Viewpoints Fall 2017 issue No. 5 Nov 2 2017 by RCC Viewpoints

ySPORTS

yOPINIONS

Water polo prepares OCE gold

The problem with ‘fake news’

yLIFE

‘Stranger Things’ returns

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VOL. XCVIII, NO. 5

Students at Riverside City College attend a Black Minds Matter webinar with speaker Luke Wood on Oct. 24.

NOVEMBER 2, 2017

SHEKINA GAMON | VIEWPOINTS

RCC supports Black Minds Matter JOYCELLEN MARTINEZ @RCCviewpoints

The issues surrounding Black men’s lives have become a prevailing topic among communities that seek to bridge the achievement gap between their students regardless of race. On Oct. 24, San Diego State University’s Luke Wood hosted a live webinar to talk about the issues that Black men face, such as the parallels between the undervaluing and criminalization as well as how these matters are evident in the educational environment. The event was broadcasted in the Digital Auditorium on Oct. 25. The event included a group discussion, in which attendees were able to share their own thoughts and feelings regarding the matter. The webinar is a free and public course designed to raise the national consciousness about issues facing Black men in education, intending to draw linkages between these issues and

how they are evident in school, college and university settings. Wood hopes that the course will help people examine how the nearly 1 million Black students in California are faring from preschool through college and reveals the distressing disparities that newly released state and national data show persist at all levels of their educational journey. The report also highlights the groundbreaking efforts underway to reverse these trends in California and close achievement and opportunity gaps for African American students. Through the webinar, attendees were meant to gain more insight on what kinds of things are happening right now, that we can attribute to why students aren’t achieving. And if they are “able to identify where things are happening then we can start chipping away at the problem” Marc Sanchez said, RCC professor and host of Black Minds Matter. “Overall Back Minds Matter is a gathering to bring awareness

to the barriers and challenges that African Americans face when navigating through the higher educational system,” RCC counselor and assistant professor Monique Green said. In addition to providing information to students, Green said she hopes that it teaches educators how they can identify those students’ needs to help them

unconscious biases people have against them and how to address them, hoping this will help them to give insight on how they can be better served. Black Minds Matter addresses the experiences and realities of Black males in education, drawing parallels between the Black Lives Matter movement and the ways that Black minds are engaged in the classroom. The course will balance a discussion of issues facing Black male students as well as offer research-based strategies for improving their success. The broadcast included various speakers, primarily -- Patrisse Cullors educators, who raised a spotlight on the issues Black men face in the educational system, including Ilyasah Shabazz, the daughter of become more successful and aid Malcolm X. in closing the achievement gap. Wood highlighted subjects According to Green, students such as the parallels between the play a big role in the movement distrust, disdain and disregard and making a difference by that Black men are placed learning about the possible into and how these negative

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“We have to be out here whether or not it’s trendy.”

perceptions are transferred over to educational settings, going on to state that the change comes when individuals are willing to accept responsibility and move forward to what can be done better tomorrow. Ryan J. Smith, executive director of The Education Trust, brought attention to the statistics behind the injustice that people of color face in society, such as the fact that one in four Black men met the state reading standards and that trauma both external and internal are part of the Black learning experience. Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, emphasized the idea that spaces of care and education are turning into places of criminalization, stating that the key to Black power is working on having conversations on what can be imagined as a change. “We have to be out here whether or not it’s trendy to say ‘Black Lives Matter,’” Cullors said. The webinar course will continue for a total of eight sessions meeting every Wed. until Dec. 11.

News

November 2, 2017

Riverside religious leaders stand with the marginalized

NEWS BRIEFS RCC offers free flu shots Riverside City College Health Services will be providing free flu shots to all students, staff and faculty Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An annual flu vaccination is an important step in staying healthy and preventing the flu from spreading to others. Nurses will be available in Health Services, located on the first floor of the Bradshaw Building. All flu shots are free for students, faculty and staff.

‘An Inconvenient Sequel’ film screening RCC’s Student Sustainability Collective will be showing the film “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” in the Community Garden Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The film details former Vice President Al Gore’s battle against climate change.

