I do occasionally use ChatGPT, but I try to only use it when I truly need help in situations where I lack inspiration for writing or when I need to check for mistakes in my work,” Garcia said. “I’ve found it to be a useful resource to help improve my own work, but I am against using it to do the work for me.” When used as a guide rather than a substitute for original thinking, AI can aid students in producing more refined work while still maintaining an individual voice and critical thinking abilities.

However, the growing rate of AI sites has also led to misuse, and teachers are quickly losing control over the heavy usage of this tool. Being able to determine whether a piece of work is original, or has been curated by artificial intelligence is the main difficulty. For some students, it has become a shortcut that replaces genuine effort. Relying on AI tools to write essays, respond to discussion posts or solve math problems can stunt intellectual growth. A form of dependency will grow that weakens essential academic skills. While some AI detection tools exist, they are not always reliable, making it easy for students to submit AI generated work as their own. Without the ability to hold students accountable for these actions, AI is continuously used as a free pass for students who do not want to complete any work. This raises serious concerns about academic integrity and fairness in the classroom. Garcia feels that there should be more safeguards to prevent students’ use of AI in school. “It’s frightening to me how popular AI has become in the classroom. I feel like a lot of students nowadays aren’t really learning anything because of it,” she explained. “In that regard, I think AI has made students become lazy.”

For instance, the website TurboScribe transcribes audio clips and is an invaluable resource for student journalists to accurately document recorded interviews. Additionally, many students use sites like ChatGPT to provide things such as essay outlines to help overcome writer’s block and refine ideas.

While the rising traction of AI in education is something that cannot be avoided, it is important for students and educators to find a balance that shifts toward responsible use. Applying classroom guidelines for AI usage will help students foster a mindful approach with the tool, remembering the importance of ethics and originality.

Justine Garcia, a 20-year-old English major at Chaffey College, has found new ways to use AI tools for

As technology continues to evolve, society must learn to use AI in a way that enhances learning instead of hindering it.

KNOW YOUR PROTEST RIGHTS

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS DE PROTESTA

1. You don't need a permit to protest in response to breaking news and you don't need a permit to march in the streets or along the sidewalks, as long as you're not obstructing traffic or access to buildings. 2. When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. 3. If you believe your rights have been violated, when you can, write down everything you remember, get contact information for witnesses, and take photographs of any injuries. 4. If you get stopped by the police, ask if you're free to go. If they say yes, calmly walk away. 5. If you get arrested, you have the right to ask why. Otherwise, say you wish you remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't sign, say or agree to anything without a lawyer present.

1. No necesitas permiso para protestar en respuesta a noticias de última hora ni para marchar por las calles o aceras, siempre que no obstruyas el tráfico ni el acceso a los edificios. 2. Cuando te encuentres legalmente en un espacio público, tienes derecho a fotografiar todo lo que esté a la vista, incluidos los edificios federales y la policía. 3. Si crees que tus derechos han sido violados, cuando puedas, anota todo lo que recuerdes, obtén la información de contacto de los testigos y toma fotografías de cualquier lesión. 4. Si la policía te detiene, pregunta si puedes irte. Si te dicen que sí, aléjate con calma. 5. Si te arrestan, tienes derecho a preguntar por qué. De lo contrario, di que deseas guardar silencio y pide un abogado de inmediato. No firmes, digas ni aceptes nada sin la presencia de un abogado.

KNOW YOUR PROTEST RIGHTS

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS DE PROTESTA

KNOW YOUR PROTEST RIGHTS

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS DE PROTESTA

KNOW YOUR PROTEST RIGHTS

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS DE PROTESTA

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS

KNOW YOUR ICE RIGHTS 1. Ask if you are free to go. If they say yes, walk away calmly. 2. Don't run or resist. You have the right to refuse consent to a search of your vehicle or personal property. 3. You have the right to remain silent. You don't have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you're a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country. 4. If it's possible, take photos or video. Write down badge numbers. 5. If you have valid immigration documents, you should show them if an immigration agent asks. Never provide fake documents. 6. If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you in your Immigration case. 7. Don't sign anything and ask to speak to a lawyer.

