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Run as fast as you can to catch the play ‘The Gingerbread Man’ See Page 5
Nicole Goodie | The Connection
Pathways Expanded Broader access opened to high school students News, Page 4
ISSUE 6 Fall 2015 Student voice of CRC since 1970
DIY Holiday
Do it yourself ideas for all your gift giving Features, Page 7
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The Refugee Debate Should Syrian refugees be allowed in the U.S.? Opinion, Page 9
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New recruits improve outlook for next season Sports, Page 12
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DECEMBER 10, 2015
>>News
Literary magazine seeks art submissions SAVE THE By Matt Johnson Mjohnson.connect@gmail.com The 2016 edition of the Cosumnes River Journal is looking for more people to submit their own writing and artwork to potentially be published. The CR Journal will accept works of fiction, poetry, art, creative nonfiction and photography. This year’s focus for the creative nonfiction will be on the theme of “awe.” Heather Hutcheson, an English professor, has served on the editorial staff for several years and said that being a part of the CR Journal is “an exciting way to see student voices celebrated.” She shared how she is already encouraging some of her students to submit some of their pieces to the CR Journal. “We really want to let student writers know that there are publications that are looking for their writing and there are plenty of opportunities to share their writing with the world,” Hutcheson said. For emerging writers or artists who may have never been published before, the thought of potentially having their work published could make them timid to submit their entry. But Hutcheson said “there is nothing to lose,” there is no charge to the students and it’s a process that puts them out there with other writers. Emanuel Espinoza, a 19-year-old journalism major, submitted some short stories to the CR Journal this past issue, but said he is now thinking about submitting his photography as well. “I just want to gain some
DATE THEATER PRODUCTION
The Communication, Visual and Performing Arts Department is putting on a holiday-themed show for the end of semester, titled, “The Gingerbread Man.” The play has a show on Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. and will continue production for Dec. 11-12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Black Box Theater.
RTVF PREMIERE NIGHT
Courtesy Photo
The Cosumnes River Journal is looking for submissions of artwork or creative writing for the next issue of their publication. All work must be submitted via email by Dec. 31.
as well,” Espinoza said. “Just do it as an all around artist, well-rounded. As long as I can gain some recognition in the process.” Being published can also be an important first step for anyone who aspires to write or make art for a living. “It’s the first step to finding out about serving on an editorial committee and the first step to getting credit,” Hutcheson said. “It gives you a good insight into oth-
“We really want to let student writers know
that there are publications that are looking for their writing and there are plenty of opportunities to share their writing with the world. ”
-- Heather Hutcheson English Professor
recognition as a writer in general, whether I’m a journalist or an essay writer or a fictional writer and because I’m also gaining interest in photography and I also want to be a photographer
er academic journals without having to feel like you’re a part of it.” She said the journal staff are continuing to look for more editors to come in, seeking people who have
a passion for reading and can identify when they like something. “Being a part of the CR Journal has literally given me a chance to watch literature as it’s created. People from all over the world submit to the CR Journal,” said Evey Teems, a 24-year-old English literature major. For Teems, it’s not just about CRC students submitting poems or faculty submitting a piece of art, it’s the variety of things that are submitted. Teems recalled a woman who submitted a selection from her memoir. “It was about her caring for and loving her disabled husband,” Teems said. “When she talked about what it meant to her to be published, she said that it had been such an emotional journey for her.” One of the CR Journal’s editors encouraged her to submit her work, which played a big role in her completing that section.
“Contributing to the journal not only got her name in print, but actually caused her to step up her game and get her book finished,” Teems said. “That’s the kind of kick in the pants I think a lot of aspiring authors need.” While some may not be familiar with the CR Journal, Hutcheson said students should be aware that there are publications out there looking for good content. When all the submissions have been reviewed and the work has been selected to be published in the CR Journal, Teems says they hold a release party in the spring semester where the published authors can read and showcase their work. Anyone across the world can submit their work to the journal, but 60 percent of the content will be student work, Hutcheson said. All work should be submitted by Dec. 31 to crc-LJSubmit@crc.losrios.edu as a word document for writing and JPEG for art.
The Radio, Television, Video and Film Department will premiere the projects their students have been working on throughout the semester. Anyone is able to attend the premiere night and see student-created work. They will hold their premiere night in the Library Building room 111 on Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE
The CRC Orchestra is having an end of the semester performance in the Recital Hall. They will showcase their work from the semester and will perform two shows. The first show will be on Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. and the second show will be the same day at 7 p.m. Both performances are in the Recital Hall.
END OF FALL SEMESTER
The fall 2015 semester will end officially on Dec. 17, which will mark the end of this semester’s classes. The CRC campus will go on winter recess from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, when all offices and the entire campus will be closed. Spring 2016 semester will begin again, with classes picking back up on Jan. 16.
