RIVERSIDE CITY COLLEGE
Students unveil final portfolios
Graphic design graduates reveal their creativity in Applied Digital Media showcase
Students from Riverside City College’s Applied Digital Media team were ready to impress peers at their graduate showcase on May 21, as they networked and showcased their portfolios to guests.
Patrick Scullin, instructor of the ADM program, shared that students have been learning skills and acquiring experience for the past two years. Students were required to master a variety of different types of graphic works. They ranged from brochures, magazines and advertisements to websites and billboards.
“It’s really fun to see them develop,” Scullin said. “In the beginning they might start here, but over time they build up and accumulate their work and end up somewhere else.”
Veteran coach guides men’s track and field team to its first 3C2A team title since 2019
SERGIO CONTRERAS
SPORTS EDITOR
On a windy day in San Mateo, the Riverside City College Tigers once again proved they’re a track and field powerhouse, capturing their eighth California Community College Athletic Association State Championship under the leadership of head coach Jim McCarron.
“The two days were an absolute roller coaster ride and very emotional, but the guys stepped up and took the title,” said McCarron in a press release. “We are very proud of them.”
This season’s accomplishments marked the 17th men’s and 13th women’s Orange Empire Conference titles for RCC, respectively. RCC’s track and field program has produced 10 state championships and over 500 university scholarships. McCarron and his staff view that legacy as their proudest achievement.
On the first day, the Tigers’ top two hammer throwers fouled out, scoring zero points in an event where they were ranked second in the state.
Scullin feels that the ADM program is the best kept secret on campus. He explained that students can use their personal interest in art and turn that into a career.
See SHOWCASE on Page 8
“There must be something in the water when we come to San Mateo,” said throws coach Nick Robinson. “It was rough. But we told the guys to shake it off, come back stronger, and they did.”
See TRACK on Page 11
CHRISTIAN CARILLO | VIEWPOINTS
Kassandra Romero, a graphic design graduate, stands next to her showcase poster at the Riverside City College Graphic Design Showcase on May 21.
MARISSA PEREZ LIFE EDITOR
May 29, 2025
Editor: Lennon Ruehle | Viewpoints@rcc.edu
American Comeback Tour holds controversial debate
Charlie Kirk creates tension on University of California, Riverside campus
ALEXANDER FERREIRA NEWS REPORTER
Charlie Kirk called college a scam, addressed artificial intelligence and critiqued abortion rights at his American Comeback Tour held at University of California, Riverside on May 10.
The event was sponsored by Turning Point USA held at the Bell Tower Plaza.
Kirk, a popular conservative figure of the Republican Party, has toured college campuses across the country to host debates with students on controversial topics.
Security barricades were placed around the perimeter of the university’s Bell Tower Plaza as Make America Great Again supporters and Kirk fans stood in the 98-degree heat.
At approximately 12 p.m., Kirk appeared behind the gates surrounded by multiple security agents. He entered the debate area as a swarm of fans gathered to
watch him speak.
Kirk and other speakers also brought up immigration and transphobia throughout the event.
Kirk also blamed colleges for imposing a heap of student loans.
He said that college provides success, not access, because sometimes it can be hard to find a job fresh out of college. He suggested entering a trade instead.
Abortion laws were a hot-topic throughout the majority of the debate. Multiple people brought up Kirk’s point to ban all abortion, including in cases that involved sexual assault or incest.
One particular speaker, a biology major at the university, spoke out against anti-abortion movements in a conversation
with Kirk.
“So if I murdered you at six months old, would that be okay?”
Kirk asked.
“Yes,” the biology student responded, sparking outrage in the crowd. “Disabled babies and physical speech are not a qualifier for morality.”
“The fact that he is a bio student at this university shows the horrifying moral rot happening in higher education,” Kirk refuted. “Trump should defund all these schools as evidence.”
Tensions continued for more than an hour as the audience occasionally yelled profanity when they did not agree with
some statements.
Counter protests began to form during the event. Lance Ling, a first year political science major at UC Riverside, gathered with four other peers and waved signs in attempts to protest the event. Their signs included messages advocating for trans rights.
One sign read, “Trans rights are human rights.”
“It is important to spread love and not hate,” Ling said. “MAGA does not support the underrepresented minorities.”He claimed that “MAGA supporters on this campus will harass college students.” He felt the event aids
Trump should defund all these schools as evidence.
- Charlie Kirk
NEWS BRIEFS
Current Riverside City College News
63rd RCCD Distinguished Faculty Lecture
Eddie Perez from the RCC Department of Sociology will be lecturing on traditional norms and emotional expression held May 29 at 12:50 p.m. in the Hall of Fame at the Bradshaw Building.
Graduation Day
Riverside City College will host a series of graduation ceremonies for respected areas of study on June 13 at the Landis Theater. Ceremonies will be held at 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
in “intimidation and propaganda.” Ling faced criticism from people passing by. He described feeling the negativity on campus growing more rampant as events like these occur.
Other protests around the event included students advocating for pro-Palestinian causes. Present were also “Charlie is a Nazi” propaganda and a meme depicting Kirk hyper-realistically drawn and captioned “Charli xcx.”
However, some people had differing views.
Many supporters around the event wore merchandise inscripted with the slogan “MAGA” and President Trump themed outfits. Showing their support for Kirk’s political work, supporters listened carefully to his opinions on the debate stage.
Gabe Clevelondson revealed “[This event] made me a bigger fan of Kirk. Kirk is going to help us bring America back to its roots. We all know great things are coming.”
Common Course Numbering Changes
Riverside Community College District will move to the new system Common Course Numbering starting Summer 2025. Course numbers and department codes will be changed.
New course numbers: ENG-1A → ENGL-C1000 COM-1 → COMM-C1000 MAT-12 → STAT-C1000
POL-1 → POLS-C1000
PSY-1 → PSYC-C1000
The crowd of University of California, Riverside students and Charlie Kirk supporters gather to watch Kirk debate with attendees May 10 at the UCR Bell Tower Plaza.
ALEXANDER FERREIRA| VIEWPOINTS
Trump admin sued over AmeriCorps shutdown
DOGE demands AmeriCorps to terminate $400 million in grants
BREANNE SOTO OPINIONS EDITOR
Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with other states, are suing the Trump administration over the Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to disband AmeriCorps.
Elon Musk’s DOGE has ordered AmeriCorps to terminate close to $400 million in grants. This will lay off thousands of young Californians from work and financial security.
AmeriCorps is an independent agency of the United States government that includes more than five million Americans in service through various paying volunteer work programs in many sectors.
Founded by Bill Clinton in the 90s, the agency employs more than 500 full-time federal workers and has an operating budget of roughly $1 billion, The
Associated Press reported.