1. Pregunte si puede irse. Si le dicen que sí, retírese con calma. 2. No corra ni se resista. Tiene derecho a negarse a que registren su vehículo o pertenencias. 3. Tiene derecho a guardar silencio. No tiene que responder preguntas sobre su lugar de nacimiento, si es ciudadano estadounidense o cómo entró al país. 4. Si es posible, tome fotos o grabe un video. Anote los números de identificación. 5. Si tiene documentos de inmigración válidos, muéstrelos si un agente de inmigración se los pide. Nunca presente documentos falsos. 6. Si lo arrestan, tiene derecho a guardar silencio. Todo lo que diga puede usarse en su contra en su caso de inmigración. 7. No firme nada y pida hablar con un abogado.

KNOW YOUR ICE RIGHTS

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS 1. Pregunte si puede irse. Si le dicen que sí, retírese con calma. 2. No corra ni se resista. Tiene derecho a negarse a que registren su vehículo o pertenencias. 3. Tiene derecho a guardar silencio. No tiene que responder preguntas sobre su lugar de nacimiento, si es ciudadano estadounidense o cómo entró al país. 4. Si es posible, tome fotos o grabe un video. Anote los números de identificación. 5. Si tiene documentos de inmigración válidos, muéstrelos si un agente de inmigración se los pide. Nunca presente documentos falsos. 6. Si lo arrestan, tiene derecho a guardar silencio. Todo lo que diga puede usarse en su contra en su caso de inmigración. 7. No firme nada y pida hablar con un abogado.

1. Ask if you are free to go. If they say yes, walk away calmly. 2. Don't run or resist. You have the right to refuse consent to a search of your vehicle or personal property. 3. You have the right to remain silent. You don't have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you're a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country. 4. If it's possible, take photos or video. Write down badge numbers. 5. If you have valid immigration documents, you should show them if an immigration agent asks. Never provide fake documents. 6. If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you in your Immigration case. 7. Don't sign anything and ask to speak to a lawyer.

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS

KNOW YOUR ICE RIGHTS

Humans of Chaffey: Kim George by Rene Madrigal In a conversation following the Charlie Kirk assassination, English Professor Kim George described the state of the world as akin to the “Upside Down,” the fictional dimension from Netflix’s hit series “Stranger Things.” “It just feels like we’re all in the upside down, but there’s no giant monster coming to drag us all down with it,” she elaborated.

When posed with the possibility of defeat in the face of such pressure, Kim George encourages mindfulness. “Everyone feels defeated sometimes, bit it is important to find time and space for the small victories,” said George. “The Anxious Generation” by Johnathan Haidt is George’s primary well of thought regarding modern generations’s seemingly heightened levels of anxiety. In his 2024 book, Haidt attributes this percieved shift in anxiety levels to children being exposed to smartphones and social media at such a young age.

Sitting down for an interview, Kim George discussed how she manages this age of Anxiety. Expanding on the topic of media fit for a tumultuous time, George brought up her recent reading of “The Hunger Games” series. “Good literature and good art trancends age,” Kim said regarding the book series’ late 2000’s/early 2010’s release date.

“There’s only so much information your brain can handle,” George claims. In reference to her phone, she comments that sometimes the only solution is to “literally not have it on me.”

Professor George notes that the young adult dystopian novel trend was also a symptom of a cultural anxiety at the time: “There are unique things happening in the United States (but) every every generation has a ‘thing’.”

Professor George encourages striving toward balance stating: “Balance is not a goal, its a practice.”

Moving from literature to the primal feeling of anxiety as a whole, George recontextualized the sensation back to humanity’s roots as hunter-gatherers.

When asked about what she does when anxious, Kim George enjoys walking up onto the north side of campus and gazing up at Mt. San Antonio.

“Anxiety is there for a reason, but it can be overwhelming,” she says. “The way the body responds to a panic attack is not too dissimilar to running a marathon.”

“The World’s a dumpster fire, but you can still enjoy the view.”