Veterans Resource Fair

SHEKINA GAMON | VIEWPOINTS

Vulnerable members of the community find solace in the church Oct. 29. JOSHUA BURCIAGA @RCCviewpoints

The Calvary Presbyterian Church of downtown Riverside participated in the Second Annual Faith Walk for Peace on Oct. 15 to confront and resolve social issues. Prior to the walk, Rev. Erin Thomas disclosed the services that the church offers to the impoverished. “Every Sunday we have a hot meals program here at the church,” Thomas said. “Up to 200 people are served meals every Sunday and we have a clothes pantry downstairs for them as well.” The church also enacted a program titled Sole Exchange, inspired by the biblical verse John 13:1-7, where Jesus washes the feet of his disciple Peter. They provide free shoes to those in need and offer to wash their feet as an act of service. They then pray with them afterward if they wish. Medical vans also come to the church to treat the ill for free and help connect them to the neighboring Riverside Community Hospital. Thomas informs that anyone is welcome to volunteer on Sundays to help out. “We always have a need for volunteers,” Thomas said. “You can donate, bake goods, help make tables, play music. There’s lots of things you can do to help.” Participants then walked to the All Saints Episcopal Church. Once seated, Rev. John Conrad spoke about the history of the church. He informs that they’ve always had a tense relationship with government over the years. They were originally the church of England during the

Revolution and their ties to England were detrimental due to their loyalty to the monarch. He indicates that the church has sought to integrate democracy into the church ever since. “The most powerful factor in our religion is the people. The Holy Spirit moves from bottom up,” Conrad said. “Our revelation starts with the disenchantment of the people.” Conrad stated that there were more slave holding bishops than abolitionist church goers and that it was those at the bottom that pursued change.

following statements. Kneeland teaches at the Institute and offers bible and Mormon book studies seven days a week. “The Institution gives students the opportunity to learn more about God and religion in a positive and supportive environment,” Kneeland said. Kneeland has done missionary work in Argentina to assist impoverished communities and notifies that Mormons commit themselves to missionary work as well. He then quoted Corinthians 1:10-13, where Jesus taught that there were divisions and arguments even inside the Church. “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you,” Kneeland said. “Look at society today and there’s -- Rev. John Conrad divisions. This is not what God wanted.” Students and faculty from Riverside City College He informs that the church also contribute to those in need. has always advocated for social RCC professor Evan change and challenged authority. Heimlich, for example, has taken “People of faith need to come 10 trips to Mexicali, Mexico to together and preach the Gospel to assist the needy. people in power who don’t want “The poverty in Mexico is to hear it,” Conrad said. more severe than here in the H e r e c a l l s Ly n d o n B . U.S.,” Heimlich said. “Anyone Johnson’s visit to the church who cares about poverty should back in 1964. give the place a visit.” Johnson sat in front of the Monica Ramirez, president congregation while the reverend of the RCC Well Christian Club, preached a sermon denouncing informs about the services and the sins of the Vietnam War. duties that her club carries out, “Not much has changed in 50 such as Bible studies, featured years,” Conrad said. “The same guest speakers and a place to problems we faced then, we face socialise for anyone on campus. now.” “We just want students to The participants then marched know that everyone’s going to the Church of Jesus Christ of through something in their lives, Latter-day Saints Institute of even us Christians,” Ramirez Religion. said. “If they need help or a Snacks and refreshments shoulder to cry on, we just want were served as the next speaker, to show them that they’re not Rev. Scott Kneeland, prepared his alone, we’re here for them.”

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“Our revelation starts with the disenchantment of the people. ”

RCC will be hosting its annual Veterans Resource Fair on Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event is open to veterans, dependents and members of the local community. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy features such as county resources, local military organizations and RCC support services.

UCR Student Panel Interested in transferring to UCR after RCC? Ask a student! RCC will be hosting a panel that will feature former RCC students as they discuss their transfer process to UCR. The event will take place in the RCC Cafeteria from 12:40-1:40 p.m. on Nov. 7.

AMPUS CRIMES Oct. 12 Trespassing An unnamed suspect was cited and released for trespassing in the Sports Complex at 9:51 a.m. Oct. 14 Vandalism An unknown suspect broke restroom equipment in the Math and Science building at 1 p.m. Oct. 14 Hit and Run A student’s gray Nissan was damaged during a hit and run in the Aquatic Center at 11 a.m. No suspect has been identified. Oct. 15 Possession of a controlled substance A non-student individual was arrested for being in possession of drugs in Lot P. Oct. 17 Hit and Run A gray Toyota Corolla was damaged in a hit and run in the parking structure near the tennis courts at 8 a.m. No suspect has been identified. Oct. 17 Hit and Run A student’s blue Subaru was damaged during a hit and run in the parking structure near the tennis courts at 3:34 p.m. No suspect has been identified. Oct. 19 Hit and Run A student’s white Honda Civic was damaged during a hit and run in the parking structure at 2:55 p.m. No suspect has been identified.