“AmeriCorps volunteers bring out the best in America and in our communities,” said Bonta in a statement on Newsom’s website.
“By abruptly canceling critical grants and gutting AmeriCorps’ workforce and volunteers, DOGE is dismantling AmeriCorps without any concern for the thousands of people who are ready and eager to serve their country, or for those whose communities are stronger because of this public service.”
Americorps has multiple programs within California, including College Corps, which is offered at Riverside City College.
RCC Director of College Corps Darci Manzo addressed the students in College Corps in a May 5 email. She urged students to keep up with tracking their work hours to maintain a stipend for the rest of the semester.
“We will review the next steps and answer any questions during Friday’s meeting. However, your timesheet compliance with your timesheet by Thursday is nonnegotiable to maintain your status in the program. Please prioritize this immediately,” Manzo said.
College Corps member and RCC student Marbella Ceron has conflicting thoughts on the recent cut in spending. Ceron works at Raincross Boxing Academy, an RCC
Americorps is an independent agency of the U.S. government that includes more than five million Americans in service through various paying volunteer programs in many sectors.
College Corps volunteer location.
“We help kids with academics, as well as supporting them with any goals they have with boxing,” she said. “I feel like programs like this have been threatened by it. He’s (Trump) not putting as much importance (on) academic development (for) young students, or anything educational really.”
AmeriCorps unveiled plans to cut its workforce by up to 50 percent or more on April 8, according to The Washington Post.
“It’s unreal to see. This has impacted me so much through the financial support. It has helped a lot in my household and for school as well,” Ceron added.
College Corps provides a
monthly stipend for student volunteers, as well as scholarship offers for the academic year. “Just being told AmeriCorps is going to be terminated, it felt like everything we’ve been doing has amounted to nothing. It’s honestly just sad. The motivation (to work) has been dying down because I feel like it’s ultimately going to amount to nothing.”
The lawsuit was issued on April 25 by the State of California.
According to the Americorps website, California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs: #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, California Climate Action Corps, Youth Service Corps, and AmeriCorps California.
It is larger than the Peace Corps and is mobilized at a time when California is addressing postpandemic academic recovery, rebuilding from the fires in the Los Angeles area, and planning for the future of the state’s workforce.
In the 2023-24 service year, AmeriCorps members in California provided 4.3 million hours of service, mentored 73,000 students and supported 17,000 foster youth with education and employment. They also helped 26,000 households impacted by the L.A. fires, Newsom’s website states.
March Innovation Hub project denied by committee
Several local groups lead argument position
XIMENA ESPINOSA NEWS REPORTER
The committee responsible for managing land previously belonging to the March Air Force Base voted in a public hearing against plans to build industrial warehouses in Riverside County on May 12.
Over 300 constituents sat in on Monday’s meeting held at the Riverside County Administrative Center. Across an hour and a half window, over 100 constituents spoke before the managing committee board in support and opposition of the proposed plan. The majority of attendees expressed a multitude of concerns regarding industrial construction.
Those in favor argued that more warehouses would increase opportunities for employment and solve current issues with foot traffic in the area.
Groups like the Riverside Neighbors Opposing Warehouses led the argument in opposition, where citizens spoke on their concerns for the essence of the community and the health of its citizens.
Recurring concerns included poor air quality, increased traffic
The West Campus Upper Plateau project proposed by Meridian Park LLC, an Upland-Based real estate firm was developed to utilize an approximate 818 acres of this surplus land for industrial construction.
It doesn’t matter
what they say.
These
are the same, old warehouses.
- Jennifer Larratt-Smith
on the nearby Interstate 215, loud noise disturbances and lack of contribution to the community’s job market.
After these concerns were originally addressed in the initial public hearing in 2024, the development team proposed a plan that claimed to eliminate industrial manufacturing onsite in its totality, rebranding the Upper Plateau Project to a “March Innovation Hub”.
Jennifer Larratt-Smith, cofounder of R-NOW, urged the March JPA to vote against this plan.
“It doesn’t matter what they say verbally,” Laratt-Smith said, “These are the same, old warehouses they presented to you last June, and you must reject them.”
“If we put a covenant that they can’t build warehouses, will you accept that? If the answer is ‘No’, what do you want?” asked
Riverside City Council Member Chuck Conder, addressing those opposed to the project.
Following the federal-mandated realignment and reduction of the March Air Force Base in 1993 and prior to its rebrand as the March Air Reserve Base in 1996, the bordering jurisdictions to this land formed the March Joint Powers Authority.
It’s composed of eight representatives from the cities of Moreno Valley, Perris and Riverside to oversee and approve usage of the approximate 4,400 acres of land, the surplus land no longer utilized by the historic base.
The West Campus Upper Plateau project proposed by Meridian Park LLC, an Uplandbased real estate firm, was developed to utilize an approximate 818 acres of this surplus land for industrial construction and recreational open space. The land borders Orangecrest and Mission Grove neighborhoods.
This development plan was originally proposed before the March JPA last summer, when it was denied.
A motion to revisit a revised development plan in a new public hearing was approved by the March JPA in March 2025.
The revised general plan included an approximate 20 percent decrease in square footage for the Innovation Hub and an increase in recreational space.
The plan promised around five miles of hiking trails, a 48-60 acre sports park accessible to the public and a new fire station. A 1,000 foot buffer of land would be reserved
between the innovation complex and residential areas.
In the proposal presentation, development representatives expressed the hope to create a campus with innovative and technologically advanced warehouses, highlighting the land’s uniqueness and potential.
The presentation claimed that this project would introduce approximately 3,100 temporary and permanent jobs and an estimated $139 million in fiscal benefits for the County of Riverside.
Meridian Park representatives stated that 62 percent of voters were in support of the project. They expressed their efforts to gather public opinion through phone calls, mailers and emails, with over 1300 letters of support from citizens in surrounding communities presented.
“I agree with the speaker who said that we cannot approve something that is not in writing, something that is only a promise,” Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina said, before motioning to reject the proposal.
In an attempt to salvage the project, Bryan Goodman, representing Meridian Park West, said that the developers were prepared to prohibit the plot from being used for warehouses.
After some deliberation, Riverside County Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez attempted a motion to approve the project with the condition that it not be used for warehouses.
The board rejected this motion, and the March Innovation Hub project was denied.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICORPS.GOV
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
Editor: Marissa Perez | Viewpoints@rcc.edu
Editor-in-chief bids farewell
ERIC PACHECO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As I sit at the head of the table in the Viewpoints newsroom reflecting on the past 16 months I’ve spent here, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and the long list of people I must give thanks to as I prepare to graduate and move on from Viewpoints.