Regarding dealing with such a chaotic world and news cycle, George emphasizes the importance of taking steps back to center yourself. The Professor’s preferred methods being yoga, keeping up with hobbies, and especially taking breaks. “You have to fill up your cup enough to keep you going,” she stresses. “Finding balance is hard, it feels big but it takes a lot of small steps.”

The War on Sports: Transphobic Corruption by Andre Manzo

Right-wing obsession with transgender athletes continues to hurt the athletic landscape for political and ideological gain. Politics have always been a part of sports. That is undeniable. From the Cleveland Summit to the “Battle of the Sexes”, humanity continues to dictate the games with personal values. Currently, the obsession with transgender women in sports exists as fuel for hate spewed by right-wing media. With the wide acceptance of homosexuality in all aspects of society, American conservatives have redirected their hate to the transgender community. National news has highlighted the doxing of minors participating in sports. Maine Republican Rep. Laura Libby platformed harassment by outing a transgender high school athlete in Feb. 2025. This

followed a Maine bill proposal that would give individuals protections against online doxing, supported heavily by the parents of transgender children. “We can disagree about policy, but we should not use children as targets or political pawns,” said Democratic Rep. Melanie Sachs, who sponsored the bill. Republicans opposed the bill, implying that doxing children is protected by free speech. Their defense was the lack of evidence against violating Facebook’s community guidelines. The fact that the House of Representatives’ rules and code of ethics does not address social media use was also cited. Clearly there is a gap in perspective on how to properly protect children, considering that conservatism should regard transgender children at the same value of life.

The fear mongering surrounding men hypothetically participating and dominating the competition of women’s sports under the guise of transgender identity is ridiculous. It is important to note that as the level of competition increases, so do the rules and regulations. The participation of transgender athletes in large-scale professional competitions is minimal, with such little cases to perform widespread research on negative effects. Inevitably, the debates over biological belonging and identity will always be present. However, the existence of genetic variation in sports has always existed. Yet, it is only ever downplayed when transphobia can be spread. For context, the main issue derives from testosterone levels possibly giving transgender women an unfair advantage in competition. Again, the proof backing this

belief is minimal. Even then, major sports organizations like World Athletics have implemented testosterone level caps for transgender women looking to participate. Yet, the war with no enemy rages on, all the while genetic variation and anomalies of the human body dominate the athletic landscape at the highest levels. Michael Phelps, celebrated for being the world’s most decorated Olympian and men’s swimmer, has been subject to debate about his lactic acid production. While his lack of lactic acid production is vaguely researched but widely accepted, his accomplishments are still praised. The possibility of this genetic advantage does not constitute unfairness — it makes him an idolized outlier. Other genetic advantages have never created narratives about unfairness in sports. A more concrete example is Minnesota Vikings’ star receiver Justin Jefferson’s eye speed test results. S2 Cognition tracking confirms his competitive advantage over similar test subjects through the ability to switch eye dominance. In a larger sample size, Sports Illustrated finds that the average NBA player is 6’7”. This is much greater than the average male height of 5 feet 9 inches. Basketball is perhaps the sport that is most gate kept by genetic makeup. However, nobody targets the miniscule percentage of high school athletes that are genetically gifted to make it to the professional level, despite being major outliers in their youth. That is because genetics are not everything. They are the foundation that athletes build upon, but it should not discredit everything they have had to earn. It is willingly ignorant to draw the line at testosterone, when even those variations still exist between men.

Still, the perspective shifts when Caster Semenya’s accomplishments are considered. A gold medalist in women’s middle-distance running, she is scrutinized for her difference in sex development (DSD) condition. Although always identifying herself as a woman, her increased levels of testosterone led to a seven-year legal battle regarding unfairness in competition, undermining the physical and mental commitments that follow all professional athletes. Imane Khelif, a gold medal Algerian boxer, has received backlash from millions over misinformation about her genetic makeup. Besides judgements made on physical appearance, the scrutiny is baseless. San Jose State University has had their women’s volleyball program uprooted because of the presence of a transgender athlete. However, this controversy did not begin until a Reduxx article outed her gender identity through pure speculation. Up to that point, she had competed with no issues for three years — never being named to an All-American team. Now, in what would be her senior year of competition, Blaire Fleming resides at home completing the rest of her courses online. Fleming told the New York Times that she felt suicidal following the backlash she received. Transphobia is the root of this issue. Her entire team saw Fleming her as a woman, until she was not. Not only was her right to compete stripped, but so was her privacy. Transgender athletes have targets on their backs the moment they are outed. Nobody cares for genetic fairness in competition. Instead, people care to justify transphobia. This ideology continues to corrupt the landscape of sports, that since their inception have uplifted the variations of humanity.