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Veterans’ center provides a student safe haven By Nichelle Heu nheu.connect@gmail.com
Cosumnes River College is a veteran-friendly campus, but some students may feel differently. The Veteran Resource Center helps students who were in the military transition into college life, but it’s also a place where the majority of veterans feel most comfortable. However, there have been situations, many veterans say, where veteran students have been criticized and treated unfairly. It’s not just happening around campus, but also in the classrooms, they said. “In class I was called a baby killer and recently, during club fair week, a person from the crowd said that all military people are terrorists,” said 31-year-old psychology major Jonathan Rich. Rich has trouble with his memory because of events during his military service, and he is in the Disability Services and Programs for Students. During Rich’s first semester, when he went to go ask for advanced help on assignments and extra notes on tests, Rich said a couple of his professors laughed in his face because he was a DSPS student. “When the students started calling me a baby killer, [the professor] didn’t tell them to stop. I understand everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but if you know you have a student who was in the military that’s sitting in your
Nichelle Heu | The Connection
(Left to right) Marc Gonzalez, 29, vet tech major, Sierra Ginsberg, 29, vet tech major, Jonathan Rich, 31, psychology and human services major gather at the center to study, do their homework and use the resources that are provided.
class, you shouldn’t let [students say things like that],” Rich said. Although this behavior has happened, other veteran students say it’s not all bad. “The student body is good, the staff [is] great. I like the staff here, everyone is willing to help and support you when you need it,” said 45-year-old human services major Charles Young Jr. “That’s what everyone needs, not just veterans.” He said he knows, as a veteran on campus, to be mindful of the things that are happening around him, but hearing that other veterans are being mistreated makes him feel discouraged. Denise Doughty, the Veteran Resource Center Coor-
dinator, said the Resource Center is important because it gives veterans a place to gather in a safe space and a place that they can be themselves. The Resource Center also provides academic and psychological counseling, computers, space for studying and printing. Even with the resources that are provided, Radio, Television, and Film major Mariah Peck, 24, explained how she doesn’t self-identify as a veteran right away because she’s afraid that the student sitting next to her or her professors might discriminate against her based on her background and experience in the military. Peck said that students should not be scared of veter-
ans because they have experience in combat, but should look at it as, if anything were to happen unexpectedly, they have the training to react faster than others. “There’s a lot of veterans on this campus and a lot of people just don’t know it. I think that there’s been a bad stigma put on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that people think because [veterans] have been in combat, that they’ll explode at any minute,” Peck said. Lauren Wagner, radio, television, and film professor, advises any veterans who feels like they’re being treated unfairly, whether it be on campus or in class, to let someone know.
In the beginning of the semester if there’s something on the calendar or syllabus in a particular class they’re taking that would cause concern, to please let their professors know ahead of time, she said. “If you’re a veteran on campus, I highly recommend that you go by, you say hello and just kind of see who they are and see what it’s about,” Wagner said. Rich expressed how the Veteran Resource Center has become a pleasant place for him on campus and has decreased the negativity around him. He said “the [Veteran] center is a safe space center meaning that anybody can come in here and feel safe.”
Community college gives graduates further education By Quincie Pruitt qpruitt.connect@gmail.com A recent study stated that one out of every 14 of the people who attend community colleges, have already earned a bachelor’s degree, according to the American Association of community colleges. Many bachelor degree holders attending community college are seeking new careers especially in health-related disciplines such as nursing. Others are looking to upgrade their skills in computer-related professions or other jobrich fields including biotechnology, according to an online higher education report from Inside Higher Ed. After students earn their bachelor’s degree, some still struggle to find a job.
Associate Professor at UCLA Cecilia Rios-Aguilar said in the higher education article that, “there’s a lot of disciplines universities are not offering.” It’s no surprise that
ready received her bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State University. Williams is now going to school for dentistry, but she is currently not even working in
“Individuals can take classes and improve their skills, which is a benefit to society and for the student. ”
--Kimberly McDaniel
Vice President of Student Enrollment and Services
college graduates who want more specialized training go to community college - the universities aren’t keeping up, Aguilar said. A 26-year-old psychology major, Ashlee Williams al-
the field of her degree major, but for the state as a manager instead. “When I graduated from Sac State, I didn’t know what to get my degree in so I just picked the most simple one,”
Williams said. “Now, working in a field completely different from what I went to school for, I decided to go back and get a degree in something I’m very interested in.” Williams is just one of many students who went back to community college after already graduating from a university to get her degree in another field. Some programs offered at CRC are the Pharmacy Tech and Veterinary Tech programs, which are the most popular health sciences at CRC. Cosumnes River College Vice President of Student Enrollment and Services Kimberly McDaniel said these programs are all “unique to [CRC], to help you retrain and get your credits.” McDaniel agreed that go-
ing back to community college is helpful to the student to gain more training. “Individuals can take classes and improve their skills, which is a benefit to society and for the student,” McDaniel said. Biology major Jennifer Wilde, 28, states that she’s enjoying coming back to school to get additional training in the medical field. “I received my degree in nursing, and came back to school to get additional training to keep up on new medicine,” Wilde said. Making the return back to community college has now become a valid option for students who are trying to further their career or expand their knowledge on other subjects.
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DECEMBER 10, 2015
Campus reacts to safety alert system By Kayleen Carter kcarter.connect@gmail.com The campus police department announced on Nov. 12 that an Emergency Response Notification Icon, nicknamed ERNI, would be available to faculty and staff. Communication concerns had been one of the main topics of conversation from both safety forums that were held on campus, after recent campus crimes. ERNI was designed as an alternative method of contact in case any person could not reach the Los Rios Police Department in an emergency situation, according to an email from Vice President Cory Wathen. Currently, the icon is only available for staff and faculty and is located on the each employee’s computer desktop.
