RIVERSIDE CITY COLLEGE
Steadying the ship
Interim president reflects and outlines vision for spring
BREANNE SOTO
EDITOR- IN - CHIEF
After a first semester focused on establishing organizational stability following a period of leadership transition, Riverside City College Interim President Eric Bishop is making efforts to shift the institution’s focus toward the implementation of a new five-year strategic plan.
Bishop, who assumed the role on Aug. 20, 2025, intends to move the college forward by prioritizing student completion goals and strengthening community partnerships through the spring semester.
Serving previously as the superintendent and president of Ohlone College and as the interim vice chancellor for RCCD, the current leadership brings a background focused on institutional trust.
He acknowledges that the initial months in this role were dedicated primarily to the process of building that trust within the campus community.
“I spent a lot of time really just trying to allow the college to get to know me,” he said. “What I heard is that the college is looking for some stability and I’m trying to bring that.”
Central to Bishop’s vision for the spring is the implementation of the “Standard of Care.” Riverside Community College District explains on their website that the initiative aims to assist in “teaching, governance, leadership,... community, service and administration.”
Bishop views success at RCC as students being able to streamline campus resources and move
through their programs faster.
“Success looks like every student being able to immediately know who their counselor is and who their educational resource advisor is based on their major.”
Bishop explained.
The college district is moving forward with the infrastructure projects funded by the 954-milliondollar bond initiative Measure CC. Current plans prioritize the development of the Inland Empire Technical Trade Center, including programs for automotive and welding students and a new cosmetology building.
While major structures like the IETTC are not expected to open until 2030, the administration is focusing on the immediate improvement to support campus resources and engagement centers.
“It’s nice to have big buildings and modernize the campus,” Bishop said. “It’s also nice to create little changes that people may not notice, but that they feel things get a little easier.”
While these physical and support upgrades aim to provide immediate consistency for the student body, the broader administrative future of the college remains a work in progress.
The search for a permanent leader at RCC is currently in its early stages as the college looks to move past a period of administrative turnover. Bishop, who was confirmed as interim president on Aug. 19, replaced Claire Oliveros following her removal by the Board of Trustees in June of last year.
While Bishop is not involved in the search committee, he noted
that the formal process to find a permanent replacement is expected to be behind this spring as faculty return to their contract cycles.
Entering the spring semester, Bishop has plans to emphasize a “student-first” approach to campus culture, urging students to use the Kane Student Services building to their advantage.
“Don’t walk around with a question. It’s natural to not know everything,” Bishop explained when asked to give new students advice to the college. “Let us get you the answer to whatever question you
have so that you can feel secure in your footing.”
Success for the academic year will be measured by the full implementation of the Standard of Care, which Bishop envisions will create an environment where students move toward graduation or transfer more efficiently.
Until a permanent president is confirmed, Bishop’s focus remains on providing “stability” and “calmness” to the campus while implementing long term institutional goals.
A student’s blueprint for the new semester
BRYLLE DESEO
INTERIM LIFE EDITOR
As the winter weather heats up, the spring semester comes along with it. The spring semester is where students start to get more stressed and overthink. But to counteract those stressful times, there are services at Riverside City College that can help students
succeed in the upcoming semester.
Scattered throughout the campus are engagement centers that provide peer tutoring, instructor review and workshops to help students thrive with their assignments.
At the bottom floor of the Martin Luther King building is RCC’s Writing and Reading Center (WRC) that provides support with students’ English assignments.
As students walk into the WRC they are directed to a computer that allows them to meet with an instructor.
From Directed Learning Activities or long argumentative essays, they can help you get the best grades on your homework.
Jonah Wisner, a peer tutor at the WRC shared, “The WRC, has a lot of resources it offers. Such as just simply a place to work and focus
in an organized and work-focused area. We have instructors here all the time to come in and you can ask them to help out with…any kind of writing assignment.”
The WRC recorded that students who visit the center are more likely to improve.
RCCD spotlights disability center
MARISSA PEREZ MANAGING EDITOR
Disability Resource Centers across the Riverside Community College District shared recent accomplishments with serving and guiding their students.
Administrators from each of the colleges presented 2024-25 facts and stats at the Feb. 3 RCCD Board of Trustees meeting.
The DRC on RCC campus served a total of ,1806 students last academic year, three times more than Norco College and Moreno Valley College.
In 1962, RCCD started to provide services to students with disabilities due to a close proximity to the California School for the Deaf, Riverside. This led to the district being the first program in post-secondary education and disability services in the state.
To this day the, program maintains a strong role throughout the state and nation according to RCC Disability Counselor Scott Brown.
However, the center is still recuperating after the COVID- 19 aftermath. The center still needs to assist 300 more students to be able to reach pre-covid records.
Different students enter the resource center each day helping
See DRC on page 2
LUPITA RIVERA CID | VIEWPOINTS
Riverside City College Interim President Eric Bishop walks around the lobby of the Dr. Charles A. Kane Building on Feb. 10.
Februrary 12, 2026
Nationwide strike held in downtown Riverside
Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice was set up to rally before the march.
show how our communities are over the terrorization.