The first friend I met in Viewpoints was my professor Matt Schoenmann. The seat I sit in now wouldn’t be mine without him. He gave me the confidence and ability to become editor-inchief before I even wanted to be the newsroom leader. The presence of his guidance has been missed in the past couple of months as I’ve tried to navigate this job without him in my corner.
Whether it was a critique, a conversation or a laugh, Matt was always there. I hope I made him proud in these past couple of months as I finish my tenure at Viewpoints. I also know his teachings will pay dividends as I move onto the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University . I am forever grateful to Professor Angela Burrell and him for taking a chance on a 18-yearold kid, in his first year in college, to become Viewpoint’s managing editor. Their belief in me allowed me to prove myself to be the next editor-in-chief.
I wouldn’t have been successful without the help of each one of my editors. Lennon, Tara, Marissa, Breanne, Sergio, Mac and Izabella’s work allow the wheels to keep spinning at Viewpoints. Each of them played their role to contribute to the success of this student publication. A special thank you goes out to my Managing Editor Natalie who has been my
“right hand man” during my tenure. Her willingness to always step up to handle a necessary task has tremendously eased the pressure of being a leader . I never envisioned being EIC. I honestly came to Viewpoints for the opportunity to cover sports. Yet, I succeeded in doing both. My career goals are to cover Division I athletics and professional sports. I believe that Riverside City College athletics is the closest thing you can find to a Division I program in the Inland Empire. That is largely in part to the staff and faculty who have maintained the success of these programs throughout the year.
Athletic Director Cliff Dochterman is one of the kindest men you’ll ever meet. His support of all students shows his commitment to seeing the overall success of young men and women while at RCC, even if they are not a part of the athletic department. Oh, and he’s always up for a good story about his time at one of the many jobs he’s had in his life.
Sports Information Director
Samantha Wellman echoes the same beliefs as Dochterman and allows the relationship of public relations and journalism to work seamlessly. Never once was I ever turned down or denied an answer to a question I or any of my staff had.
Former head football coach Tom Craft allowed me to break the news of his retirement over other major news publications in the area giving me a nearly two hour exclusive interview with insight into his life and career, and for that I am incredibly grateful.
It showed me his true devotion to seeing kids succeed and wanting to better their experience at RCC to send them off into their future endeavors. His intimidating and dry answers to interview questions will be missed by future Viewpoints reporters and myself.
Lastly, thank you to head baseball coach Rudy Arguelles. The first person I interviewed at Viewpoints was Arguelles. After the interview concluded I told him thank you for his time and he quickly said “no, thank you” and
Viewpoints 2025 graduates reflect
TOPIC: What was your favorite Viewpoints memory?
- Eric Pacheco Editor-in-Chief Arizona State University
“My favorite memory with Viewpoints was all the press weeks. Although they were stressful at the time. The laughs and arguments are the moments I’ll look back fondly upon. Covering football and baseball also gave me some of my favorite memories with Viewpoints. Reporting on the field is what I loved to do.”
- Natalie Strain
Managing Editor University of California, Irvine
“My favorite memories have been press week, which involves us getting really serious, but the seriousness is always broken up by silly conversations. I’ll miss all the heated (but lighthearted) arguments we’ve had in the newsroom. Covering student stories has also been the most rewarding part of being in Viewpoints.”
that he appreciated the work I do. From then on, he showed my staff and I the stand-up man that he was. He was always appreciative of the work I did to help refine my craft whether it be an interview with his players, coaches or himself, taking photographs on the field at practice or during games or even coming onto my podcast which only had one episode before his appearance.
There’s nothing he wouldn’t have allowed me to do covering his program. Well, except maybe take batting practice.
I knew before I came to RCC that the sports programs were top notch but didn’t understand why or how. After meeting and building relationships with all these people, I now know why they are consistently one of the best programs for community colleges in the state. The thing that has stood out to me the most in my time at RCC and Viewpoints is the “community” aspect of community college.
Whether it be fellow students, athletes, coaches or alumni, everyone I’ve met is proud to be a RCC Tiger and embraces the city of Riverside. It’s almost like this experience gives them an edge in whatever endeavor they pursue. They wear the fact that they came to community college with pride.
The “Dirty Riv” is a phrase the baseball team uses and a phrase I’ve seen used in the city of Riverside and I think that phrase is deeper than something cool and catchy. I think the Dirty Riv exemplifies what it means to be hard working “getting down and getting dirty” to work for what you want. It’s a phrase that shows that all members of RCC have that edge. RCC may not have the best facilities, the most funding or the biggest campus but it has the biggest thing of all, the best community.
- Lennon Ruehle
News Editor Cal Poly Pomona
“My favorite Viewpoints memory has to be the anti Trump protest that I covered. It allowed me to meet and talk to so many cool people that I wouldn’t have talked to otherwise. It was definitely a step out of my comfort zone but it is a great memory for the ways it pushed me.”
LIFE BRIEFS
June 1
Vegan Food & Brews:
Enjoy vegan food and tasty drinks at the vegan food and brews. Pets and family are welcome, make sure to stay for the vendor line up. This event will be hosted by Packing House Brewery and held at 6421 Central Ave from 1 to 5 p.m.
June 3
RCC Percussion Ensemble Concert:
Enjoy a free concert at the RCC Henry W. Coil, Sr. & Alice Edna Coil school for the arts concert hall at 7 pm. The Percussion Ensemble concert directed by Steven Schmidt will be held at 3890 University Ave.
June 4
RCC Symphonic Winds Concert: Symphonic winds event will be conducted by James Rocillo. Featured special guests will be Sultana High School Symphonic Band conducted by Joe Constantino and Serrano High school wind Ensemble conducted by Danny Minick. 3890 University Ave.
June 14
Adult Disney Day: The comedy paint and sip event will be at 11 a.m. Painting admission is $39, not including fees. There is a presale, so be sure to get your tickets now! This event will be held at Back to the Grind on 3575 University Ave.
June 21
- Sergio Contreras
Sports Editor Arizona State University
“My favorite memory with Viewpoints was when I covered a Norco College soccer game. It was an exhilarating experience being able to watch Norco dominate, ultimately winning 3-0. Taking photos alongside professionals and interviewing players reminded me of my playing days and ignited my passion for sports journalism.”
“The Great North” Table Read: The table read will benefit Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance. Help raise money for @rpyahealth and Celebrate queerness and friendship with a fun table reading of “The Great North” from the producers of the animated sitcom “Bob’s Burgers” at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. This event will be held at Back to the Grind on 3575 University Ave.
All of these events are subject to change.
If you have events happening on campus that you want featured, send information about the event to viewpoints@rcc.edu.