Serious consequences of mental health follow societal discrimination. Lia Smith, a collegiate diver, took her own life following harassment on social media, and from her appearance on a website titled “HeCheated”, dedicated to outing and bashing transgender athletes. It should not be forgotten that women with high testosterone are still women. Transgender athletes are still athletes. They are still the gender they choose to identify with. Trans athletes are still human — deserving of value, respect and recognition. They should not have to hide in the shadows. The war against transphobia is the only war to be fought.

Why is My Dripping Faucet Under More Scrutiny Than a Billionaire’s Greed? by Miranda Morgan

The Earth’s health is suffering at an alarming rate – devastating wildfires, flash floods and record-breaking heat waves serve as daily reminders. As these threats continue to grow, so does the push for the individual to take responsibility. Are the common people really the ones that need to be held accountable? Why is the responsibility not on the corporations – 57 of which account for 80% of the greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2024 report by The Carbon Majors Database – who actually have the means to make global change? Better yet, how are they getting away with scapegoating this accountability? Why is the blame for Earth’s destruction being placed on the individual and their plastic grocery bag? One way is through “greenwashing,” a relatively new term that is causing damage to the planet by the second. Greenwashing refers to the misleading practices used by corporations and companies to make themselves appear more ecologically friendly than they truly are. The aim of these practices is to garner trust with consumers, and circumvent responsibilities for harmful practices. In Feb. 2025, Apple faced a lawsuit challenging their ‘greenwashing’ of the newest Apple Watch. The company labeled it as carbon neutral, which was contested by seven plaintiffs who, “allege that carbon credits from forest projects in Kenya and China used by Apple to support these claims do not actually reduce carbon emissions.” Shein, a fast-fashion giant, claims to progress toward being a more sustainable company, yet has continued to nearly double emissions since 2023, according to Yale Climate Connections. On Shein’s website, they claim to source responsibly, optimize efficiency and focus on circularity to reduce waste. Since when is listing 10,000 cheap and unethically produced items online everyday living up to the sustainability standards they claim to value? Corporations continue to waste, dump and destroy the Earth on a scale so large, it offsets any good that comes from remembering to turn the hallway light off. Yet, businesses continue to shrug off responsibility and shift the blame toward individuals. In 2005, oil company British Petroleum pushed for the individual to be more conscientious of their ‘carbon footprint’ through their ‘carbon-diet’ campaign. In their statement, they said, “Based on current scientific opinion, BP believes that it is realistic to promote actions that ensure stabilization of atmospheric CO2 concentrations…” The irony is that the company’s own carbon footprint has continued to accelerate since the controversial campaign. They have also been listed as one of the top three contributors to carbon emissions, along with Chevron and ExxonMobil. (Carbon Majors Database, 2024.) Despite the campaign being 20 years old, the messaging has stuck. Carbon footprint calculators are plentiful in the app store on phones, heightening the pressure and anxiety folks feel for things as simple as buying a t-shirt.

