RIVERSIDE CITY COLLEGE
Best study spots in downtown A guide to back to school
Trustees confirm new interim president
Eric Bishop steps into position after history of presidential search
RYAN POPE STAFF WRITER
Riverside City College’s Board of Trustees officially confirmed Eric Bishop as RCC’s interim President on Aug. 19.
The decision comes two months after the removal of RCC’s previous President, Claire Oliveros, who was removed after two years in the position following the Board’s unanimous vote of no confidence against her as President.
This left the role temporarily occupied by Lynn Wright as acting president for the second half of June, up until today’s announcement that Bishop would be filling the role as interim president, effective Aug. 20. This will end his tenure as interim vice chancellor of educational services and strategic planning, which he has held since July 2024.
These are just some of the most recent developments in the history of the RCC presidency over the past several years, starting with Gregory Anderson’s ousting from the position in May 2022 for similar reasons. A vote of no confidence from the Board of Trustees resulting from
mismanagement and negligence put the position in a freefall, passed between several individuals in the time since.
First, the position was given to Rajen Vurdien as interim president in July 2022, though his tenure was short-lived, and he was soon succeeded by FeRita Carter, who remained the interim presi dent until Oliveros was selected as the official president in June 2023. At the time, public opinion of Oliveros was high, with RCCD educators and admins alike having great expectations for the newlyappointed president.
However, the Board of Trustees’ opinion of her has soured since then, leading to her dismissal this June. An official statement still has yet to be released regarding the Board’s specific reasoning for Oliveros’ dismissal, other than the fact that she was removed by a vote of no confidence like her predecessor.
No additional information regarding the selection process or reasoning for Bishop as interim president was given at the meeting. Viewpoints attempted to reach out to members of the Board of Trustees for comment but did not receive any responses.
New opportunities aligned for cosmetology students and
A new building is coming to life for cosmetology students, providing them with a modern workspace allowing them to learn, practice and grow.
The Associate Vice Chancellor of the Riverside Community College District, Hussain Ahag, introduced the building on Aug. 5 during a Board meeting. He shared a slideshow outlining the key points and details of a new facility.
“A state-funded initiative designed to replace the existing outdated facility and to enhance student learning and support services through modern technology,” Agah said.
The project will be guided by a planning committee that will
be actively involved throughout all phases, from design to construction.
The new two-story building will be 31,816 gross square feet and will be located on the lower side of campus.
The facility will be split into two floors, enhancing learning opportunities and improving safety. The expanded space will also allow more clients and patrons to participate in the program and receive services such as haircuts, facials and
See COSMETOLOGY on Page 2
MARISSA PEREZ NEWS EDITOR
August 21, 2025
Page 1
Madeline Bettencourt, the Associate Professor and Cosmetology Director provided an overview of each floor. Level one will include a clinical lab and storage area.
Bettancourt emphasized the importance of space and the ability for faculty and students to move freely and work collaboratively.
“This added space to these lab areas provides an essential space to store all of the daily equipment and to work without having our students modify proper ergonomics.” Bettencourt said.
Level two will feature classrooms for students, faculty offices and a conference room for meetings and training sessions.
“Overall, this building will provide space and allow us the ability to expand our department,” she said. “We are restrained by the current size and limits of our building, so we hope to add programs to our department.”
The new building will be built on the current site of parking lot F, resulting in the loss of approximately 120 parking spaces.
The existing cosmetology building will be demolished and replaced by a new parking lot, which will cost roughly $8 million.
“The district has engaged an environmental consultant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the building’s historical and cultural significance in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act,” Agah said.
The report’s findings will help guide the decision-making process regarding the current building.
The original building was built in 1958 to accommodate 50 full time employees. According to RCCD research, the 34 faculty/classified self serving was catered to approximately 372 full time-equivalent students
in the year of 2024-25.
They also showed the importance of the Facility Condition Index, which is a numerical measure that calculates the condition of a building regarding cost of repairs and value. The FCI for the original building was 77.73%. If the FCI was over 50%, renovation is not an option.