MAC WILSON| VIEWPOINTS
Viewpoints Editor-in-Chief Eric Pacheco works on copy editing a page during press week in the Viewpoints newsroom.
Art fully refreshed
RCC exhibit showcases new community
TYKEYA DAVIS LIFE REPORTER
With an extensive view of artwork, the Riverside City College Quad Art Gallery left nothing to the imagination as it depicted the hardships of the world through creative processes.
The Student Honors Exhibition opened May 1 and will continue through May 30. More than 10 artists contributed to the exhibit. The variety of the work highlights their perspectives of the world.
Artist Miriam Easton channels her art through different phases of her life, featuring her early years from her youth to adulthood.
The masks represent different times in Easton’s life. From innocence, feeling the need to protect her self-identity to eventually a carefree attitude.
“The three masks are a depiction of my personal growth process,” Easton said. “The first mask is a portrait of my baby photos. The second mask is an expression as an adult trying to protect myself. The final mask represents a higher self that is completely peaceful.”
Representation is a considerable way to help people to understand one’s own identity and inclusivity.
The art piece “War of Women” by artist Jose Nieto allows people to empathize with the emotions of women.
“The political climate inspired me to make this piece,” Nieto said. “I didn’t agree with the policies that were going to be affecting all women. I wanted to take the time to show how they were going to be affected and how there are different reactions to these policies.”
Nieto’s art portrays four women in different stages of emotion.
“This exhibit is so beautifully created,” Nieto said.
“The diversity in all the pieces are amazing,” he said.
The artist Rey Soto, included in the exhibition, created an art piece intended to represent hope.
Soto’s art pieces “Glimmer of Hope” are still life figures that are carefully illustrated. The reflection of the figures along with the shine of light in the piece help the observers envision the light as hope.
“I think it’s important to display your work for exposure. Sometimes your friends don’t know what you could create,” Soto said. “This is a nice way to push yourself to finish something and of course a little friendly competition against fellow artists.”
The Student Honors Exhibition is a real way for students to empathize with the weight of today’s world through various art pieces and share their views as well.
To view or learn more information about the exhibit go to Quadrangle Room 104 on the RCC campus.
MAC WILSON | VIEWPOINTS
Ryan Elbo’s ink and charcoal artwork “Grace”on display at the Quad Art Gallery on May 19.
MAC WILSON | VIEWPOINTS
Caiwei Zhou’s air-dry artwork “Trick or Treat!” on display at the Quad Art Gallery on May 19.
for spring season
community artwork and hosts zine workshop
If you’re willing to have that long conversation with yourself; now more than ever the military is looking for people to break conforming molds and bring a different way of thinking to the table.
GRACE ESQUIBEL ASST. LIFE EDITOR
Riverside City College’s Art Club collaborated with the Fine and Performing Arts Engagement Center on May 19 to host its second zine workshop, with plans to make this an annual event.
The event highlighted the importance of physical media and tuning into your creativity. They aimed to expose students to communities they may be unfamiliar with, encouraging them to put themselves out there and achieve something with their art.
Art club vice president, Shannon Soto led the workshop and introduced participants to the zine culture.
“This was something I was already passionate about and it proved to be very successful,” she said.
Physical media is scarce in this digital age, but at this event participants saw nothing but resources to create tactical art that tells a story.
“It’s almost like a precursor to the internet,” Soto said.
According to The Bindery, “A zine is a self-published, noncommercial print-work that is typically produced in small, limited batches.”
Marginalized communities like skating groups, riot grrrl feminist groups and the LGBTQ+ community were well-known in the zine culture. When there was no platform made for them, these subcultures and activists utilized zines to express their take on various topics such as politics, music and fashion.
Many of the zines contained in-depth overviews of people within these groups, highlighting the history of communities youth now are involved in.
Zines are a primary source to see the resistance and growth these communities had to get through to get here.
“It was a community-bound
[physical media source] in an era before people could communicate online,” Soto said.
The riot grrrl scene of the 1990s showcased true rebellion and the start of a revolution in a time when women felt undermined in a male dominated world, especially within the music industry.
“This society doesn’t want us girls to feel happy or powerful in any way,” ‘Bikini Kill’ member Kathleen Hanna states in the first 1990 published zine.
Although ‘Bikini Kill’ only released two issues, this played a crucial role in the advancement of feminism at the time. The zines not only showcased music lyrics of the band but public service announcements on how to protect yourself against male predators and how to play a role in the feminist revolution.
According to the Library of Virginia, “the scene relied heavily on zines to disperse information regarding music groups, venues and events as they rejected corporate labels and more mainstream publications.”
“It’s interesting to take a step back and look at how people were able to speak their minds,” Soto said.
Nicholas Macias, a student of punk culture, was inspired by the workshop because of the history of Slash magazine.
‘Sonic Youth’ and ‘Black Flag’ were featured in his handmade zine titled “Best Bands of All Time.”
“It’s an outlet for me to share things that I really love,” he said.
You can get blindsided by the realities of life, work or school especially when your major is your passion. But it is important to create just for yourself.
That is what the workshop did for students, it helped change their perspective and recharge their creativity.
“I feel like day-to-day life can really limit you creatively. Doing something that you love can really bring that out of you,” Macias said.
“The practice of art can be
looked at through a psychological perspective because you know what an artist was going through when they created that,” said Danya Ayda, a student majoring in psychology who attended the workshop.
Creating art has been proven to improve mental health.
Stimulating your brain creatively can increase serotonin levels in those struggling with anxiety, depression and mood disorders. Students can benefit from this form of therapy when facing hardships in their school or home life.
Kevin Rivera, a student
majoring in art, returned to the workshop and created a zine titled “Workin Fish.” The zine showcased various scandalous fish in fishnets.
“It’s nice to have that escape when you can do something as silly as doodling and eventually it turns meditative,” Rivera said.
Kevin Rivera’s “Workin Fish” zine inspired by ceramic art piece “The Reversening” by Hannah Stilley.
RYAN POPE| VIEWPOINTS
Attendees create handmade zines at the Zine Workshop on May 19 at the Quad Art Gallery.
RYAN POPE| VIEWPOINTS
Attendees create handmade zines at the Zine Workshop on May 19 at the Quad Art Gallery.
RYAN POPE| VIEWPOINTS
Lavender graduation honors LGBTQ+ students
RCC’s Rainbow Engagament Center showcases inclusivity in ceremony
BRIANA FRANCO MULTIMEDIA REPORTER
Riverside City College’s Rainbow Engagement Center highlighted its campus’s LGBTQ+ community members in a special commencement ceremony titled Lavender Graduation on May 23.
This year’s fourth annual Lavender Graduation was organized by Dr. Al WeyantForbes, co-chair for LGBTQ+ association for student success and equity.