About 1,000 anti-ICE protestors marched through the streets of downtown Riverside on Jan. 30 during a national day of action. Minnesota protestors called for the strike and shutdown after the recent displays of violence from federal immigration agents in their state.
“(I’m here) to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves,” Jocelyn Morales, a protestor from Riverside, said. “I have people, neighbors who are too afraid to come out, so if I have the chance, I’m gonna do it.”
The crowd gathered in solidarity in front of the Riverside Historic Courthouse at 3 p.m. where the
DRC from page 2
each other out. Director of the DRC team, Pamela J. Starr also welcomes deaf interpreters for students and has served a total of 105 students.
Student workers also play a role in the resource center, allowing job opportunities for disabled students according to Starr.
“Many times individuals with disabilities are underemployed or unemployed,” Starr said. “This gives these students the
The coalition had speakers such as Luz Pérez, candidate for Fontana City Council, address the recent acts of federal immigration agents and the Trump administration as reasons for the strike. Pérez made a call to action and reminded the crowd that this is the time to organize.
Riverside Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes was also in attendance to support the protestors in their demonstration.
Cervantes reiterated the importance of pushing elected officials to enforce policies that will protect our communities. She said the day of action was to attract the attention of those in power and
opportunity to get skills to have something on their resume.”
Looking ahead the resource center wants to continue to provide service programs like, Promoting Achievable College Transitions (PACT). The program guides high school students transition into college.
“We meet our students where they are and we give them hope for the future ,” Cristina Miranda, PACT coordinator at RCC and MVC said. “We become that point of contact for them throughout their application process for enrollment.”
“We’re not going to allow them to continue to violate our rights and to violate the Constitution,” Cervantes said.
Hundreds of students from Riverside Polytechnic High School and other Riverside Unified School District schools held their own marches in protest of ICE. The students walked out of classes, supporting the movement of the day of action, on Jan. 29, according to news reports.
Following the national day of action, another anti-ICE protest has been organized and took place in the morning on Jan. 31 at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Tyler Street at 10 a.m.
The program also offers “check in meetings” in which academic and personal goals are being created for each semester, Georgina Godoy Zambrano, PACT coordinator for RCC and Norco said.
Challenges and obstacles are also being faced meanwhile prioritizing celebrating progress according to Zambrano.
The RCC DRC is located in the Dr. Charles A. Kane Student Services Administration Building Room 130.
Riverside Community College District to become CVC Exchange Teaching College:
Interim Editor: Marissa Lievanos |Viewpoints@rcc.edu
Calling it quits
RCCD chancellor to retire in December
The Riverside Community College District Chancellor has decided to end his tenure. The RCCD Board of Trustees approved Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac’s plans for retirement on Jan. 20.
He informed the rest of the district the following day with an announcement he sent out via email.
He spoke of his gratitude to work with the district members on innovative plans and programs these past years and for the future.
They have made the district competitive with other colleges and expanded the scope of learning and training for the students. They also lowered the power footprint for the schools by installing extensive solar panel systems.
Following his announcement, Professor Rhonda Taube, president of the RCCD faculty association, issued a public response.
It was felt that the chancellor should be credited with creating a place of leadership and legacy within the college, and that his “integrity, vision, humility, and commitment to students and equity have shaped the district.”
Chancellor Isaac affirmed that it is his pleasure to continue to serve the district in his position for this coming year through to Dec. 31.
He stated that he had no idea who would finally take over the chancellorship at that time, adding that no one is favored, nor is there a frontrunner or candidate.
Isaac added that it is the board’s responsibility to begin seeking candidates this year, “in good time” ahead of December and that the board president will
initiate the process.
Vice chancellors on the board will form a selection committee that will place national ads this year to distribute the position notice to universities, colleges, companies, and the public.
The board will look for someone with strong leadership experience to oversee the district, according to Isaac.
If the committee happens to hire a candidate a few months before he retires, Isaac said he would be happy to be of help; however, they will have a full cabinet of vice chancellors to aid the new chancellor should they need it.
He said he knew the cabinet committee members would be helpful in overcoming any challenges that arise, as they have already faced them before.
“I have worked in academia and research for well over five decades in five institutions across three continents, and by the time I retire, I will have worked at Riverside Community College District for 21 years,” Isaac reminisced.
He intimated that he was ready to pass leadership on to the next generation and that serving this district has been a high honor.
“From humble beginnings, and a quest for knowledge,” Isaac said, “It was here that I learned and fell in love with the mission of the community college because it agreed with who I am and with the experiences that transformed me.”
BIO BOX | Wolde-Ab Isaac
Personal Life:
• Age: 81
• Born in Eritrea (north of Ethiopia)
• 3 adult sons
Education:
• Haile Selassie University in Ethiopia, majored in Chemistry
• University of Michigan - earned MSc and Ph.D. degrees in Medicinal Chemistry
• Uppsala University in Sweden - postdoctoral studies
Experience:
If you have local news or upcoming events that you would like featured on the Viewpoints briefs, send information to our email: Viewpoints@rcc.edu. These dates are subject to change.