In anticipation of the new facility, the cosmetology faculty expressed their excitement.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity to share our excitement for this department that we have needed for a very long time,” Rebecca Kessler, the assistant professor for cosmetology said.
The project is currently in the design phase, with a total budget of over $57 million from state and local funding.
It is expected to be completed by the fall of 2029.
Board of trustees meet for bi-weekly recap
The Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees met Aug. 19 for their second biweekly meeting.
During the Chancellor’s report, RCCD Chancellor WoldeAb Isaac talked about the study abroad funding meeting that was held on Aug. 7.
“Massive development in technology and connectivity is resulting in a rapidly shrinking world,” Isaac said. “RCCD recognizes the globalization of our education not only to raise global awareness in our students but also in preparing global citizens is becoming a priority.”
The chancellor also mentioned that interviews were held on Aug. 14 for the interim president of Riverside City College, to succeed former President Claire Oliveros, whose employment agreement was terminated via unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees during their June 17 meeting.
It was announced that Eric Bishop, who has served as interim vice-chancellor of RCCD, would serve as RCC’s interim president for the foreseeable future. Bishop’s term started on Aug. 20.
Appointments of Bridget Salzameda as the dean of instruction for STEM and Jennifer Spalding as the dean of instruction for the kinesiology/athletic director were approved for a two year term lasting from Aug. 20, 2025 to June 30, 2027.
Both Bishop and Salzameda’s appointments were passed after a motion was made to pass their nominations alongside Rosio Becerra as interim director of academic advising and student success for Norco College. Spalding’s nomination, however, was exempted from this motion.
The Board also passed the Measure CC Facilities Community Workforce and Student Opportunity Agreement via a 4-1 vote, with the Trustee for Area 1 Bill Hendrick voting no on the measures while the other 4 members voted yes, those being Trustees Virginia Blumenthal, Mary Figueroa, Jose Alcala and Keri Then, with Then expressing her vote as “hell yeah aye.”
This new motion will promote employment opportunities for area residents during the construction of RCCD Measure CC projects including, but not limited to: establishing a work opportunities program for area residents, referral and utilization
of qualified area residents as journeypersons and apprentice, participation in job fairs, career days and outreach events.
It will also assist District grduates with access to preapprenticeship programs, and apprenticeship training committees, facilitates long-term careers in the construction industry and ensures timely, economical, and quality completion of projects without labor disputes.
It will apply to construction contracts that are funded with $1.5 million or more via Measure CC with the term lasting for 10 years, but can be extended by mutual agreement. It will also “remain in effect for each covered project until substantial completion is achieved” with the geographical area being Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The general provisions in the motion are that “workers must be paid prevailing wage rates and receive contributions to established employee benefit funds (alongside) ensuring nondiscrimination in hiring across protected categories, commitment to workforce diversity, including minorities, women, and veterans, and provides business opportunities for minorities, women and small business enterprises.”
The campus would receive a modern, brand new building for the Cosmetology department, while the current building that has been on campus since 1958 would be torn down be converted into extra campus parking.
The project was approved after a motion was made by Then and seconded by Hendrick and passed via a successful vote by the Board, with Student Trustee Gabriel Graves voting aye.
The second is the funding for a brand new library for Moreno Valley College (MVC) to replace the current one that has been in use since its construction in 1991. This would provide 53,140 assignable square feet (ASF) dedicated to instructional and support services, including 2,104 ASF of classroom space, 2,904 ASF of laboratory space, 6,603 ASF of office space, 27,796 ASF of library space, 3,796 ASF of audio/visual media and 10,457 ASF of other spaces.
The project was approved after a motion was made by Trustee Then and seconded by Trustee
Editor: Marissa Perez |
NEWS BRIEFS
Current Riverside City College News
Fall Semester Begins
The first day back to school is Monday 25.
Moreno Valley College Library Learning Resource Center Project
A new three story building will be constructed replacing the old library. The new facility will expand on modern technology including computer labs, audio and visual media. Areas that provide group study, library services and offices will also be upgraded.
Ben Clark Training Education Building 2-A Project
Buildings lacked instructional, lab and office space with increased enrollment. A new two- story building and new surface parking will accommodate students and faculty. The new building will expand labs, physical education and support spaces with updated equipment.