“I think that it’s a great idea,” said Extended Opportunity Program and Services Coordinator Kathy Degn. “I haven’t tested it so I don’t know if it’ll actually work until we have an emergency.” This seems to be a common worry between some of the faculty and staff, concerning ERNI’s mechanics. Some do not know how or if it works because there hasn’t been a need for it. “I know it’s just a click and send,” said Administrative Assistant for the Business and Family Science Department, Jennifer Panag. “I think the reason they don’t have it for students is because what if they accidentally click it?” The icon requires a person to double click on it and an alert message will be sent to the LRPD.
“I honestly think that its use will be minimal
because crime doesn’t happen in an office environment, it happens in parking lots and in hallways.”
-- Kristie West
Public Information Officer However, the icon has not needed to be officially used yet, as there have been no emergency situations since its introduction on Nov. 17.
Once the message has been received, a thank you message notifies the person that sent it so that they know it was properly received.
“For me, that gives me some level of comfort knowing that I just have to click it and hopefully they will be on their way,” Degn said. However, clicking on the icon has already posed o n e problem. An accidental double click of the icon sent an emergency notifica-
tion to the police department from the Communications, Visual and Performing Arts department. “Someone set off the icon in our department and we don’t know who it was,” said evening clerk Tiara Smith. “I personally think they should update it to the point where you would know which computer it came from.” Panag said that she believes the icon is helpful, but still questions the icons acces-
sibility with it being only on the computer. “What happens when the computers are down?” Panag said. “I wasn’t here last week but I know the connection was down.” There are some issues with the icon that need to be addressed before some consider it a more permanent solution to safety concerns. Degn said she believes that even if the introduction of ERNI is not the solution, that some form of security measure is still needed on campus. “I cert a i n l y t h i n k t h a t havi n g some v e r y clearly identified way for everyone to be able to summon help in an emergency is a good idea,” Degn said. Public Information Officer Kristie West agreed that having the icon does give the campus a sense of security, but believes its use to be minor. “I honestly think that its use will be minimal,” West said. “Because crime doesn’t happen in an office environment, it happens in parking lots and in hallways.”
News brief
The Board of Governors has approved recommendations pushed by the Task Force for creating job opportunities and improving economy to build a stronger workforce within the 113 college system, according to a California Community College press release from the Chancellor’s Office. The 25 recommendations are to ensure the types of credentials employers are looking for. Board President Geoffrey L. Baum said these improvements will aid students in getting well-paying jobs and meeting the increasing demand for skilled workers. The Task Force, commissioned by the Board, was comprised of various representatives from community colleges, the business community, labor groups, public agencies involved with training workforce, education policymakers and community organizations. Task Force Chair Sunita Cooke (President/Superintendent of MiraCosta Community College District) said employers have trouble finding workers to fill openings that have the right skills and proper aptitude. These recommendations that have been approved will help to better prepare the workforce for these necessary requirements.
Legislation approves high school dual enrollment By Kalaisha Totty ktotty.connect@gmail.com The California Community College Board of Governors held a ceremony on Nov. 4 to celebrate legislation that gives high school students an increased access to college level courses. Assembly Bill 288 was led by Assembly Majority Leader Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, and will develop a “partnership between high schools and community colleges” allowing high school students to take community college courses to make their transition to college easier, according to the press release sent out by the CCC Chancellor’s Office’s Director of Communications Paige Marlatt-Dorr. Concurrent enrollment is defined as enrollment in two or more educational institutions by means of accessing
more courses and opportunities. AB 288 will allow enrollment in up to 15 units “if certain conditions are met and prohibits any fee from being charged to high school students in [College and Career
tween the systems,” said Cosumnes River College’s Outreach Specialist Peggy Ursin. The goal of AB 288 is to develop a pathway that is smooth for high school students and also allows them to
“I think it’s positive for those who are
motivated. I’m sure it’s not easy for a high school student to attend a college class, but for those who do, I believe they will find it very rewarding.”
-- Kristie West
Public Information Officer Access Pathways] courses,” according to the press release. Gov. Jerry Brown signed the AB 288 in October. “It’s a big transition from high school to college, and getting a ‘taste’ early is a way to ease into the differences be-
figure out if college is something they want to pursue. “Expanding dual enrollment is critical because it increases opportunities for students to pursue certificates and degrees or transfer to four-year institutions,” said
Board of Governors President Baum in the press release. There has always been a concurrent enrollment agreement in place between high schools and community colleges, but the establishment of new programs makes it possible to increase awareness for students, families and communities. CCAP is a collection of services that will focus on transporting high school students, who are not already thinking about college, to vocational colleges and community colleges to prepare for transfer or career fields. “I think creating a diverse set of clear educational pathways to help students realize their educational goals, including the option of dual enrollment, is very worthwhile for students, the college and the state,” said Katherine McLain, Dean of College Plan-
ning and Research and the College Equity Officer. AB 288 will allow thousands of high school students to experience the college environment and make their choice to go to college or not. AB 288 has received a lot of praise because of the communal impact for both high school students and community colleges. “I think it’s positive for those who are motivated,” said Public Information Officer Kristie West. “I’m sure it’s not easy for a high school student to attend a college class, but for those who do, I believe they will find it very rewarding.” Holden is hopeful AB 288 will change how students view higher education and looks forward to the opportunities for high school students, according to the press release. Bill AB 288 takes effect in January 2016.