This anxiety is beginning to permeate into every aspect of the lives of newer generations, from choosing careers to having children. Why should the added stress of being the ones to change it all be placed upon which straw they use, rather than on the companies who produce the straws? According to a 2025 report from GlobeScan and BBMG, “38 percent of Gen Z globally say they feel stressed or anxious ‘all’ or ‘most of the time’ –– a full 21 points higher than Baby Boomers.” Coincidentally, they also report that, “Gen Z is significantly more likely than Baby Boomers and older to say they’ve been ‘greatly affected’ by climate change (49% vs 38%, respectively).” Initiatives like the National Ocean Service’s “Protecting our Planet Starts with You” campaign are honorable, but like so many others, the campaign once again shifts the focus away from where eyes truly should be, and makes day-to-day life stressful for individuals. A more fitting approach to encouraging individual contribution to helping the planet can be seen from the World Wide Fund for Nature, whose first three recommendations are “Use your Voice. Be Informed. Be Political.” What exactly does that look like, though? To make real change, it will look like the common people standing up to corruption, corporations and politicians whose intentions are to be self-serving rather than planet-saving. The most critical ways to do this is to speak to local politicians, protest when necessary and band together in the fight. Individuals’ focus should be staying up-to-date on policy changes, statistical data and environmental news to make fighting the fight more effective. Read the fine print on sustainability that companies claim to value in order remind them that people are watching, and their every move matters too.

American Fatigue by Ryan Jackson Generation Z (Gen Z) is the first generation to grow up with electronics and social media. Being exposed to real world problems at a very young age has allowed them a unique way to comprehend how politics work in the world around them. For more than a decade now, all Gen Z has seen are rising prices for just about everything. Along with our president revoking women’s rights and bullying immigrants and minorities within the nation. Considering how America is regressing — as Gen Z is made up of minorities — this leaves many worried about how the nation they are supposed to inherit will look for them. The United States is obtusely becoming fascist. The president is giving orders for human beings to be kidnapped off the streets in broad daylight, calling them aliens and treating them like animals.

There is a modern SS brigade (ICE) that is allowed wear face coverings to mask their identity while terroizing immigrants and citizens of the United States. As a country, we are isolating ourselves on the world stage and turning the military on our own people. Political unrest is nothing new to the youth. Every generation has had their fair share of political insecurity during childhood. The difference with Gen Z is they are being forced to navigate through a whirlpool of overlapping existential threats inlcuding social freedom and the weather climate For the minorities of Gen Z, these political outcomes are more personal than other generations. They are constantly reminded of these issues, not just from what is actually happening outside, but from social media. These platforms keep issues and other divisive topics in constant circulation. The promised American dream has become a nightmare. The expectation to navigate through school, a social life and the destruction of the planet is making their lives miserable. All, so they can clean it all up once inherited. The political climate is a major factor for why this generation finds it difficult to date and make new friends. Political views are deeply connected with Gen Z’s core values and

identity, so ideological alignment is a crucial factor in compatibility. This explains why maintaining a social life today takes so much energy. Most people self-monitor themselves to maintain an image and avoid conflict. The more friends one has, the more opinions collide, allowing for potential conflict. Many Gen Z individuals have one or two friends that they are really close to — adding any more leads to exhaustion. The political division of modern America lingers to a point of one not being able to distinguish which views are held in fear of disagreement. We have become comfortable going through life cautious to meet new people, and keeping the ones we already know closer. It is difficult for many of Gen Z to build an academic career when they see injustice taking place in their community. They are constantly mentally sparring with themselves over how to help to fight back against the injustice. Even though they should not, some people in Gen Z start to feel guilty when witnessing innocent people being separated from their families and treated like animals while they do nothing to stop it.

fascism. Many generations that came before contributed to America’s current way of operating, and ignored corruption by participating in it. All Gen Z can do now is work toward a better America. It is hard to be a young adult today. Older generations will call Gen Z lazy, or say they have it easy. In reality, all of the political, social and environmental struggles that affect this generation today were created by those same adults. Somehow, Gen Z still faces defeat with financial instability because of a difference in ideals. All the while, they are not being paid a livable wage.