Norco College Library Learning Resource Center and Student Service Project
The Student Support Services, College Resource and portables will be demolished to provide space for the resource center. The center will provide upgraded resources to improve campus life. The center will also provide audio and visual labs to offices and student support services.
New Course Numbers
Riverside Community College District has moved to the new system Common Course Numbering and will continue on for Fall 2025. Course numbers and department codes are changed.
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The original cosmetology building built in 1958 located on Olivewood Ave in Riverside.
MARISSA PEREZ| VIEWPOINTS
LOUIS TOZSER NEWS REPORTER
One of the floor plans planned for new structure.
PHOTO COURTSEY OF RCCD
August 21, 2025
Three study worthy coffee shops in Downtown Riverside
GRACE ESQUIBEL INTERIM LIFE EDITOR
As the fall semester settles in and classes begin to hand out assignments, study spots around campus, like the library and patio tables, are going to get busy. All the charging plugs will be hogged up, every building will feel overstimulating, and you will struggle to find a place to study or grab a pick-me-up.
Luckily, one of the benefits of Riverside City College’s location is that less than 10 minutes away in Downtown Riverside there are coffee shops with ample space, charging ports and menus with various options.
These three mom-and-pop coffee shops are an opportunity to support local businesses and to explore not only the city, but your tastebuds as well.
Coffeecito House welcomes you with its historical 1900’s architecture that creates a feeling of home. Today, the reinvented quaint coffee shop remains part of Riverside’s legacy.
There are several different areas to sit down and study, whether that be on the first floor, second floor or outside patio. The environment is cozy and quiet if you need a solo study session. There are also larger tables that offer space for a group study session.
“Depending on whatever you need, we have it,” Azul Ortega, a barista at Coffeecito said.
Their menu ranges from lattes to energy drinks to seasonal menu options. They also serve pastries and lunch that are inspired by Latin classics.
Coffeecito is by far the closest
to RCC, being just a 4 minute drive away. Make sure you check parking regulations upon entering.
Molinos Coffee brought their history to Riverside after their first cafe location in Havana, Cuba.
To this day, the taste of Cuba is in their various options of classic espresso lattes.
The space provides a natural lit area looking out onto downtown to rest or study. The menu contains classics such as the cordadito, cubano sandwiches and guava cream pastries.
Brooklyn Behney, a barista at Molinos expressed her personal favorite drink inspired by Cuban culture.
“It’s called a Havana, a latte
that is a special on our menu,” she said. “Even if they don’t want a coffee it’s a really good place to come to study.”
Molinos is a 6 minute drive from RCC with parking directly in front of the shop, alternatively a parking structure located on the same street.
If you want to explore a new up and coming coffee shop, Stray Dogs Coffee Roasters is a trendy cafe on a mission to support the community and make a difference by donating to local animal shelters.
The menu offers Korean inspired drinks such as the corndog latte and pastries like the matcha strawberry muffin.
The atmosphere is spacious
with couches and communal areas perfect for group study sessions.
“It’s pretty close to Downtown where everyone can just meet up at the middle ground,” Anthony Alvarez, a barista at Stray Dogs said.
Stray Dogs is an 8 minute drive from RCC with a parking lot located in the back of the cafe.
The next time campus feels too crowded, grab your laptop and charger and head a few minutes off-site for a study session worth savoring.
Whether you’re cramming for an exam, or just looking for a quiet corner to sip something new, these three coffee shops offer convenience for an on-thego student.
Takopi’s Original Sin Review- The Absolute Pinnacle of Modern Animation
VICTOR LEDBETTER JR
INTERIM OPINION EDITOR
CONTENT WARNING: The program being reviewed contains depictions of child abuse and suicidal behavior that may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit the Crisis Hotline.
This is easily the best show I have watched in the last decade. No joke. This will tear your heart to pieces while giving out some meaningful food-for-thought.
“Takopi’s Original Sin” is a Crunchyroll original anime adapted from the manga of the same name, written and illustrated by artist Taizan 5.