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>>Features
CRC theatre gets into the holiday spirit with ‘The Gingerbread Man’ By Quincie Pruitt qpruitt.connect@gmail.com
rehearse for a production, especially for a Dimal has been in past musical. CRC productions such “We use our productions to train as “This is Not What I After nine years, the our emerging artist and actors,” Fortin Ordered” and “The Chisera.” holiday favorite “The Gin- said. “The production Anothgerbread Man” has made its is designed to help the er process the way back to the Cosumnes students further their re- “The CRC theatre arts cast go through River College stage, this time sumes.” department has been Not only do the acis fighting chorewith a musical twist. But what ography. does it really take to put together tors have to worry about working on this play memorizing their lines, “Fight chorethese productions? ography is usually The famous play by David Wood but in this production for about eight weeks, sword fights and fist was first produced in 1976 in London they also had to learn six hours a day Monday fights, it’s normally not and has been reproduced over the last some dance numbers. “It took hours and through Friday.” a gingerbread jumping 40 years by various groups. through a mouse’s legs,” “The Gingerbread Man” is a children’s hours to develop the said Adjunct professor play that’s about a gingerbread cookie that dancing,” said dance pro--Cheri Fortin Scott Gilbert. comes to life and goes on an adventure to fessor Rebecca Henning. theatre arts professor He said it was a chalhelp the other characters who live on the “Coming up with a theme of the dance and looking lenge to choreograph counter with him. “The CRC theatre department has at the script was a process, but it’s best to around the costumes. “Their big costumes are a challenge been working on this play for about eight get a feel for the actors and characters and and for movement it’s different trying to weeks, six hours a day Monday through see what they’re comfortable with.” Henning said one situation was trying think like moving like a mouse but inFriday,” said to capture the essence stead you’re moving like a person because Cheri Fortin proof the story through you’re trying to do something really thefessor of theatre dance. atrical and big that kids can respond to,” arts. Some performers said Gilbert. She said had to go out of their For some, the main challenge was rehearsals inelement and learn simply time. cluded voice resomething complete“It has been hard especially during hearsals during ly new for this play the holiday season to [rehearse]. It has the day and which only adds to been stressful and exhausting,” said dance rehearsrehearsal time. 20-year-old education major Zoi Utterals on the week“It’s been tough,” back. “But when you’re that passionate ends. said 19-year-old the- about something it’s all worth it.” Before reatre arts major TimoThis will be Utterback’s fifth show hearsing their thy Dimal. “I have a at CRC, but her second musical. play the cast singing part, so I have The last musical they’ve done at participated in to make sure I hit my CRC was “The New Brain,” which was vocal warms, notes, and i’m also about two years ago said Utterback. which involved learning tap dancing The final showings of the family a lot of screaming and shoutNicole Goodie | The Connection for my character so friendly show will be on Dec. 11 and 12 it’s a new thing for at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box. There is also ing. Some were Actors Zoi Utterback and Timothy Dimal practice me.” a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Dec. 10. also rehearsing their choreography during rehersal. The actors Dimal plays Sleek The department made their version their dance steps, challenge is working around their bulky costumes. the mouse who is one of the play geared more towards families but it seemed to of the antagonists and children by adding an audience parhelp them get into character. Fortin said it takes 60 to 200 hours to attempting to eat the Gingerbread Man. ticipation aspect.
DECEMBER 10, 2015
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New app designed to ease college life By Kayleen Carter kcarter.connect@gmail.com Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an app that organized all your important deadlines and schedules in one place? Luckily community colleges, such as Cosumnes River College, have suggested that students download an app called GradGuru. The app is supposed to help with college retention and completion, according to the GradGuru website. The award-winning app sends its users notifications and reminders for important campus deadlines, such as holiday recesses and enrollment dates. The app also gives tips about different services offered on campus such as the Transfer Center, veteran services and class schedules. Each student signs into their GradGuru account and the app tracks how far they have come to reaching their individual educational goal. GradGuru is free to download in any online app store and is accessible across all devices with no additional purchases necessary. Students can download the app, then create an account based off of the community college they attend. After students identify their college, the app sends notifications to the student regarding important dates such
Ugly Sweater Run
Save the Children is hosting a 5K run and winter entertainment to raise money to support children in developing countries. General Admission: $40 Children under 5: $5 Donation: $5 Location: 3800 Land Park Drive
“The Nutty Nutcracker”
The Sacramento Ballet presents “The Nutty Nutcracker” at the community center theatre directly across capitol park. Premiere: Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. Price: $19-75 Location: 1302 L Street Courtesy Photo
as drop dates, graduation petition deadlines and semester registration dates about every week. CRC’s GradGuru administrator, Tiffany Clark, said that each community college campus has their own version of the app. She also said that the app started out as a project that was funded by Bill Gates and his wife. Though the app has not yet had an official introduc-
tion to the students on campus, it has been advertised on CRC’s main website and on flyers around the campus. While the app keeps students set on the right path, they can also have fun earning badges along the way, which can then be shown under the My Earned Badges tab. Badges are earned by completing tasks on campus, such as registering for classes. Each badge has a certain number of points that can be
earned and then redeemed. A student would generally have to earn 95 points in order redeem the reward of a Starbucks gift card. Within the app, there is a main profile page called MyGradGuru where students can keep track of their notifications, rewards and friends from campus. With all of this information in one app, it should be easier for students to get their college priorities organized.