SPORTS

November 2, 2017

“I don’t chase dreams, I hunt goals.”

- Conor McGregor

SHEKINA GAMON | VIEWPOINTS

The Riverside City College men’s basketball team ended their season ranked No. 10 in the Southern California standings and No. 19 in the state of California.

The Tigers return to the court Basketball team begins season ranked No. 11 CAMERON WINSTON @RCCviewpoints

One sport can go unnoticed from the spotlight during the rush of winter sports, and that is the return of college basketball. The month of October was full of events for the sports world. From playoff time for the MLB leading up to the World Series, to hitting the halfway point of the NFL season and the arrival of the NBA season, college basketball is on the rise. Teams from all divisions and colleges are preparing for a long and competitive season ahead, aiming to capture a conference championship, state or national titles. The Riverside City College Tigers men’s basketball team is one such unit looking to win the Orange Empire Conference. Coming off a 23-9 record last season that took them to the Southern California Regionals finals, the Tigers will look to improve on an otherwise impressive season. According to the Rccathletics page, the Tigers have earned a preseason ranking of eleventh in California and sixth in Southern California. L ast season, the Tigers finished third in their conference right behind Saddleback College and Fullerton College. They were

the only two teams that the Tigers suffered defeats to in conference play that had them going 8-4. “They are traditionally strong programs,” said head coach Philip Matthews. “It’s like what you have in the PAC-12 with Arizona and UCLA. Those are traditionally strong programs.” RCC averaged an impressive 80 points a game last season against their opponents and seem to be on track to either keep that same average or increase it. With four returning players on the roster, they look to emulate that success. Those returning are sophomore guards Andre Wilson, Brae Ivey, CJ Clark and forward Kane Daniels. Brae Ivey is a 6-feet 2 inch tall point guard to look out for this season. Coming off All-League honors a season ago, averaging 11.9 points a game and 3.7 assists, the team views Ivey as one of the best shooters on the team. He acts as the floor general of the team alongside being the starting point guard. Wilson is the team’s 6-feet 4 inch shooting guard that was awarded All-League honors as well. Wilson averaged 12.7 points per game while shooting an efficient 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from the three-point line. According to Rccathletics, he ended a game with double-digit scoring in 20

out of 30 games. “The sophomores are going to have to carry us until the young guys come along,” said Mathews. “To have four guys back from a 23-win team that gives you some encouragement.” One freshman making noise this upcoming season is Jordan Robinson, a 6-feet 7 inch forward out of King High School. An impressive athlete, Robinson averaged 17.1 points a game, as well as 14.3 rebounds a game, 2.1 steals a game and 2.9 blocks a game. Expectations from the

team this season are for him to be an inside force in the paint, accumulate rebounds, and just be versatile on both sides of the ball. The Tigers have spent the offseason like ever y team, focusing on ways to get better. One of the team’s main areas of focus that coach Mathews has emphasized to the team is defense. As the saying goes, defense wins championships. With the right personnel and some experience coming back from last year’s team, the Tigers look to be on the right path to

compete for a conference title this season. Preseason for the Tigers starts Nov. 2, where they will be playing in the Ventura College Tournament. They will look to set the tone against two of their league opponents, Fullerton College and San Bernardino Valley College, early on in the upcoming tournament. Every game will be critical for the Tigers, but the biggest showdowns will not come until they face rivals Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College.

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November 2, 2017

Sports

Tigers prepare to claim gold

Women’s water polo prepare for state tournament NICHOLAS PERALTA @RCCviewpoints

As a near perfect season comes to a close, Riverside City College’s women’s water polo team prepares, once again, to stake claim to the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) championship. RCC’s women’s water polo team went 21-2 this season, signifying a successful 2017 campaign. With the season now in the rearview, one of the best teams in RCC’s history now looks ahead to Orange Empire Conference championships and beyond. Multiple players on the team this season have been contributing factors to the success seen in the water this season such as Josceline Godinez, Megan Upton, Katy Peterson and California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA) Female Athlete of the Month Hannah McCarley. Head coach Doug Finfrock has taken notice of this year’s staggeringly star studded roster and believes it has bred one of the best teams he has seen in his 15 years coaching at RCC. “This team is a different kind of team,” said coach Finfrock. “We’re not star-studded. We have a lot of girls who do a great job. Because of that, I think it makes us a challenging team to beat because any game we can have any girl step up and score the goals for us. We’re not a one track to team where you just have to shut down one girl to beat us. You shut down one I got two others who will step up and put the ball in the back of the net.” At the helm of potentially historic team for RCC, coach