The story follows a Happian named Takopi as he lands on Earth with one objective, spreading happiness. He then meets Shizuka, a lonely fourth grader, and promises
to bring back her smile. But when things take a left turn, Takopi has to juggle mending events well out of his control, while learning how the human world operates. Without spoiling anything, I will say that the show gets dark incredibly fast leaving no room for the viewer to breathe. The show tackles themes of child abuse, bullying, suicide and more. Yet it never felt like there was sort of gimmick to try and push the story forward.
The writing overall unearths the ins and outs of the characters that we meet, and provides enough depth and nuance to flesh out everything in the series’ short runtime.
I thought the themes being explored in the show are scarily relevant in today’s world. Themes like knowing that you can’t fix everything, being present in someone’s life to lend a helping hand and doing your best with the
cards you are dealt. These points are needed in an environment where the world is leaning to a more dystopian era. This might have been explored before, but the way this specific show handles everything feels like there is a raw and realistic touch to it that elevates the plot entirely.
The animation is very impressive. The art direction and the overall design of the show is beyond beautiful, and it gives off this retro 2000’s look without looking dated. In fact, it is a great blend of modern and classic anime, which weirdly enough has a realistic element to the design of the show.
Additionally, I have to give props to the sound design and voice acting. The sound is handled very well, everything being crisp and clear.
More often than not, the intricate sound design brought the scenes to a whole new level. The cast brought
their very best and didn’t waste a single second. Kurumi Mamiya, Reina Ueda, Konomi Kohara, and Anna Nagase especially put it all out there, and gave stellar performances that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Honestly, the show is perfect in every way, and the absolute peak of what animation can do as a whole. I honestly think this is the best anime in the last ten years.
I will lump TV shows in here as well. There hasn’t been something this well crafted in this period of time, and I don’t think anything will top this in the next decade and beyond.
“Takopi’s Original Sin” is an all-timer, and will be the bar that many TV Shows and anime will look to surpass.
You have to see this 240 minute rollercoaster ride for yourself. Just remember to bring tissues.
Editor: Grace Esquibel Viewpoints@rcc.edu
LIFE BRIEFS
August 1- September 7
Free Summer Sundays at the Riverside Art Museum & The Cheech
Take a look into Riverside’s art scene with free entry to the Cheech and the Riverside Art Museum on Sundays from 12 p.m -5 p.m.
August 18- September 11
Eastside art house
The Riverside City College Quad Gallery will host an Eastside Arthouse exhibit Monday-Thursday 10 a.m5 p.m and Friday 10 a.m- 2 p.m. You can find the gallery in Quad room #104.
August 23
Student housing move-in day
Students will move into the newly built RCC/UCR housing building.
September 11
Speak Your Soul: A Powerful Spoken Word Event
Attend a spoken word event that will provide a platform for voices to resonate and stories to unfold. This event will take place in front of DL 129 from 12:00 p.m - 2:00 p.m.
September 27
Riverside Art & Music Festival 2025 White park will be celebrating a day of creativity, live music and art installations from 2 p.m- 9 p.m.
September 29
RCC-UCR housing ribbon cutting celebration
Enjoy a ribbon cutting celebration for the opening of the first housing building to include both community colleges and a University of California. The event will be held at 10 a.m at the UCR Campus – North District Phase 2 on the Northwest corner of Canyon Crest Drive and Blaine Street.
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
Two Viewpoints reporters pose with drinks and a pastry at Stray Dogs Coffee Roasters.
Editor: Victor Ledbetter Jr| Viewpoints@rcc.edu
OPINIONS
Zoom links or classroom seats at RCC?
BREANNE SOTO
EDITOR- IN- CHIEF
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced 70% of public schools to move to online learning, Riverside City College students had to quickly adapt. Some enjoyed the freedom of learning from home, while others missed the energy of campus.
Now that in-person classes have returned, students are debating which format is best for learning. Online courses can offer convenience, but in-person classes provide face-to-face interaction.
Each option has pros and cons, and the choice can define your RCC experience in different ways.
The real question to ask is: How do you know which is right for you?
I have taken almost every kind of class RCC has to offer. I started my first semester with all in-person classes, added some online classes during the shorter semesters, and took hybrid classes to fit my work schedule.