Simultaneously, Gen Z experiences high levels of stress and anxiety as they face significant financial challenges like high debt and low savings. Denise Padilla, the Director of Social Wellness and Behavioral Support, stated: “Political instability can impact students’ ... especially those from marginalized or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, by adding layers of uncertainty and fear to already existing stressors ... many may shift into a survival mindset prioritizing basic needs.” Gen Z should not blame themselves for this nation’s fall into

Owning a car has become an unaffordable luxury. The idea of owning a home is becoming more of a dream. They are expected to pay their way through school when tuitions are at an all-time high. Older generations have the nerve to sit in a home — that cost a fraction of what modern-day homes cost — and say Gen Z is not working hard enough. These are the same people who shifted our political climate by electing the inept politicians who use power to fill their own pockets and continue corrupting the nation. Gen Z is a victim of the fascism rising in the United States. Their generation has the most to lose from the political agenda

that is being rolled out by the Trump Administration. Maintaining a social life through it all is exhausting for this generation, but that does not mean they should give up on sustaining human connections in these troubling times. It is understandable how building an academic career during times of political unrest can make Gen Z feel guilty, but it is important to remember that education is not the enemy here. As long as Gen Z does not ignore the problems at hand, they will not contribute to this nation’s downfall. Becoming involved in local communites is the simplest to make a change. Attending city meetings and local protests are a great way to speak up and take action in politics. If Generation Z truly wants to make a difference, they have to show up for themselves. Setting aside one day out of the week to get involved can make a big difference in any community.

Mourning a Martyr, Forgetting the Man by Nizar Masri On Sept. 17, community members gathered at Chaffey College’s Rancho Cucamonga campus for a candlelight vigil to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy. Kirk, a controversial right-wing political commentator, was assassinated a week prior at Utah Valley University. I attended the vigil hoping that I could see what his legacy truly meant for those who admired him.

Brady voiced, he would be revered “for generations to come.” I was captivated by Brady’s zeal, so I pulled her aside, “He loved America, and he loved that people got the chance to stand for what they believe in no matter what side you’re on,” Brady said, “I believe in his opinion to share his own opinion.”

Many of the attendees said they had heard about the event from the San Bernadino Patriots and the Mountain View Republican Club. Participants donned patriotic attire and waved flags with Christian slogans and Bible verses. Among the crowd of about 200 people, roughly a dozen of them were students. One speaker likened Kirk to Jesus Christ, and there were multiple suggestions that his life was sacrificed for the good of humanity. The air around his name was reverent and deeply spiritual.

I might have been satisfied with that explanation, except Brady’s speech suggested deeper allegiance: she said she was a huge fan who watched all his videos. I was intrigued as to which of his beliefs she and other vigil-goers were celebrating, but I didn’t get a specific answer from Brady. Was I supposed to accept that their grief honored nothing more than a man who had merely expressed himself?

That night in front of the administration building, Kirk was absolved of all his sins and immortalized as a martyr, or as 21-year-old Chaffey student Abigail

When I asked Lorraine Barraza, a member of the Mountain View Republican Club, to elaborate on her group’s purpose it was described as:

“...a political lobbyist group that vets candidates for public office or school board positions to see if they have the same morals and ethics we do.” I questioned if Kirk’s incendiary comments about women and people of color reflected those morals. Barraza said she had “never heard him make fun of any of those things.” I pressed further but she was insistent, she claimed to have never seen any of that provocative rhetoric on Kirk’s show. Kirk often framed equitable policies and institutions as hostile to white Americans. On his show he said the Civil Rights Act: “...created a beast, and that beast has now turned into an anti-white weapon.” Why then, among the many victims of gun violence, was his life singled out for commemoration?

I listened intently to every speaker—ranging from 10 to 65 years old—trying to gleam any information I could about why they had all gathered to honor Kirk that night. It was evident that the vigil-goers had gathered to honor the legacy of a man they were either unfamiliar with or whose beliefs they were unwilling to face. There were many holes in the retelling of his story. Kirk advocated for public execution, supported the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, repeatedly denigrated minorities and condemned empathy as weakness. However, this did not stop the vigil speakers from framing him as a Christ-like figure. Charlie Kirk profited from stoking the flames of division. Murder is abhorrent and tragic, but death alone does not confer nobility. While his death was tragic, Kirk ultimately fell victim to the political polarization that he intentionally fostered.