“This is my favorite event of the year to celebrate what all of our queer and trans graduates have done,” Weyant-Forbes said. “All queer and trans students might not have the support of their families, so it’s nice to have something where we can support and celebrate the community separate from the major commencement.”
Weyant-Forbes shared at the event how the Lavender Graduation’s purpose is to serve as a fully supportive and embracing environment where all LGBTQ+ members can feel accepted and free to express themselves in one of their most memorable moments. They also explained that the color lavender serves as a symbol for the fight for equity, justice and liberation in the community.
The aisle railings in the digital library were decorated with lavender trimmings.
SHOWCASE Page 1
“If you’re an artist and want to sell your own merchandise, printing and graphics is a great place to go.” he said. “You can get a certificate in two years and start working right away.”
Assistant instructor Kwokwai Sunny Siu explained that he motivates his students to not give up and acknowledge trial and error. He has a strong belief that in the field of graphic design, creativity is a skill set that is learned and not born with.
“Creativity is a skill set just like anything else,” Siu said.
“The more you practice, the better you will be.”
Witnessing the beginning and end of the students’ work has been most rewarding for Siu. He described seeing the students strengthen their skills and grow into mature artists was a feeling like no other.
He continues to guide his graduate students as they prepare to enter a new environment.
“My biggest advice is to keep practicing and don’t give up,” said Siu.
The room was filled with portfolios and posters, each with a sense of identity.
However at the showcase, students expressed the difficulty of finding their own aesthetic for their portfolio.
“I originally started off with something that was corporate safe,” Kassandra Romero, a graduate
at Riverside City College on May 23.
Lavender balloons and lanterns also dangled over the stage. Each graduate received a lavender cord to honor their presence for being a part of the graduation as they walked across the stage to receive their certificates. Many
students also looked forward to the Lavender Graduation every year. Erin Grace Kekuewa, a theater graduate, has performed at the event since 2022.
She said that this year’s graduation is special to her since she was able to perform while also
participating as a graduate this time around.
“It is special for RCC to have a space for queer students to be recognized for their accomplishments,” Kekuewa said.
During the graduation, English graduate Héstia Kait Alcantara also gave a speech to the audience.
She expressed how the support and help she received at RCC, while pursuing her education, has made her accomplishments possible.
“The support and guidance of RCC’s LGBTQIA2+, ally staff, faculty and students throughout my obstacles can not be understated,” Alcantara said. “Whether in 2014 or 2024 SAGA, Rainbow Engagement Center and our stem campus community have freely offered something above and beyond student involvement.”
As part of the ceremony, members of the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club and the Rainbow Engagement Center recognized students and faculty with awards for their support and efforts toward the LGBTQ+ community.
One award, such as the “Student Award for Peer Advocacy,” was presented to Brendon Lee. He is a Rainbow Engagement Center peer mentor.
Lee’s father, Larry Lee, shared his joy to see his son participate in the Lavender Graduation.
“I hope for him to move on to bigger and better things,” he said.
student of ADM, said. “It took weeks and many mockups to find a style that represented me.”
Creativity block was Romero’s biggest struggle when it came to finding consistency in her work.
“Sometimes it just comes to me all at once and I work 14 hours straight, other days I feel stuck and don’t know what to do,” said Romero.
The feeling of lack of individuality in the field has been a universal feeling for other students as well.
Ebru Dogan, an upcoming graduate student from the program,
shared that it was difficult finding a balance between being professional and not falling into a corporate trap.
“It’s nice to be able to show off pieces that I’m proud of,” Dogan said.
She expressed that, without the showcase and help from her professors, she wouldn’t have been ready to start applying for jobs.
For Dogan, the showcase was an event that helped her have a headstart in her career.
When it comes to student Jennifer Ramierez, it was easy for her to put her visions on print. She originally took a commercial
Game review:
‘Despelote’ scores a goal
RYAN POPE LIFE REPORTER
“Despelote” is a unique and beautiful adventure game that reminds me why I enjoy indies so much.
You play as Julián, an 8-yearold boy living in Quito, Ecuador during the months leading up to the 2002 Fifa World Cup. You witness how the town and its people change as the months go on, and the Ecuadorian national soccer team nears their first qualification into the World Cup. It’s a very personal, semiautobiographical story loosely based on lead developer Julián Cordero’s own memory of that time.
The scenario of “Despelote” provides an interesting and unique perspective for a video game. I can name no other game that puts the player into the shoes of its developer as a child, but you also don’t see a whole ton of games set entirely in early2000’s Ecuador. It’s a fresh take on the adventure genre, which tends to be characterized by more unrealistic settings. Not that there’s anything wrong with that of course, but I always find new takes on old genres to be interesting.
printing class, which led to her love for graphic design.
“In my graphic design work, I like to use bright pastel colors and when you look at it, you can definitely see me inside of it,” Ramierez said.
Students gave recognition to instructors Scullin and Siu for their time and help when working with them.
“Siu and Scullin have been the most helpful professors that I’ve had on this campus,” said Romero.“They really help you step by step from first learning the software to the final step of making websites.”
“Despelote” is described on its website as “a soccer game about people,” and there really isn’t a more accurate description for it. Clearly, soccer is integral to the game. It opens with Julián playing an in-universe soccer video game before his parents switch the TV over to a real, ongoing soccer match. Julián can play soccer with his friends at nearly any moment in-game. When he isn’t, you can tell just how much he wishes he was. Almost all of the game’s major plot points revolve around the Ecuador national team’s performance in the World Cup qualifiers.
The game is not about soccer, though. It’s a game about Julián, his family and his relationships with his friends and neighbors. Besides running using the left joystick, there are only two actions available to Julián. If he has one, Julián can kick a soccer ball with the right joystick. With any other button on the controller, Julián can wave hello to anyone and everyone in sight.
CHRISTIAN CARILLO| VIEWPOINTS
A graduate at the Lavender Graduation listens to Héstia Kait Alcantara’s speech
Attendees observe students’ work at the Riverside City College Graphic Design Showcase on May 21.
CHRISTIAN CARILLO| VIEWPOINTS
PHOTO COURTESY OF PANIC INC.
Kids in the game “Despelote” lose a ball in a tree, tasking the player with finding a ball.
Editor: Breanne Soto| Viewpoints@rcc.edu
Behind the acceptance letter: What transfer students really face
College students have more to worry about than getting accepted
NATALIE STRAIN MANAGING EDITOR
For a transfer student, there is nothing more daunting than waiting for college decisions to come out. I know this all too well, sticking out my final semester at my community college until I can finally transfer to my dream University of California.