In high school, I knew I preferred to be immersed in a classroom, free from distractions.
Novah
Reyes
Interim Multimedia editor
“My main goals for this semester are to report more life stories and features while also bringing them to life through multimedia. Videos and social posts are my main focus, though I hope to venture out into podcasting and videography. ”
After repeating the cycle of a long commute on a weekly basis, I realized that the drive to school began to bother me.
If my class were to start at 9 a.m., I would have to be on the road by 8:30 a.m.
But not only would I have to calculate time for the drive, I would also have to make sure I had enough time to park.
Parking is a nightmare the first few weeks of the semester. With all that time added up, why would I want to wake up for a class at 6:30 a.m. when I could get some extra sleep, and learn from the comfort of my own home?
Online classes aren’t just about comfort, they’re a game changer for nontraditional students. Many community college students juggle jobs, family or other responsibilities alongside school.
The flexibility of online learning allows students to study wherever they are and better manage their personal lives. Remote learning can also be used to protect someone’s safety, especially as Immigration Enforcement cracks down in the busiest spots of Southern California.
Over the summer, many
students in the Los Angeles Unified School District switched over to online learning due the aggressive enforcement of ICE in the county. Online learning in this context becomes more than a convenience, but a critical tool for students who feel unsafe leaving home. Remote classes preserve their education and help prevent drops in attendance or enrollment. Although it is heartbreaking that students cannot feel safe on campus, the silver lining is the fact students still have access to an education.
However, staying online and taking classes alone can deprive you of a sense of community at school.
Viewpoints is the main reason I go on campus so often. Being in the newsroom and getting to know my classmates during my first year shaped my attitude about coming to campus. I was looking forward to spending time there and talking to people within the same major, or common passions, as me. Watching my classmates have a strong work ethic and bond inspired me to do the same.
Viewpoints 2025 Returners Reflect
TOPIC:
What are you anticipating this coming semester?
Victor Ledbetter Jr Interim Multimedia editor
“For me, I would want to try and improve my GPA, and be in the newsroom more consistently. I also want to write more poetry and improve my photography skills.”
Grace Esquibel
Interim Life editor
“I plan to put my all into this semester. This is my last semester at RCC and I will make the most of it. I plan doing so by chasing stories that interest me and I aim to dive out of my comfort zone by working on my multimedia/social media skills.”
August 21, 2025
Suddenly, the commute was worth it.
During my first semester, I also made friends in my English class. Sometimes, we’ll all catch up if we’re on campus at the same time.
In-person classes motivate me to become a better student, and keep me from the distractions at home.
Ultimately it all depends on your lifestyle, but that is what’s great about RCC. You have the freedom and comfort to still get your education, without conflict.
If you prioritize independence, and the ability to balance school with other responsibilities, online learning provides the freedom to study on your own terms.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a sense of community and the structure of a traditional classroom, inperson classes can offer a more involved academic experience.
Whichever path you choose, RCC ensures that you have the opportunity to reach your personal goals on your schedule, and in your own way.
Interim News editor
“I’m excited to get back into Viewpoints this semester. I hope to continue writing but explore more into designing the newspaper.” Marissa Perez
I’ve attempted to write this article a few times now; “Student Life with Disabilities.” I’ve written about my experiences, journey, self-advocacy, frustrations, criticisms and insights.
Normally, I tend to follow the Amy Lee school of thought that “If we can’t talk about it, we’ll just keep drowning in it.”
But that was before.
Before half the country voted to sail directly into an iceberg rather than reconcile our differences.
Before the crew threw all the passengers overboard without so much as a floatie, let alone a lifeboat.
Before our president ordered his sycophants to hold our heads under the water until we stop fighting to the surface.
Talking about disabilities has always been discouraged, especially in professional circles, wherein they are treated as burdens, liabilities and the very enemies of productivity.
For the past decade, we’ve managed to make some progress in destigmatizing being disabled through social media, but recently the political pendulum has swung farther right than ever anticipated and suddenly talking about the disabled student experience feels eerily dangerous in light of our current administration.