JUSTINE MEXIA | VIEWPOINTS

In 23 games, RCC’s women’s water polo team has gone 21-2 in 23 games going 5-1 in conference league matchups. Finfrock sees in their winning record a solid base in which to build up confidence. But that hasn’t deterred him from recognizing the struggles that are still to come now that team is proceeding into the postseason. “I don’t like to lose,” says coach Finfrock. “And I think that the team has the same philosophy. We may hate losing more than we enjoy winning. But our record doesn’t mean that much. What’s going to matter is these next three weekends. We have conference championships, and that’s crucial to setting ourselves up for having a good shot at regional championships. The top two teams at regionals go to state. And if you’re not at state you can’t win state. So the records nice, it’s good, but we have a lot of work to do and these next few

weeks will really dictate how successful this season is.” Freshman standout McCarley, in her analysis of the 2017 campaign knows that the team has shown exceptional ability. She also believes that even their winning record should not reflect or encompass their potential. Though the team did suffer two defeats, both losses were scored with the Tigers losing by only one point each game. “Personally, I think our record should be better.” said McCarley. “We had a really tight grasp on both of those games. But our record does not define our team at all.” Coach Finfrock had a different view on the losses as he saw both defeats as an opportunity for his team to grow. “Those losses were necessary

for this team,” said coach Finfrock. “They were humbling and allowed the girls to refocus and not begin to think to highly of themselves. As much as I hate to lose there is such a thing as a good loss. Being undefeated isn’t something we talk about a lot. If it ever happens we’d be thrilled to have it. But it’s not the end goal. The end goal is the state title.” Another key player that has helped pilot this team to success is team co-captain Megan Upton. A sophomore attacker that saw last season’s team excel all the way to a state championship against Santa Barbara, Upton is elated at the potential her current team has to possibly attain another championship. “Beating Santa Barbara was huge.” said Upton. “Last season in state we took them into double

overtime. It was insane. It was such a tight game, so to come back this season and beat them in both games, in regulation, we proved our point I think.” The Tigers have clearly been a playoff staple under Finfrock, who is preparing his team for the OEC tournament which takes place at Cypress College on Nov. 3. “With this team we’re trying to go day to day, game to game. I know where I would love to end up at the end of the year. And that’s back in the water with the girls celebrating a state championship. But there are so many steps that we still have to take even though we’re in the last three weeks of the season. If they execute and play like they should, I think we’ll be at the state tournament again.”

In the opening drive of the second quarter, LA Harbor found its way to score their only points of the game with a 26 yard field goal. Throughout the rest of the second quarter the Tigers were able to score with ease as Simms took one in for a score from 55 yards out and Viramontes connected with Justice Murphy for two touchdowns in the second quarter giving RCC a 35-3 lead at halftime. With a 22 point lead coming out of halftime, quarterback Travis Jonsen came out for RCC’s next possession, relieving Viramontes from the game. All three RCC quarterbacks found a way to put points on the board as Matt Struck also found game time, throwing a nine yard touchdown to Woody Brandom in the third quarter.

All LA Harbor possessions in the second half ended in punts and turnovers as the game drew to an end. As the clock hit zero, the Tigers were victorious once again thanks to Viramontes’ four first half touchdowns and Simms’ 135 yard performance on the ground. With the victory over LA Harbor, the Tigers then traveled to El Camino College where they took on the Warriors in a high scoring hotly contested 45-42 win. On their first possession, the Tigers marched down the field setting up a touchdown run by Simms. By the end of the first quarter, RCC held a 10-0 lead after a successful field goal by kicker John Garibay. As the second quarter went on, the Tigers surrendered two field goals to El Camino on back to back possessions, cutting

their lead to 10-6. However, on the very next drive, Viramontes retaliated as he kept the football himself and took it up the field for a 71 yard touchdown. Once halftime came around, RCC went into the locker room with a 17-13 lead over El Camino. RCC received the ball at the start of the second half and capitalized on their possession with a touchdown run by wide receiver Tyrone Marshall. As the third quarter came to a close, RCC remained in the lead as they found a way to score with a kickoff return for a touchdown by Marshall and a touchdown pass from Viramontes to wide receiver Malik Holcomb. El Camino led a furious comeback in the fourth quarter scoring two touchdowns passing and one rushing. Although the Warriors