We feel this pressure the most between the months of January and May when University of California and California State University decisions start rolling.
While opening that acceptance letter can be exciting, figuring out the logistics of transferring seems nearly impossible when I have to plan my life out in a matter of months. Most students entering a community college intend on transferring to a four-year university. Community colleges typically provide programs and resources for students to succeed in this endeavor, including the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee
program, transfer counselors available at students’ disposal and engagement centers.
Students can finish their Associates Degree for Transfer to increase their chances of getting into their dream school.
As a student at Riverside City College, my school has made this process easy for me. I switched my major from business administration to journalism my second year at RCC.
After meeting with counselors, I expect to finish my third year with an associates degree in business administration, journalism and social and behavioral studies.
The only thing that RCC can no longer help me with is deciding where my life goes from here. This is something I had to wait out on until I heard back from the colleges I wanted to transfer to.
UCs release decisions throughout the month of April where some exceed mid-April.
The final day to commit to the UCs is June 1. On the other hand, CSUs release their decisions typically between February and March. Commitment day is May 1. The issue lies in the decision releases. We are expected to begin our transfer year in either August or September, depending on the school we choose. Yet, I am also expected to make a life-altering choice within the short time frame of decision releases and commitment days.
According to RCC transfer counselor Merisa Cote, students often come to her with concerns about where to transfer and how to take advantage of financial aid. In the fall is when she sees the most students, around 20 to 40 a day. In the spring, around 10 students
visit her office. The time it takes for us to hear from and commit to transfer schools can be a matter of days, leaving us little time to meet with our counselors in the spring. From here, we must decide if we will live in dorms or offcampus. For UCs, transfer dorms are readily available. For CSUs, freshmen are typically prioritized over transfers. While CSUs provide resources for offcampus housing, students can no longer take out loans to cover their housing. Instead, they are expected to attend school full-time, work a job to pay for rent, ranging from $500 to $2,000, and make the transition into a new city.
I will be transferring to UC Irvine, and although it is only an hour away from home, I will have to live in the Irvine area and find a job. Initially, I had planned on transferring to CSU Long Beach
until I heard back from UCI. In a matter of a month I had to decide which school best fit me, and the process has been scary.
I will not be dorming, so the comfort of secure housing that UCs offer is not something I will have.
Nevertheless, I am excited. The logistics often mask the reality that this big leap is necessary and everything I have ever wanted.
The transfer process is more than just meeting deadlines and checking boxes. It is a pivotal life transition. While California’s higher education system offers great opportunities, it also places pressure on students to make life-changing decisions in a short period of time.
Until universities offer better timelines and stronger support, we are left to navigate this rushed, high-stakes process with resilience and hope our choices will pay off.
May 29, 2025
The downfall of Black entertainment
What once served as a platform to highlight the diversity of the Black community through comedy shows like “Martin,” lifestyle series like “A Different World” and even reality shows like “Run’s House” has now become a stage for stereotypes, conflict-driven drama and performative narratives.
Shows like “Baddies West,” a reality show that follows a group of women as they travel and host events at nightclubs and “Joseline’s Cabaret,” featuring women competing to join rapper Joseline Hernandez’s cabaret show offer nothing but stereotypes of the Black community, reinforcing the negative portrayals of Black women rather than celebrating their accomplishments and resilience. This change in representation is not only disappointing but also very damaging to the community. While entertainment has always included drama and exaggeration, the over fixation of hypersexualization and interpersonal conflict, especially among Black women, twists the public’s perception of African American culture.
Instead of showcasing the love, intelligence, creativity, leadership and everyday experiences that exist within the Black community, many shows choose to prioritize shock value for ratings.
On a recent episode of “Baddies West,” a cast member named Summer made an extremely disturbing comment after a physical altercation. She told another cast member that their face looked like Emmet Till’s. This is a reference that is not only disrespectful but also shows a painful disregard for the historical and racial trauma of Till, who was lynched in the Deep South in 1955 by white men for allegedly flirting with a white woman. His face was so badly beaten, he was unrecognizable. But Till’s mother chose to have an open casket during his funeral as a testament to the atrocities Blacks were faced during that era because of their race.
What are your plans/goals for the summer?
Interviews and photos by
News Editor Lennon Ruehle and Life Reporter Isis Mathis
-Gabriela Villanueva Major: Mechanical Engineering
“I’m probably taking more classes. We have a group beach trip planned, hopefully it goes well because I’m the one planning it. Hopefully in Venice, we were going to go to Oceanside but they’re working on the train tracks. I’m mostly just stressed about the planning because it’s like 10 people.”
“This summer I’m working at a summer camp up in Julian. I’m doing it just for fun. I like doing anything really. I’m a very outgoing person so if I can work anywhere I’ll do it. Sometimes I’ll be a lifeguard and other times I’ll go to summer camp. I’m spontaneous.”
“I’m actually going back home to Texas with my family. I’ll probably go to some parks, or to the beach and spoil my siblings. I’m really involved in my church so I’ll probably do stuff like that. ”
To use a 14-year-old boy’s name who was brutally lynched for comical laughs and giggles is disrespectful and tone deaf. Especially on a platform that big. This reflects the normalization of ignorance and insensitivity in modern-day entertainment.
So I must ask: What are we teaching the younger generation? When disrespect is rewarded with camera time, views and money for entertainment, we send a dangerous message. We teach young people that fame matters more than values. That Black people are only good for negative entertainment.
NOVAH REYES | VIEWPOINTS
The Transfer Center offers resources for incoming and present students on the second floor of the Kane Building.
KAYLYN SOTO LIFE REPORTER
-Makaila Hockett Major: Biochemistry
-Makayla Ramos Major: Child Development
E ditorial
Viewpoints’ editorials represent the majority opinion of and are written by the Viewpoints’
We went to community college, so should you
For a lot of us on the Viewpoints staff, community college wasn’t our first choice. We grew up thinking that if you didn’t go straight to a university, you were already behind. So when we landed at Riverside City College, many of us felt uncertain, like we were settling for less.
We weren’t.
Some of us came here after being accepted to major universities but couldn’t afford the cost. One of us had to turn down UCLA for engineering because of financial barriers. At the time, it felt like a loss, but now we see it for what it was. It was a necessary decision that ended up opening doors we didn’t know existed.
Some of us weren’t ready to leave home yet. Community college lets us stay close to family, keep a job and work toward our goals at a pace that makes sense to us. Programs like the Promise Program made college affordable and helped us stay motivated. That kind of support gave us room to focus on learning. It took the stress off of financial troubles.
Some of us came to RCC lost. After a lifetime in sports, one of us had no idea who they were without their team, but the school gave them space to figure that out. They started in psychology, switched to journalism and haven’t looked back since. That freedom to change direction without judgment is something we’ve all valued.