The President of the United States declared disabilities are “a dire threat to the American people.” Medicaid Services are making us “prove that you matter” enough to deserve healthcare and Elon Musk calling those relying on public benefits “the parasite class.”
If you’re a history buff, you’ll note the Aktion T4-esque overtones of this rhetoric are gaining traction among the supremacist zeitgeist that’s re-infected our country.
These policies, once enacted in full, would prove catastrophic to students in career rehabilitative programs, and higher education by robbing us of the healthcare and treatments we need in order to attend, let alone succeed in school, so we can graduate into embodying that age-old, yet toxic, paragon of unfettered capitalism we call “productive members of society.”
If our very right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in the form of healthcare is only granted on the contingency of how productive we are by wage-thieving billionaires, then life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness was never actually a constitutionally guaranteed right.
Instead it is one wherein all the gentlemen have been forced to walk the plank wrapped in heavy chains, while the rest of us fight to swim against the violent undertow of the tides of tyranny.
TARA BRISTOW ONLINE MANAGER
Newcomers Guide from RCC Viewpoints Returners
As a new semester starts at Riverside City College newcomers and returners are coming onto campus for Fall. We approach the start of classes and reflect on what has helped us and what we needed to let go off. It can be either study habits or relationships that affected our past semesters. We broke down a list that points out key factors at our time at RCC.
Register for classes early
As many of us experienced the troubles of being on a waitlist and praying for an add code. We highly recommend registering for a class once you are able to. One of us registered for classes, but they didn’t see it as such a hard task. Once logged onto edunav they experienced the trouble of the class being full and getting stuck with professors that don’t align with your schedule.
Creating a balance
Speaking of schedule, it’s important to create a balance between work and school. You don’t want to experience a whole work load so be sure to break up
your days and tasks by making a planner with a schedule that fits best for you. Make sure to include time doing things you love like hanging out with friends or working out, to avoid burnout as many of us at Viewpoints have experienced. Be open to change
Starting off anew is always scary but opens up doors to new experiences. While you are at a new campus there are many opportunities to branch out and meet new people, join a club or explore outside of your comfort zone and try a new creative outlet. To stay involved you can follow RCC’s instagram and the several clubs to keep up with events on campus or near campus.
Don’t take classes that you might dislike
Try and take classes that align with your goals and career path, along with those that line up with your personal interests. If you end up in a class that bores you or one that is too difficult, it might be too late to change classes at that
point of the semester. You could swap these classes for late start classes, but it depends on the student whether late starts are unmanageable or easy-going.
Take advantage of resources RCC offers resources to students that could shape your experience on campus. Take time exploring the school, and check out the engagement centers that align with your major. These engagement centers offer an inclusive environment to study and decompress, rather than going to the busy library. Our campus also offers resource centers for students of color, student-parents and even veterans. You will be able to find people with similar interests and backgrounds.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and make big decisions. Although you should take school seriously, don’t forget to enjoy the campus experience. Start the semester off with good intentions and remember to focus on your well-being. Viewpoints wishes all the students at RCC the best for the new school year.
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.
The Welcome Center offers resources to new and returning students.
NOVAH REYES| VIEWPOINTS
Editor: Ethan Aguilera| Viewpoints@rcc.edu
Official lineups for 2025-26 RCC sports
ETHAN AGUILERA SPORTS EDITOR
After wrapping up Riverside City College’s 2024-25 season with faculty recognition, redemption, and opportunities, Viewpoints has compiled a recap of the Tiger’s highlights, and some RCC teams who will be competing in the fall.
Football:
A new era begins for the Riverside City College football team with new head coach Kevin Craft. Expecting big shoes to fill, he is taking over for his father and Hall of Fame coach Tom Craft.
The Tigers’ 2024 season would come to an end after losing to Mt. San Antonio in the Southern California Football Association Championship game. After averaging a conference high 53.9 points and 578.8 yards per game, RCC looks to have the best offense in the Orange Empire Conference this upcoming season.
With a strong returning roster look to open the season on Aug. 30 against Long Beach College.