rallied together late in the game, Viramontes scored a rushing touchdown, thwarting El Camino’s comeback attempt. Although being held to just 97 passing yards, Viramontes compensated for his numbers in the air by operating heavily on the ground, garnering 196 yards on 24 carries. The Tigers are currently 8-0 and have showed no signs of slowing down. With just two more games before the regular season concludes, RCC has the potential to go undefeated. Currently ranked No. 2 trailing only Fullerton College, RCC looks to remain that way as the teams are the only two undefeated in the state. With another win behind them, the run heavy Tigers look ahead to their final game at home this season against Long Beach City College.

RCC football return from the road still unbeaten CRISTIAN LOPEZ @RCCviewpoints

Whether it has been close games or blowouts, the Riverside City College football team has found a way to remain unbeaten. Coming out of a game where they dominated the Chaffey College Panthers at home, the Tigers took their talents on the road for two straight games as they took on Los Angeles Harbor College and El Camino College. The Tigers picked up right where they left off as quarterback Vic Viramontes and running back Clifford Simms paved the way for the offense in the 49-3 win over LA Harbor. The game got off to a fast start for RCC as they ended their opening drive with a 30 yard touchdown pass from Viramontes to wide receiver Tanarious Achan.

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November 2, 2017

us what you think, in a letter to the editor, in an email, or use #RCCnow.

Trump pursues political suicide President provides Congress multiple opportunities to impeach him from office JOSHUA BURCIAGA @RCCviewpoints

President Donald Trump has big plans for the future however, those plans don’t involve us. As Trump continues to aggravate the U.S. and other countries, we become increasingly befuddled and outraged by the daily controversies instigated by him. Even notorious members of Congress such as Sen. John McCain find it difficult to decipher his rhetoric. "I don't know what he's saying and I've long ago given up trying to interpret what he says," McCain said to an Arizona radio station. Tony Schwartz, a former colleague of Trump’s, predicts that Trump will resign due to the pressure that the Russian investigation has fixated on him. “I surely believe that at some point over the next period of time he’s going to have to figure out a way to resign,” Schwartz said in an interview with CNN. Americans may witness another Nixon era style impeachment process. However, this is not 1974 anymore, the political climate has changed since then. T h e r e f o r e , Tr u m p’s p o t e n t i a l resignation is going to prove easier said than done. Political scientist Justin Gest indicates in his article, “The Two Kinds of Trump Voters,” that not every Trump voter is the same. “First, there are those who support Trump primarily because they agree with

the authoritarian, nationalist moral order he seeks to establish. We’ll call them the ‘Nationalists,’” said Gest. White nationalists could easily be attributed to the neo-nazis and Ku Klux Klan members constantly seen on the news. “Second, there are those who support Trump primarily because they believe he embodies a cleansing of establishment politics that has left white working-class people poorer and forgotten over recent decades,” said Gest. “We’ll call them the ‘Exasperated.’” The exasperated White people are neither homophobic, xenophobic, sexist, nor racist and could easily be referred to as swing voters by political analysts and newscasters. “They have likely voted for Democrats and Republicans over the years, seeking someone who would champion their cause,” Gest said. “It’s why they have swung from party to party, from year to year - often reacting to failures of previous candidates.” They didn’t vote for Trump because they relish behind his distasteful behavior, but because they believed he was capable of reinvigorating the lifestyle and country that they once had. T h e y ’r e n e i t h e r D e m o c r a t s , Republicans, Independents or Libertarians. They’re just fed up with the lousy politicians, the broken promises, the gridlock and the cynical misconduct and corruption that’s been plaguing the White House for decades, and will vote for anyone who will show any slight sign

of improving their conditions. Gest points out that White nationalists are more loyal to Tr ump than their exasperated counterparts. “ Tr u m p i s l i kely t o m a i nt a i n nationalist support until the bitter end, even if he is unable to deliver the economic prosperity he promised,” Gest said. “He will inevitably blame others, and this constituency will believe it.” Tr ump obviously lost the White exa sp e r at e d vot e r s by f i l l i ng h is administration with wealthy businessmen who've made billions by foreclosing American homes and sending their businesses overseas. Trump is fully aware that he does not possess the votes to attain re-election, so he’s enacted an ingenious method so then he remains unscathed when the dust finally settles. He’s intentionally trying to get himself impeached. Think about it. If he resigns too soon or decides not to run for re-election, then Trump would be exposed for what he truly is: a con man. Americans should note that Middle Eastern countries and Russia are very homophobic and sexist. So when the president proposes to ban transgender applicants from the military or denies women birth control, sure his approval ratings in America dwindle, but leaders in the Middle East and Russia applaud such moves. This makes it easier for him to conduct business with powerful elites in Moscow and Saudi Arabia.