The Elemental Clock is Ticking by Kaylee Fullington

In today’s modern, industrialized society, people can connect in innovative ways that the world has never seen before. However, along the path of these innovations, the earth’s health has been put on the back burner. Now, renewing a connection with nature may be what society truly needs. The Inland Empire ranks as the 12th-largest metropolitan area in the state of California, powering communities through social and economic activity. Large portions of the population commute daily to larger cities like Los Angeles or San Diego, regularly pushing the state to be one of the largest consumers of gas in the nation. Nearly 50% of the United States’ energy comes from gas or coal, allowing for rapid growth. However, a notable concern is how industrialization continues to harm the environment. Nowadays, world power is measured by a country’s gross domestic product — a yearly value of all goods and services, which leads to a high demand for energy extraction. A weakened production of these resources will cost the United States a loss of power across the globe, but can initiate a strike of freedom. Structures like this have been practiced across generations, leading people to enter controlled environments and routines since birth. Common experiences, such as receiving injections or wearing shoes daily, have slowly cut off any true human connection with the earth’s natural elements.

Children are the most susceptible to these practices, as the urban lifestyle can be quite flashy and catching to a young eye. How could one not be amazed by the attention-grabbing media and colorfully lit buildings? In order to explore life outside of a structure, one must first disconnect and self-reflect. This requires discomfort as one must face uncertainties that lie ahead, but forces the question: What makes up the ideal learning environment, and how is nature involved? Students of today learn in controlled classroom environments with designated room temperatures and fluorescent lighting — reducing the ability to focus. These learning spaces are a direct reflection of society’s stagnation as a healthy balance of outdoor learning has yet to enter lesson plans. The Nation’s Report Card confirms a decline in student comprehension as schools struggle to rebuild following administrative cuts and the coronavirus pandemic. In a world where wealth enables power, passions among students are avaricious — skewing their authentic selves. While pursuing wealth, isolation continues to drive many away from the freedom of curiosity. Now with the artificial world closing in, how will humanity continue to thrive? Ensuring that students retain environmental awareness is the first step. When students are nurtured in a fully-structured learning

environment, there is a lack of encouragement to lean into natural curiosity. Critical thinking is evoked through experimental learning, and without it the outside world becomes cold, muddy and wet — framing uncomfortability. Considering the lack of natural energy sources in most daily lives, it is no wonder that student learning motivations remain stagnant. But how can humanity fear something as natural as the earth? Earth is the most natural pathway for rehabilitating oneself and working towards healthy, self-regulating patterns, but the excessive use of fossil fuels continues to pollute the natural atmosphere. Lifestyles where sunlight, wind or water are the primary sources of energy may help restore brain and body tranquility. With a small redirection, energy that is typically drained through inefficient habits like online scrolling can be easily restored through a grounding nature experience. Practicing mindfulness and incorporating healthy habits into daily routines will allow natural energies to fuel the body. Comfort becomes a constant for an individual fearing to be challenged, but every small change in routine is a break from the structure. Society is stealing the earth’s every last breath, do not let the world suffocate.

Letter To The Editor Dear Editor, Just a little under two years ago, you walked into The Breeze Room during a magazine photo shoot. It was the middle of the semester, you had no obligation to join but seemingly had a true desire to make an impact. You embodied the dedication and tenacity of student journalists: you showed up to meetings, you wrote beautiful stories and you spent hours editing others’ articles. Your hard work shows in more than your growth as a student and journalist; it’s something that shows up every single day –– your growth as a person. A caring, compassionate person who is always putting others first. A true leader. You kept your head down and continued to work hard at your dreams. A little over a trip around the sun later, you are the Editor-in-Chief of a growing program, now leading your own team to write, design and produce your very own magazine. Whether it is the growing positivity in the analytics, program growth or the community you have fostered, your tenure as Editor-In-Chief possesses so much to look back at with a heart full of pride. I want you to remind yourself that you can achieve what you set out to do. You are worthy of everything you will achieve. A lot can change in just a few semesters. If you ever find yourself lost, think back about how far you have come. Remember, the day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. Meow, Nate Gosney

GOLDEN ART AND MUSIC PROVIDED BY MAXIMILIAN MORICI 27