Universities might lock you into a path, but RCC lets you explore until something clicks.
For those of us returning to school after taking a break, this was a reset. We weren’t just here to get through our gen ed requirements. We were rebuilding, and RCC made that possible with its variety of classes and career pathways. It felt like we were choosing our future, not following someone else’s checklist.
What has surprised us most is the community here. Whether in class, athletics or the newsroom, we’ve found connection and purpose.
Being part of this student-run publication built our confidence and
reminded us why we love storytelling in the first place. It’s something we didn’t expect to find at a community college, but it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of our experience.
There’s a kind of pride here that’s hard to explain but easy to feel. People talk about “The Dirty Riv” like it’s just a nickname, but it says something real about this place.
We work hard. We make things happen. We don’t need fancy buildings or a massive campus to prove our worth. We show up, get things done and take pride in where we come from.
RCC wasn’t the dream some of us had when we graduated from high school. But it became something better. It gave us direction, support and the space to grow into who we’re becoming.
It gave us a second chance, or in some cases, a first real one.
We didn’t settle. We started where we needed to be. And for us, that made all the difference.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters to the editor should be kept to 250 words or less and include contact information. Email letters to viewpoints@rcc. edu. Viewpoints reserves the right to edit letters for space and to reject libelous or obscene letters. Letters to the editor and columns represent the opinions of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the entire Viewpoints staff, Viewpoints faculty advisers, student faculty, administration or the Board of Trustees. Dates below are subject to change.
PRINTING SCHEDULE
Students find success in attending community colleges where 29% of University of California and 51% of California State University graduates started at a community college, according to California Community Colleges website.
OLI ESKANDER | VIEWPOINTS
Editor: Sergio Contreras | Viewpoints@rcc.edu
Track and field shines at state finals
Men’s team captures eighth state championship under McCarron
TRACK Page 1
The throwers bounced back the next day with standout performances.
Isaiah Butler delivered a gold medal in the discus with a throw of 52.94 meters after fouling out in the hammer on the first day. Justice Brown added key points with a second-place finish in shot put and third in the discus, racking up a combined 14 points.
The Tigers were in a dogfight the entire meet.
High jumper Bryson Williamson, who finished fourth last year, brought home one of RCC’s two individual state titles by clearing 2.05 meters to take first place.
“I had a lot of motivation to get that No. 1,” Williamson said. “Our team is a family. That’s what pushes me more to succeed, they push me a lot.”
That bond became RCC’s foundation. McCarron emphasized it was more than talent that led them to the top.
“These guys spend hours together every week. You develop a really close bond. That family aspect comes out,” McCarron said. “It’s not just about winning, we care. We want to provide this experience, through athletics and academics, that helps these kids get to the next level.”
Sprinter Marcellus Linton placed third in the 200-meter final and fourth in the 100 final.
Devyn Smith added more in the jumps, finishing third in the triple jump.
Distance runners Kailil O’Brien and Leo Valencia contributed points in the 5,000 and 10,000 finals, while Daniel Agbelusi and Rowan Hudson barely scraped through the 400-meter hurdles.
Xavier Harvey had a solid all-
around performance in the decathlon.
However, the state championship would be decided by the Tigers’ relay team, as they needed a strong performance to stand on the podium.
The relay team, which included Orlando Collins, Jared Schoultey, Agbelusi and Linton, delivered the crucial points. They crossed the line second, earning the final points needed to secure the team championship.
“The 4x400 is special to me,” McCarron said. “We knew Orlando would get us out fast, Jared would keep us in position and Daniel, who was new to the relay, would hold that lead for Marcellus. They all stepped up.”
On the women’s side, RCC finished second overall with 75 points, behind only Modesto (91.5).
But the Tigers found success in the relays. The women’s 4x400 team took gold for the second consecutive year, posting a time of 3:53.65.
Victoria Redd stood out in the throws, finishing second in the discus with a 44.68-meter effort.
Taleyah Graves grabbed bronze in the 400-meter hurdles, while Nadia Munoz and Kierstin Marpaung each took third in the 10,000 and triple jump, respectively.
The team added crucial points with multiple top-eight finishes in the sprints, jumps and throws.
For McCarron, the weekend was about more than medals. His daughter was born a week after winning his first state championship, adding a whirlwind of emotions to the already highstakes competition.
“I had a flight every 45 minutes in case I got the call,” McCarron said. “But we won. I figured if I could make it through that, I could make it through anything.”
McCarron credits the team’s
edge to preparation and the work of his assistant coaches, particularly coach C.J Alumbres, who helped develop Williamson’s championship mentality.
“Bryson took his practices more seriously,” McCarron said. “Coach C.J. guided him. He grew up a lot to win this title.”
As is the case with many community college programs,
time is short. Coaches only get two years with their athletes before helping them transfer to four-year institutions.
“That’s the most frustrating part,” McCarron said. “Just as they’re getting great, you have to hand them over to the university. But that’s our job to get them ready.”
“It’s a testament to our athletes,
our coaching staff and the culture we’ve built here,” McCarron said. Two days after the championship, the Tigers didn’t take a break. Over 100 recruits were expected to visit the campus as attention turned to building for the future.
“Let’s do this again,” McCarron said. “Let’s repeat. As coaches, we help build this team to win again.”
Tom Craft inducted into Riverside Sport Hall of Fame
ERIC PACHECO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
A man who has never been one for the spotlight was center stage May 5 as retired Riverside City College head football coach Tom Craft was inducted into the Riverside Sport Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.
Donning the red jacket, Craft audibled from standing at the podium and instead paced back and forth across the stage inside Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center at California Baptist University.
“Shooting from the hip,” he went on, reflecting on his beginnings at RCC, the program’s success during his tenure and when he knew it was time to hang it up. The most important facet of his speech was giving thanks to those who were along for the journey.
Riverside City College former football head coach Tom Craft gives his speech after induction into the Riverside Sport Hall of Fame at California Baptist University Events Center on May 5.
Among the many, he gave thanks to his wife, Cathy, son Kevin, RCC Athletic Director Cliff Dochterman, Athletic Trainer Todd Babcock and Equipment Manager Pete Aneiro, all of whom were in attendance.
“The Riverside Sport Hall of Fame is recognizing them,” Craft said. “I don’t look at it as recognizing me. They’re the key to our program.”
developing them and going on to the next level.”
Overall, in his 30-year career at the junior college level, Craft had a 261-78-1 record, the best record of any two-year college football coach.
Reflecting on his 2023 state championship with the Tigers, Craft realized that his days of coaching were nearing the end.