IMAGE COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE

Also, Europe is a very conservative continent. Take Austria for example. Conservative leader Sebastian Kurz, the candidate for Austria’s prime minister who utilized an anti-immigration platform, won a slim majority in their last election. Additionally, Austria’s far right Freedom Party, who won 26 percent of the vote, was originally established by former Nazis around 60 years ago. Most individuals residing in Europe are very anti-immigration, anti-abortion and don’t believe in separation of church and state to the same degree that we do. His approval ratings suffer when he urges to close Planned Parenthood or bars Muslim immigration, but he could care less about what Americans think of him. Since these statements bolster his approval ratings overseas and abroad, business leaders outside the U.S. would be more inclined to work with him afterwards. Therefore, he will not resign or refuse to run for re-election because his true intentions would become obvious. Instead, it’s easier for an impeached president to state that the system is completely rigged. He might make claims that he is just trying to “Make America Great Again,” but the lousy politicians won’t let him do his job since it would only undermine their power. If framed like that, then Trump will never lose support of White nationalist voters no matter what he decides to do afterwards. This is why it would make sense for him to instill enough division and discord among the Republican Party in order to provoke them to impeach him. Furthermore, it would be dangerous if this allegation were to be true, because if White nationalists voters were to unravel that they’ve been deceived, then they would definitely retaliate against Trump. So let me ask you this, what happens if every citizen in the United States were to turn against one elected official? A scenario such as this is unprecedented and there’s no telling what could happen. I mean, why else would he state such appalling things? He’s unfit to be president, but I’m confident that he’s not that stupid. At least I hope.

November 2, 2017

Views

Unreliable convenient news

Editorial

When we talk about the mounting problems of our nation, each side of the political divide criticizes the other for more or less the same things. Lack of understanding and thought. However, as the country has soared deeper and deeper into the turmoil of political divide, the amount of Americans participating in such a careless manner seem to know no bounds with people often sharing stories akin to The Onion more so than The New York Times. According to a Pew Research Center study published Sept. 6, 67 percent of just under 5,000 American adults report getting some of their news via social media at some point. This is further backed by a 2016 study conducted by the Eschelon Insights and Hart Research that indicates that adults ages 18 to 49 trust news and political information shared from friends more than news delivered from other sources. Sharing news via social media isn’t always a bad thing. The immediacy of social media often allows news from credible sources to spread at a faster rate than it would have otherwise. However, the problem begins when the “news” that is spreading is coming from sources such as InfoWars and Liberty News Writers. Websites such as these tend to push an agenda. One that is more intended on sensationalizing rumors or conspiracy theories. They often times use very little journalistic work, rarely operate with the set of ethics that come with the industry, seldomly support their news stories with sources and will sometimes simply twist information they find from other websites to suit whatever political party that makes up their audience. About two-thirds of American adults are getting “at least some of their news on social media” with two in 10 doing so often, according to the Pew Research study. In the months leading up to the 2016 election, ridiculous stories were shared across all platforms and while some of the population scrolled by with no more than a passing glance, a large majority sat and gawked, believing every word that these stories suggested. Despite there being stacks of evidence against it, many people still think that the pope endorsed Donald Trump for president. Instead of brushing this fact off as funny or dismissing it with no more than a roll of our eyes, the public should be terrified about what this information means for the state of our nation. As the beginning of the Mueller investigation begins to unfold, Trump’s supporters will not

ILLUSTRATION BY ISELA OROZCO

believe a word against him, whether from the pages of The Washington Post or even from the pages of documents released from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Several websites that claim to support conservative values tend to portray the president in a light that he is generally undeserving of. There are several sites that lean to the left that are also guilty of this disastrous trend. These traits do not bode will for the shaky relationship between the public and the media. There is, however, a light in this darkness. According to an article published by Politico, publications such as The New Yorker have seen a high rise in subscribers ages 18-34 by 106 percent and a 129 percent increase in subscribers ages 25-35.