Movie Premieres Dec. 18 “Sisters” “Extraction” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Dec. 25 “Concussion” Jan. 15 “Ride Along 2”
#TrendingNow Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant announced he would retire at the end of the 2015-2016 season. Bryant spent 20 seasons with the Lakers. “It’s good. With all the bricks he’s throwing up, he should be building houses with all those bricks,” said Brandon Nixon, 21, a business admistration major.
wVideo
Psy’s Ne
Kobe R
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South Korean singer Psy released a new music video, “Daddy.” The video follow his YouTube sensations “Gentleman” and “Gangnam Style,” the most-watched video in the history of YouTube. His new album was released on Dec. 1 “I like him. I think he is kind of eccentric, he’s out there. He kinda does whatever he wants,” said Celine Tran, 19, a kinesiology major.
Pepper M
Compiled by Matt Johnson & Cole McCarthy All photos are courtesy photos
urder Prank YouTube infamous star Sam Pepper released a prank video where he tricks someone into thinking his best friend was just murdered. “I would define a prank as something that’s a joke, it doesn’t really harm anybody. But stuff that ever has damaging effects, I wouldn’t consider a prank,” said Matthew Webb, 19, a chemistry major.
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Winter Distractions The Connection staff shares some of our favorite ideas for how to spend your time over winter break.
•Binge watching is a great way to pass time in any season. Shows like “Dexter” and “Jessica Jones” are a great place to start and can both be found on Netflix. -- Emily Lotz & Cole McCarthy • To me, winter time means ice skating. The Downtown Sacramento Holiday Ice Rink on 7th & K street is a fairly cheap and easy holiday date night. -- Nicole Goodie
• Winter break gives you an opportunity to do a full detox. This will get you ready for the new year and help your immune system during flu season. Or you can put on your favorite sweatpants and eat holiday leftovers. -- Tyler Santana • Cut some wood. Start a fire. Look into the fire. Reminisce. -- Sean Pastrana
Give the gift of creativity with do-it-yourself ideas T
By Kalaisha Totty he newest tech is always in high demand this time of boxes lying around for free. year, but why not dial down to more simplistic, per- ktotty.connect@gmail.com If crafts aren’t your thing, you can make a layered cake sonalized gifts? This is one way to avoid spending hundreds with holiday colors or even put together a jar with travel sizduring the holidays. es of your family members’ favorite things like nail polish or gift cards. Sometimes you just want to give the perfect gift to someone that Creative gift ideas can be hard to think of, especially if you have a shows you truly know who they are. large family. One great way to find gift ideas is to create a list for each Supplies can be found anywhere: Target, Walmart, dollar stores, person you’re giving a gift to. Jot down key words or phrases that decraft stores or even in your home. Especially around this time of year, scribes what they like and take your list to Pinterest. stores stock their clearance and sale sections with festive trinkets, gifts Pinterest is like a giant social idea board open to all. You can find and supplies you can use for making gifts. anything from DIY cookie designs to terrarium tree ornaments. Any One gift idea is to create your own tree ornament. All you need is ideas you have for gifts, Pinterest is sure to have loads of blog posts for a pack of clear ornament bulbs, colored glitter of whatever you want to it. put inside the bulb and supplies to decorate the outside like stickers Some may think they aren’t as creative or artistic as they and paint. want to be to make the gift ideas they find. Your total amount spent will vary depending However, gifts you put a lot of time and effort on your gift ideas and the amount of supplies into sometimes are the most appreciated, cheryou purchase. Buy a decorative box to put ished and well-kept. your gifts in or paint a solid colored bag Whether you celebrate Christmas, Haand stuff it with festive tissue paper. nukkah, Kwanzaa or any other holiday, Around this time you may be able there are always gifts to give from to find a family member that the heart that can make the seahas some extra holiday son that much brighter.
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December 10, 2015
>>Opinion EDITORIAL
We don’t need a war on Christmas Every year, around this time, a portion of American society voluntarily enters the most unnecessary war known to man for no specific reason other than that it gives them something to complain about. This war is not against any typical enemy, but instead, against Christmas. A war waged in the name of righting wrongs in a holiday that is meant to be about family and generosity. This year’s target of choice: plain red coffee cups. Let’s take this opportunity to remind those citizens angered by the change in Starbucks’ holiday cup decoration that Starbucks is, in fact, not a Christian company. If someone is looking for Baby Jesus decor, they might want to try Chick-fil-A or Hobby Lobby. One of the instigators for the war waged on Christmas is Joshua Feuerstein, a self-described “American evangelist, internet and social media personality.” A viral video Feuerstein released contained complaints against Starbucks’ bare red cups. One of the claims he made was that Starbucks employees aren’t allowed to say “Merry Christmas” to their customers. However, a Starbucks spokesperson said in an email that their employees “are not provided a script or policy around greeting customers. They are simply encouraged to create a welcoming environment to delight each person who walks through our doors,” according to an article in The Atlantic. Apparently, Starbucks workers have enough human kindness and empathy to realize that not everyone celebrates Christmas. This anger towards Starbucks and the assumption that they hate Christmas is ridiculously unfounded. According to a Washington Post article, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump even suggested a Starbucks boycott and promised a crowd in Springfield, Ill.: “If I become president, we’re all going to be saying ‘Merry Christmas’ again. That I can tell you.” Thank you, Trump, but let us know when you conquer some more pressing presidential issues. The thing is, Christmas isn’t something anyone has to