Men’s Water Polo:
The RCC men’s water polo team looks for a bounce-back season after a lackluster year. The Tigers started the year off winning eight of the first 11 games.
However, after the rest of the season spiraled out of control, they finished with a record of 13-16. They are led by head coach Jason Northcott, who is entering his 10th season.
The Tigers look to integrate returning experience with fresh talent to create a more balanced and potent unit this year. They will open up the season against Diablo Valley in the Merced North South Tournament.
Women’s Water Polo:
The RCC women’s water polo team enters this upcoming season looking to build off of last year’s successes. The Tigers finished last year going 31-5 and also claimed their second straight Orange
Empire Conference championship. They are led by head coach Doug Finfrock, who is entering his 12th year at RCC.
Several key players return while integrating new talent to help strengthen offense and defense. The team is known for its strong teamwork and ability to execute under pressure. They hope to make it three straight Orange Empire Championships, and make an opening game statement when they play against San Joaquin Delta on Sept. 18.
Men’s Cross Country:
The men’s cross country looks to make a new impression this season after ending the season finishing fifth place at the California Community Colleges Athletic Association State Championship. The team is led by 19-year head coach Jim McCarron.
McCarron is the most winning coach in RCC’s history, winning eight state titles and 29 conference championships.
The Tigers showed their dominance in the OEC, claiming their 13th conference title in 15 years during the 2024 season. Track and field return with a mix of experienced runners and promising newcomers who bring depth to their roster. The team is known for its disciplined running and ability to push through challenging courses.
They open the year on Aug. 29 at the Redlands Invitationals, looking to set the tone for the races ahead.
Women’s Cross Country:
The women’s cross country team heads into the 2025 season looking to build on the progress they made last year. In 2024, the Tigers showed constant improvement across their races, highlighted by their performance at the OEC Championships when they finished in 3rd place. They followed that effort with a strong showing at the SoCal Championship. They finished fourth and showed their
place among the top teams in the region. They are led by 15year head coach Damien Smith. With several runners returning and bringing championship meet experience, RCC looks to make another championship run.
Women’s Volleyball:
Women’s volleyball wrapped their last season up with high spirits after setting a new record for most OEC wins in a season and finishing with a 17-10 overall mark, the most wins since 2016.
Now retired, Clara Lowden was named the Coach of the Year and six Tigers picked up allconference honors. Players Dani Luna and Riley Chaffee ended the postseason with honorable mention distinctions. The Tigers start the 2025 season on August 22 at Santa Monica College. Seniors Keira Isgar from Phelan and Riley Chaffee from Riverside will be returning to the team.
Jim McCarron named track and field coach of the year
McCarron then became head coach for the Tigers in 2006.
Riverside City College’s Jim McCarron was named Head Coach under the 2024-25 California Community Colleges Cross County and Track Coaches Association.
Before coaching at RCC, McCarron competed for Cerritos College, University of California Irvine, and University of California Los Angeles .
During his tenure, the Tigers have secured 17 Orange Empire Conference championships, winning nearly every year.
In 2025, RCC’s men’s track and field captured its 8th California Community College Athletic Association State Championship under the leadership of McCarron.
The Tigers had two three-peats in 2008-2010 and 2012-2014.
In 2010 and 2019, McCarron was selected as the Orange Empire Confrence Male Coach of the Year.
He was chosen as the 2010 and 2019 California Community College Track and Field Coach of the Year.
RCC has won seven State Track and Field Championships and one State Cross Country Championship.
Individually, McCarron has coached 50 state champions, 175 all-Americans, and over 400 all-
conference student-athletes in both track and field and cross country.
Over 400 track and field and cross country student-athletes have received scholarships to universities.
McCarron has had six studentathletes receive the RCC Student of Distinction achievement.
Thrower Alec Jones was one of the students who ended his year with the Distinction achievement after earning a pair of gold medals at the CCCAA COURTESY OF RCC
MAC WILSON | VIEWPOINTS
Riverside City College designated hitter Marc DiCarlo Jr dumps water on Tigers fan Christian “Wheelz” Jacome after the Tigers sweep against Antelope Valley College on May 3.
ETHAN AGUILERA