Similar cases exist for sources like The Atlantic, The Washington Post and The New York Times. This suggests that young adults are becoming increasingly aware of this pressing issue and are properly accommodating themselves in an admiring attempt to properly educate themselves with consistent and reasonable news sources. The nation is crumbling at the hands of people that care more for their own fates than they do for our country’s place in history, the nation that we all claim to care so deeply about is seen as either an international joke or as a threat to its own citizens. The need for good news is as strong as the need for people that care about it. A well-informed population can and will turn the tides of our nation’s course in history.

Viewpoints’ editorials represent the majority opinion of and are written by the Viewpoints’ student editorial board.

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LIFE

November 2, 2017 “hire

a lazy person to do a difficult job,

Because

a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.”

Bill Gates

RCC culinary arts provides a Southern delight

NAHID PONCIANO | VIEWPOINTS

Benton Connor signs autographs and answers questions from students and fans.

Animation Nation NAHID PONCIANO @nahid__16

Students sat in awe in the Digital Library Auditorium as they watched slide after slide of a presentation that gave them a whole different perspective of the animation world. Riverside City College’s art Department hosted storyboarder and supervising director of Cartoon Network Studios, Benton Connor, on Oct. 19. The CalArts alumnus who is best known for is work on “Regular Show,” “Paranormal Roommates” and “The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack.” Throughout the presentation Connor described his experience becoming a storyboarder and how he knew that was what he wanted to do. Growing up, his main inspirations drew from TV shows and comics such as “The Simpsons” and “Garfield,” as well as American cartoonist Gary Larson who is best known for the

comic series “The Far Side.” Connor also explained how the industry works and what it takes to be hired as a storyboarder. “They want to find what voice they can bring to the table that they haven’t heard before,” Connor said. “Every show has a certain style, every show has certain rules and they’re not all the same.” Christopher Barron is just one of many RCC students who showed up to the presentation and took away from it. “I learned a lot of new things that I didn’t know about being a board artist,” Barron said. “Getting it first hand from someone who’s done cartoons that I watch all the time, it just gives me new a perspective.” Barron wants to work his way up and focus on pre-production, but is open to have other careers as long as it deals with making animations for TV and movies. “You’d be dumb not to come. Especially since we’re in college right now trying to

learn it. Everybody should take any chance that they get to get knowledge straight from the source,” Connor said. Connor enjoys doing presentations, but said he does not do them as often as he would like and hopes to do more in the future. “Anything animation related I love sharing, especially with college students because I went to art school and I want to share what I went through with other people who are trying to find their path,” Connor said. “I hope they learn how to get a better handle on how storyboarding works and how that’s very crucial to a lot of TV shows nowadays, particularly board driven TV shows.” Connor gave a few words of advice to artists who are trying to make it in the animation industry. “College is that time to solidify yourself and see what you want to express to the world,” Connor said. “Get out and experience as much life as possible and draw from that life.”

Don’t be sorry, just ask Imari IMARI REDE @RCCViewpoints

“I failed my math class already. It’s human, we aren’t perfect but how do I cope?” -Mary Gracia As individuals we each have our own fortes, and sometimes math isn’t one of them! The number one thing you have to do is seperate your worth from that grade.You’re still a very strong and capable person. Take it as it is and come back swinging next semester to pass that class. Evaluate yourself and regulate yourself to handle business!

“What are some study resources that I can find on campus - specifically math?” -Jessica Sanchez You can always ask your math professor for some help or access to other resources. The Math Learning Center located in MLK 307 and 308 provides computers, books and tutors for the following classes: Math 65 1C. Fall 2017 hours are Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Do you think living with your partner before marriage is better… will it help or make more problems and conflicts?” -Alexis Morales

Roommates are hard to find, so now imagine your partner as your roommate. Are they prepared to meet you halfway? Living together is stressful, especially in this economy. You’ll have to think about getting rent and all of your other bills paid. Hopefully you’ll still have enough money to eat everyday too. If you can’t make all of that work before being married is it really going to make a difference? Relationships thrive in positive environments so build that nest and get married when you honestly know it is the right time.