give back because it’s not something that anyone can take away. Many families who are Christian and don’t put up trees, nor do they hang stockings or open presents on Christmas day. It doesn’t mean they hate Jesus and the fact that people could believe that it does is disappointing. Starbucks Vice President Jeffrey Fields said that they “wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories,” according to a CNN online article. A war on Christmas isn’t needed, especially when it involves a company that attempted to include everyone in their traditions. To be clear it’s not that people hate Jesus or Christmas, in this case, but some people just don’t believe in that specific religion. Not only should that be perfectly acceptable, it is also their right as human beings. Instead of creating a conflict, we need to accept that there are others with alternate beliefs and that it means society is progressing. Agree? Disagree? Let us know at connection.crc@gmail.com or thecrcconnection.com
Letters to the Editor RE: “New basketball coach brings hopeful outlook” Issue date: Oct. 29
RE: “Campus news blast brings a more informed audience” Issue date: Oct. 15
Dear Editor,
Dear Editor,
Coach Devin Aye’s new brand of basketball seems like it’s going to reinvigorate Cosumnes River College’s enthusiasm about our team. NBA teams that aren’t at the very top of the league take inspiration from winning ball clubs and adjust to the trends. I think it is a brilliant idea to follow suit in a way by drawing ideals from the championship winning Golden State Warriors. It is even more exciting that Aye’s coaching career began at CRC, home bred coming back to take the men’s basketball team to new heights. Though it was sad to see Coach Giazomazzi depart after 12 years, which he did so understandably, it’s always nice to get a fresh beginning to produce better basketball gameplay. Not only is Aye focused on basketball, but his main priority seems to be putting the student back in student-athlete. Students come first in that title and a lot of people tend to forget that. With an impressive resume and great moral and ethics, Aye seems more than qualified to take over as head coach, and speaking for the CRC student body, we cannot wait to see the finished product on the court.
I am writing in response to a news brief. The brief narrated how a former American River College student, Kristofer Wayne Clark was arrested on a felony charge on Oct. 8 as a result of useful information that was shared by an ARC student. That news brief was very informative and encouraging. Our security is currently of utmost importance in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Mali, including crimes involving gunshots in our colleges nationwide. As a community, we need to stay informed, watchful, skeptical and ready to report suspicious people and activities to appropriate authorities. While it is unfortunate to live in such violent times, we are fortunate to have resources like your newspaper keeping us informed on the things we can do for security. I encourage you to keep up the good work. Overall thank you for greatly contributing to the security of our colleges and community.
Quan Collins, 24 Mass Communications
Editor in Chief: Nicole Goodie News Editor: Emily Lotz Features Editor: Nicole Goodie Opinion Editor: EJ Aguayo Sports Editor: Tyler Santana Online Editor: Matt Johnson Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati
Staff: Kayleen Carter, Alec Gonsalves, Coy Granderson, Nichelle Heu, Cole McCarthy, LeShea Munoz, Taunika Ogans, Sean Pastrana, Quincie Pruitt, Mariah Rios, Kalaisha Totty
Emmanuel Eno-Idem, 42 Business Administration Scan this QR code with your smart phone to submit a letter to the editor.
The Connection is an award-winning newspaper published bi-weekly by the Journalism 410 & 411 media production class. Editorials and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the students, staff or faculty of CRC or Los Rios Community College District. The Connection is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges and California Newspaper Publisher’s Association. Letters to the Editor must be typed, signed and include the first and last name of the author and a phone number. They must be 200 words or less and may be edited for length, clarity or taste.
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America’s Dilemma Should we give Syrians a home in the US?
Pro: Syrians are people, too By Matt Johnson mjohnson.connect@gmail.com When Paris was shaken by deadly terrorist attacks on Nov. 13, it left many Americans fearing for their own safety. In the days following the attacks, many states outright refused to accept Syrian refugees. The actions and emotions by a majority of the country speak to many things: A growing angst about a potential terrorist attack in the U.S. because of generalizations made about a group of people, and ignorance to critical information. A growing fear of an impending terrorist attack in the U.S. isn’t a sole result of the attacks in Paris. Concern was already growing in the months before the deadly violence. Nearly 50 percent of Americans fear that they or a family member will be a victim of a terrorist attack, according to a poll by Gallup, a data-driven news-based site. This was the highest mark since the months following the attacks on 9/11. Fear can cause people to avoid rational thinking. Many people want to be protected and feel safe, but for the 54 percent of Americans opposed to allowing Syrian refugees, according to an ABC News poll, they must look at the whole picture. For Americans fearing that they or their loved ones will be killed by a terrorist attack, they are taking a single traumatic event and magnifying it to absurd proportions. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention database, finding that between 2004 to 2013, over 300 Americans have been killed by terrorist attacks in the U.S. This includes acts of terrorism by all races, and terrorism committed by right-wing extremists, a group of Americans acting under a conservative-extremist ideology. Thus, Americans are twice as likely to be killed by terrorists attacks at the hands of our own people. New America Foundation, a nonpartisan research center found that since 2002, 51 people have been killed by right-wing extremists versus 26 killed between 2002 and 2015 by jihadists. But, fear and hatred is turned predominantly towards Muslims and now Syrian refugees of Muslim faith are the primary target.