Instead of partaking in the postgame festivities, Craft left Wheelock Stadium with his wife and drove down to his daughter’s home and pondered over a glass of wine.
“That was a sign that it was time to go,” Craft said. “I wasn’t feeling the same.”
Craft’s closing remarks were about respect.
“That’s the success of our program,” Craft said. “It’s not the winning, it’s all about the kids in
Craft retired after the 2024 season, finishing with a 14622 record, three California Community College Athletic Association State Championships, and what he considers his greatest success - transferring over 330 of his student-athletes to the fouryear level.
“When you’re respected and you win all the time, that’s when you’re feared,” he said. “Fear the roar.”
MAC WILSON | VIEWPOINTS
Riverside City College high jumper Bryson Williamson captured the 2025 California Community Colleges Athletic Association championship clearing 2.05 meters to claim the title.
From left: The RCC men’s and women’s track and field team stands atop the podium in San Mateo.
COURTESY OF THE 3C2A
Riverside City College’s Marcus Moyer (foreground) strikes out to end the Tigers’ season as Palomar College celebrates advancing to the 3C2A regional final on May 10.
Tigers’ season ends at Super Regional
ERIC PACHECO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
One too many missed opportunities proved costly for the Tigers in their super regional loss against Palomar.
The No. 6 Riverside City College baseball team lost 5-4 to No. 3 Palomar College at Bob Vetter Field on May 10, ending its season in a sweep in the California Community Colleges Athletic Association SoCal super regionals.
Orange Empire Conference pitcher of the year, freshman Jake Valenzuela was solid through six innings, giving up two runs in his start for the Tigers.
In the seventh, Palomar designated hitter AJ Klubeck came to the plate with a runner on first after a leadoff walk, sending a tworun home run over the right-center
Erik Rodriguez (RHP)
Washington State
After starting the season in the bullpen, Rodriguez’s role continued to evolve as the season went on. He burst onto the scene as the Tigers No. 1 starter at the start of Orange Empire Conference play providing continuous quality starts. He worked at least seven innings in five out of his seven starts on the season. The righty finished the year 3-1 with three saves and a 2.45 ERA across 66 innings. He earned first-team all OEC honors.
field wall, shifting the momentum to Palomar's favor.
“Jake pitched his a– off,” Tigers head coach Rudy Arguelles said.
“He ran out of gas that last inning.”
Valenzuela exited after throwing 109 pitches, relieved by sophomore Dylan Escobar.
The Tigers offense stranded eight runners on base, including freshman Bubba Heidler, who led off the bottom half of the seventh with a single but never advanced past second base.
“We could’ve done the little things better,” Tigers third baseman Eddie Alfaro said. “The small ball, getting guys over that changes the game, and we failed in that aspect.”
Escobar held Palomar scoreless in the seventh and eighth, but a ninth-inning Palomar rally put them ahead by one.
Which proved to be the deciding
run in the game.
“Their execution was on point, and their bullpen did a great job shutting us down,” Arguelles said.
The Tigers finish the 2025 season 31-14 – the third 30-win season in Arguelles' tenure. Six of their 14 losses came by a single run.
“I'm proud of them, but at the same time disappointed in our outcome,” Arguelles said.
“Our expectation is never going to be happy with super regional play. Hopefully, they can take the sting and the burn of this loss to motivate them with their commitment moving forward.”
It’s the second consecutive super regional exit for Riverside and the third straight year they’ve failed to reach the state finals since winning it all in 2022.
Arguelles reflected on whether he felt the 2025 season was a disappointment.
“We fell short of our goal (winning a state championship), and we truly felt with our personnel that we could make a deep run,” he said.
“It’s a disappointment of falling short of our goal, but overall, the progress that has been made from an individual and a club standpoint … you had to have had a successful season to be here. There's no denying that, and I expressed that I was absolutely proud of them.”
Arguelles holds his expectations to the highest standard in Riverside: competing to be among the final four at the state championship.
That expectation is fueled by the philosophy of ultra competitiveness, execution and the willingness to learn and grow as players and people.
“It’s a grind, and it's competitiveness; those words were the theme this year,” Alfaro said.
RCC baseball’s 2025 NCAA commitments
Western Kentucky
Originally committed to play for Central Arkansas in the fall, Nguyen decommitted in favor of Western Kentucky during the season. Continuing the long lineage of stellar catchers in Riverside, Nguyen was described as the teams ‘iron man’ by head coach Rudy Arguelles as the sophomore caught 40 out of 45 games. He led the team in batting average and home runs and was second in RBIs with a .375 AVG, three home runs and 40 RBIs. He earned first-team all OEC honors.
Long Beach State
Herrera was the first commit off the board for the Tigers back in October before even throwing a pitch for Riverside. The freshman out of Shadow Hills High in Indio spent most of the year on the injured list and made his debut March 21 against Pasadena City College, tossing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. He flashed a low-90s fastball, slider and change-up in his limited action. The righty finished the year 1-0 with a save and a 2.84 ERA across 6.1 innings pitched.
Creighton University
Riverside’s ‘swiss army knife,’ Stratton was another early commit off the board for the Tigers. Having transferred from Mt. San Jacinto College, the righty committed back in November to Creighton. Known for his bulldog mentality and willingness to take the ball in any situation, Stratton contributed as a starter and late-inning reliever for Riverside. He finished the year 2-2 with four saves and a 3.38 ERA across 48 innings. He earned second-team all OEC honors one vote shy of first team.
Riverside players embraced in dap-ups and hugs as they walked off the field as a team for the final time in the 2025 season.
Sophomore Marc DiCarlo stood at the end of the dugout, eyes swelled with tears, struggling to get out his words as he reflected on what it meant to be an RCC Tiger.
“A thing is not beautiful because it lasts, it’s beautiful because of the people and the memories,” he said.
“I’m tremendously grateful, these tears are tears of gratitude. The experience of being on this team and playing for these coaches and being able to be around my childhood friends, and now we’re going to go our separate ways. It’s hard letting go, but the reason it’s so hard is because it was special. One chapter closes and another one opens, and we're all going to go our separate ways, and that’s the hard part I don’t want to let go.”
Cal State San Bernadino
Captain, leader and “Unc,” the redshirt sophomore transferred from Cal Baptist University back in 2023 and spent the last two seasons at RCC. Though an injury plagued his 2025 campaign, Alfaro still managed to set the table atop the order. He finishing second on the team in on-base percentage (.469) and added 17 RBIs and added stellar defense to the Tiger’s infield. He will reunite with his twin brother, Jesse, at CSUSB.
ERIC PACHECO| VIEWPOINTS
Eddie Alfaro (3B)
Julian Herrera (RHP)
Ian Nguyen (C)
Evan Stratton (RHP)