MARCUS COCOVA | VIEWPOINTS

Marissa Leon, a student, works to piece together a meal in the Riverside City College Culinary Art Academy kitchen. JAYY MIRELES @RCCViewpoints

Just a mile off campus, there’s a hidden gem in downtown Riverside, that’s available for all Riverside City College students and local foodies. The RCC Culinary Arts Academy doesn’t just teach students how to cook and be the best at Culinary Arts, they also serve beautiful, yet inexpensive dishes to the community. The educational aspect of the program gives great opportunities to students. They learn an array of cooking positions from pastry chef all the way to formal catering. The school also gives assistance in job placement for their graduate students. Any other information on their educational program and job opportunities is available in their pamphlet. I ordered the Academy 1, that was made up of Southern style deep fried chicken, black eyed peas, white southern gravy, collard greens and cornbread. The dish was something I could find in my grandmother’s kitchen. The chicken was breaded and deep fried, not too dry, yet not too moist and the gravy was a perfect way to compliment the flavor of the chicken. The collard greens were topped with bacon and the texture was so soft, but it was a little on the saltier side, so table salt would not be needed. Black eyed peas are a challenge, if cooked too long they easily become dry. The peas were

slightly overcooked and could’ve used a bit more attention. Now for the best part, dessert. I wanted to stay with the Southern theme so I ordered the peach cobbler à la mode, and undoubtedly the dessert was the best part of the entire meal. The ice cream was homemade, and I could tell. The cobbler it self was baked to perfection. The peaches still had a crunch to them and were fresh from the fruit, said Danette Dorrough, a student in the academy. It was almost like taking a bite from the actual peach. The crust was soft and flaky and made with real butter. To top it all off the cinnamon was not overbearing but still present. Overall, the meal was refreshing and served at a good price, I ended up only paying $14.35 and I left with a full stomach and a smile on my face. I suggest anyone to go and enjoy the delicious food and relaxing ambiance that the RCC Culinary Arts Academy has to offer.

MARCUS COCOVA | VIEWPOINTS

Chef Gabriel assists Cecilia Muthoni in culinary instruction in the RCC culinary academy kitchen.

November 2, 2017

Life

It only gets ‘Stranger’ from here HEIDI DYE @RCCviewpoints

“Stranger Things,” a series that combines the ‘80s nostalgia, Dungeons and Dragons and just enough science-fiction undertones to please the nerd in all of us. Honestly what more could a viewer ask for? Now for those who have not seen any episodes of “Stranger Things,” I highly recommend watching it. For those who simply have no time to spend, here’s a quick rundown of season one, which is set in the fictional town of Hawkins in November of 1983. After the 12-year-old Will Byers goes missing while riding his bike home from playing Dungeons and Dragons, his mother Joyce, his brother Jonathan, the Police Chief Hopper and Will’s friends, Mike, Lucas and Dustin set out to find him. As the season progressed, i t i s r e v e a l e d t h a t Wi l l ’s disappearance was all a coverup from Hawkins Laboratory that accidentally opened up a portal to the Upside Down where Will was being held captive by a Demogorgon. Eleven, a bald-headed girl

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who mysteriously appears in town, turns out to be an experiment from the lab who has psychokinetic powers and a craving for Eggo waffles. Together Eleven and the boys attempt to demolish the Demogorgon but unfortunately, Eleven gets pulled into the Upside Down in the process. The season ends with Will

returning home, but he brought a bit of the Upside Down with him. When season two came out Oct. 27, I readied myself with some Eggo waffles and began my excruciating journey. The season starts off with the topic of how the Upside Down has affected Will both physically and mentally one year after the

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previous events. He had episodes where he can see into the Upside Down at random moments. When he’s there, he is confronted with a shadow-like monster, which paralyzes him with fear. All while this is happening, this season saw the intimate return of Eleven. This season also saw the likes

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of some new characters. Dustin and Lucas both fall for the new girl, Maxine. Maxine’s older brother Billy doesn’t like her hanging out with them. Joyce is even dating a new guy, Bob, who only wants to help Will through his troubles. But to be truthful, I could not stand the plethora of new characters, especially Maxine. She was only there to be a love interest and created more unnecessary conflict. Both her and her brother were written as obnoxious characters and I felt they should had been excluded from the show. Other than the irritating new characters and the draining love interests, the season was overall entertaining. The ‘80s soundtrack got me pumped up while watching this half asleep. It included the likes of Tones on Tails and Fad Gadget, which is a plus in my book. The main actors have stepped up their acting game, especially Will, played by Noah Schnapp, when he has to endure the pain of the Upside Down. Season two of “Stranger Things” is solid. But season one was better in some aspects. Both seasons are strong overall and I would definitely recommend a watch if you can make the time.

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