Republican presidential candidates Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz told supporters during campaign speeches that refugees who can prove they are Christian can come into the country. Half of the country is telling thousands of Syrian refugees that they can’t come here because of the remote chance that some ISIS members might sneak in and commit a terrorist attack. This fear-based thinking also occured in the 1940’s. After the attacks on Pearl Harbor, 10 internment camps were opened across the U.S. where more than 110,000 Japanese-Americans were held. There had been no proof the Japanese-Americans were involved in Japan’s war efforts, but they put them in camps anyways. This time remains a black eye in U.S. history. Fear inhibits rational thinking and when you combine that with racial stereotyping, like many did in the 1940’s and today, it can lead to the unnecessary discrimination of people. There could very well be a major attack by ISIS in the near future, but that does not mean it will be a result of taking in refugees. Attempting to block Syrian families from coming to the U.S. does not accomplish anything. It only allows the isolation of people who are in need of help, while further damaging the global view of the U.S. There could very well be a major attack by ISIS in the near future, but that does not mean it will be a result of taking in refugees. Attempting to block Syrian families from coming to the U.S. for a new life and safety does not accomplish anything. It only allows the isolation of people who are in need of help, while further damaging the global view of the United States, and its citizens.
Con: A threat to our safety By Quincie Pruitt qpruitt.connect@gmail.com Imagine being in Paris, France, enjoying a nice day in a city known for its art, fashion, and historic landmarks, then all of a sudden you hear bombs go off with shootings occurring almost simultaneously. O n N o v . 13, while thousands in Paris enjoyed their evening, the city and the entire world was shook. Explosions and bullets shattered the atmosphere. When the last shots and explosions ended, 130 innocent people were killed. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, also known as ISIS, announced that they were responsible for the horrifying attacks in a statement according to The Washington Post. The Paris attacks came just a day after ISIS took responsibility for a bombing in Beirut, Lebanon that killed 43 people and 13 days after ISIS took credit for bringing down a Russian airliner, killing all 244 passengers and crew on board, according to the New York Times. In a span of two weeks, ISIS killed over 400 people. This lead to many in the U.S., and others, to fear that they are next. ISIS had released a video after the Paris attacks stating that
they were planning to attack Washington D.C. as well as other popular tourist locations, according to ABC News. Syrian citizens are fleeing their country because of the war in Syria. The U.S. introduced a controversial bill which suggests a program that allows resettlement of refugees. ISIS also stated in the video that they have people in place to make this attack, insinuating that some of the refugees are already on U.S. grounds. Should we allow the Syrian refugees to come into the U.S. during a time of extreme terrorism from within their own people? Of course not all Syrian refugees pose a threat, but with ISIS’s agenda to continue with terrorist acts by any means, filtering out the bad seeds may prove to be a difficult task. Meanwhile in Istanbul, Turkish police detained eight suspects who posed as refugees, and many of those were believed to be linked to the ISIS group, according to The Huffington Post. The refugees also detailed a migration route from Istanbul to Turkey, Greece, Serbia, and Hungary, according to a Yahoo news article. Turkey alone has two million Syrian refugees with about 650,000 migrants and refugees who have reached the Greek Islands, as of 2015, according to Yahoo. Granted that they are fleeing from the war going on within their countries, but with the high rise of attacks from their people, it makes many of us question some of the refugees motives. Bringing in refugees, some possibly associated with extreme terrorists, may leave many citizens vulnerable to attacks on the U.S. As many attacks that were reported at the hands of ISIS are recent, there’s always the possibilty that the resettlement of Syrian refugess may only allow for more terrorism. Once the refugees come into the U.S. and become comfortable, who’s to say they won’t help ISIS plan future attacks or attempt to manipulate America citizens into joining their cause. In regards to the Paris attacks, one of the suicide bombers, identified as Ismael Omar Mostefei, was actually a former resident of France, according to CNN. As we’re now faced with the decision of whether or not to let the refugees in almost immediately following a number of terrorist attacks, we must first consider our own safety. The risk lies with unpredictability.
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DECEMBER 10, 2015
>>Sports
Men’s basketball competes in 37th Annual James Clark Classic hosted by CRC CRC vs. Alameda CRC: 83 Alameda: 65 Leading scorer: Gerard Andrus 24 pts. CRC vs. Napa CRC: 64 Napa: 54 Leading scorer: Gerard Andrus 12 pts. CRC vs. Feather River CRC: 63 Feather River: 85 Leading scorer: Derrick Randolph 23 pts.
Women’s basketball knocked out early in the Contra Costa Tournament CRC vs. Chabot CRC: 51 Chabot: 72 Leading scorer: De’Zire Hall 19 pts.
CRC vs. De Anza CRC: 63 De Anza: 73 Leading scorer: Alyna Kanae 21 pts.
Kobe Bryant deserves playing time out of respect for his legacy By Tyler Santana tsantana.connect@gmail.com As a 20-year vet, Kobe Bryant will forever be remembered as one of the most important players in basketball following the Michael Jordan era. Before Lebron, or Steph Curry, Bryant’s popularity mixed with his dominance on the court paved the way for many and has solidified his legacy as one of the top 10 NBA players of all time. But, in what seemed like a brash decision, Bryant has now revealed that he will retire at the end of the current 20152016 NBA season. This has sparked debate and some controversy between fans and followers of the NBA having to deal with the struggling Los Angeles Lakers team, who is 3-18 on the season. Some say that since Bryant has announced his retirement he has been receiving maximum playing time, even though his shooting skills aren’t what they once were, which is seriously affecting the Lakers’ fate so far this season and possibly their future. There is no doubt Bryant will be inducted into the hall of fame and definitely be talked about and compared to some of the greatest shooting guards to play in the NBA such as Reggie Miller, “Pistol Pete” Maravich and of course Michael Jordan. Many fans would like to see Bryant start to pass the torch on and to help usher in a new era for Lakers basketball, an era without one of the most notable names in basketball. This would mean that Bryant would start to get less playing time and more time on the sideline, however the five-time NBA champion has never been one to sit in the back seat. So why out of all these years should he start doing so now? It feels like Bryant is giving it just one last go every game, taking every shooting opportunity he can get to savor every moment because, unlike Jordan, it doesn’t look like Bryant will be making a return to the NBA. So who can blame the man for wanting to hold on to these last few moments even if they aren’t his greatest and the team is struggling? Unlike many great players Bryant has dedicated his whole career to the Lakers. If there is anything the fans owe him, it is to back him up now to honor all he has done for the franchise, especially in their glory years. I for one have grown up watching Bryant play the game and as Michael Jordan was on his way out of basketball and out of his prime by the time I became interested in basketball so I became more focused on Bryant. I know it is the same for a lot of people, even those that aren’t fans of the Lakers are coming to games just to see Bryant play one final time. So I say let Bryant have his final farewell tour because come next season without Bryant on the court it will free up an opportunity for the younger stars like Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell a chance to shine on the court.
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DECEMBER 10, 2015
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Hawks volleyball gears up for offseason
Volleyball recruits are going to help bring out the improvements, coach says By Alec Gonsalves agonsalves.connect@gmail.com The Women’s Volleyball team ended their season with a 3-0 conference loss against American River College on Nov. 18, which brought their season record to seven wins and twenty losses. With an 18 player roster consisting of 11 freshman and four veteran sophomores who played, twenty-eight-yearold head coach Cassie Baxter said there will be a lot of improvements during the off-season training. “Starting January, the team will be enrolled in the off-season sports conditioning class that meets Mondays and Wednesdays in the gym to improve in-
“I want the recruits to be
competitive, receptive, enthusiastic, dedicated and knowledgeable on their position.”
-- Cassie Baxter
Head Coach
dividual skills,” Baxter said. “Tuesdays and Thursdays they will be engaged in olympic training to get bigger, stronger and faster.” Along with supplemental courses, Baxter plans to enhance the team’s skills through film study, which is practiced in many professional sports. “Individual work and tweaking will also happen by recording the players during training and practices, so
Mariah Rios | The Connection
Hannah Norris, middle left, and Olivia Sowels, middle right, go up to stop the ball during a match against Cañada College on Sept. 18 which they lost. The hawks went on to only win one more game after this match ending the season with seven wins and 20 losses.
that they can learn from their own mistakes, alter them and apply it to their next match,” Baxter said. As for the team itself, there are 11 returning freshman who will add more experience to the team come the 2016 season, as well as four recruited students athletes to keep the roster at a strong 15 player team. “I have Keilani Gaithier defensive specialist, Olivia Sowels right-side hitter, Crystal Hernandez, outside hitter and Leilani Lovan, setter to name a few,” Baxter said. “And two recruits from Franklin High School, and two more from Cosumnes Oaks High School.”
Among those returning freshman are three red-shirt players: 19-year-old nutrition major Justine Busse, 18-yearold communications major Clarissa Pacheco and 19-year-old communications major Maya C. Young who are all held in higher standards by their teammates. “I want the recruits to be competitive, receptive, enthusiastic, dedicated, and knowledgeable on their position,” Baxter said. In regards to her team’s offensive and defensive style, Baxter feels confident in her team’s game-strategy but is more concerned with the individual skill level the players are currently at.
“The skills that I need to improve on are assessing all setting options when on the court, and following through with confidence when setting the ball,”said Leilani Lovan, setter. Come spring, those individual improvements will be displayed at the non-seasonal tournaments where the Hawks will compete against other Junior colleges and hone their skills on the court. “It’s to see how much we’ve improved and gives us something to strive for instead of practicing the whole time, which allows me to assess which players will lead the team in the upcoming season,” Baxter said.
Student athletes look to other schools to continue playing By Coy Grandeson cgranderson.connect@gmail.com During the spring 2016 semester, several women’s volleyball student athletes plan to continue their educational goals at another Los Rios college. However, others will attend colleges outside the district. While pursuing a college degree, some student athletes will forgo their athletic interests to focus on their academic endeavors. Others will amend their athletic roles while continuing their education. Sophomore middle blocker Mercedes Dangerfield hopes to
continue her athletic endeavors while attending a university outside of the Los Rios Community Colleges District. “I plan to attend Fresno State or Antelope Valley,” said 20-year-old Dangerfield, a criminal justice major. Freshman outside hitter Catie Thompson, 20, will suspend her athletic pursuits. “I will be a half-time student this spring at Sacramento State,” said Thompson who is planning on majoring in kinesiology and physical therapy. Although she was not recruited, sophomore defensive specialist Justice Copper will forgo her athletic interests while pursuing her education
out of state. “I will attend Seattle Pacific Community College for one semester then transfer to Seattle Pacific University,” said Cooper, a 20-year-old liberal arts major who chose the university because of the teaching programs. Even though her athletic role will change, freshman outside hitter Alexis Moss, 21, indicates she’ll still be involved in sports while continuing her education at a Los Rios Community College. Moss, a business administration major, said she’ll be transferring to American River College not to play but to coach for the school.