March 8: Add deadline (most classes)
March 8: Final deadline to drop without “W” (most classes)
May 15: Final deadline to drop with “W” (most classes)
The CVC Exchange Teaching College title will make it easier for students from across the state to register to RCCD online classes at any of the three campuses (Norco College, Moreno Valley College, and RCC).
• Over 50 years of distinguished experience in education and administration
Previous Roles:
• Senior Clinical Researcher at AstraZeneca
• President of the University of Asmara in Eritrea
Years with RCCD:
• 2006 - 2015 Dean of Health Science, Moreno Valley College
• 2015 - 2018 President at Riverside City College
• 2018 - 2027 Chancellor of Riverside Community College District
CHELSEA SUGIMURA| VIEWPOINTS
Protesters walk through Market Street in Riverside as part of the nationwide strike on Jan. 30.
CHELSEA SUGIMURA INTERIM LIFE EDITOR
DARLENE BURTON STAFF WRITER
DARLENE BURTON| VIEWPOINTS Chancellor Isaac working at his desk.
Interim Editor: Brylle Deseo & Chelsea Sugimura Viewpoints@rcc.edu
Riverside leaps into Year of the Horse
Local organization teams with city to host 14th Annual Lunar Festival
of Riverside for the past six years to enhance the experience of the lunar festival.
wealth, fortune and good luck.
The streets of downtown Riverside shined with red and gold, savory aromas and live performances to celebrate the new year on Jan. 24.
Lunar New Year, the start of a new year on the lunisolar calendar, which follows the moon’s synodic orbit and is significant to China, is widely celebrated throughout other Asian cultures.
This year marked Riverside County’s 14th Annual Lunar Festival hosted by California Culture Festival, an organization that has hosted multiple events around southern California, such as cities like Rancho Cucamonga.
CCF has worked with the city
Event organizers say this year’s celebration marked the Year of the Horse. It is believed that the horse symbolizes strength, confidence and forward movement.
Jessica Gomez, operations director for CCF said,“Our goal is just to bring culture to downtown Riverside since it is based around art and culture, so we like to embrace that with our events.”
With that goal in mind, CCF opened the festival with a ceremonial Lunar New Year dragon dance called the “Wu Long.” This dance is significant to Chinese culture by symbolizing
Lunar New Year themed vendors lined the streets of the downtown selling items like “Chunlian,” a traditional Chinese New Year’s banner and jewelry. As well as food vendors selling xiao long bao and dumplings, that are cultural to China.
To celebrate the Year of the Horse pony rides were also offered amongst the many activities to participate in.
Many in attendance came dressed in cultural outfits to match the occasion as well. Leia Avila wore a Chinese dress called a “qipao” in the colors gold and red that symbolize good fortune for the new year.
“My family really wants to bring out my Asian heritage…so (I participate) whenever there’s things like this, especially within the community,” said Avila. “They really
want me to feel connected to my culture. I think it’s really sweet.”
Many cultures were represented.
“California is a melting pot of a whole bunch of different cultures,”Avila added.“It’s not every day in Riverside where you see a lot of Asian culture.”
Cultures all around enjoyed the festivities of the new year.
Attendee Ernelyn Navarro shared that, “although I’m Filipino and it’s not really celebrated, my husband is Chinese from Hong Kong so every year we celebrate Lunar New year.”
This event lasted all weekend long from Jan. 24-25, where Riverside residents could support the Lunar New Year or feel a sense of their culture in their own community.
Former RCC administrator delivers MLK Brunch speech
CHELSEA SUGIMURA INTERIM
LIFE EDITOR
Riverside City College celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. during its third annual MLK Brunch on Jan. 20 at the Bradshaw Student Center. The college welcomed Edward Bush, former vice president of student services at RCC, as the keynote speaker for the midday festivities.
The message Bush prepared for the students and educators in attendance was rooted in the importance of breaking out of oppressed systems despite one’s fear. He used King’s legacy as an example of how to act courageously while highlighting his humanity.
“We are big on celebrating his life,” Bush said. “But not so big on modelling his life.”
During his speech, Bush made connections between the concerns around current immigration policies and the issues King
faced in the midst of his own fight. He claimed they are both results of white individuals struggling to maintain their power in this country and acting out of desperation.
Bush referenced the chapter “The Violence of Desperate Men” from one of King’s books, “Stride Toward Freedom.” In the chapter, King talked about the intimidation tactics used against segregation protesters
Feb. 13-15
Shrek the Musical Grab tickets for Performance Riverside’s latest production in the Landis Auditorium, “Shrek The Musical.” The cast is taking the stage Feb. 13-15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. showtimes for the last four performances.
in Montgomery, Alabama.
Bush added that oppressors’ tactics have never changed. He reminded the audience that King had the same fears as any other person and still made the decision to leave Atlanta for Montgomery in his pursuit of freedom.
“What’s your Montgomery that you’re scared to go back to,” Bush asked the audience. “What got you so scared, that you’d rather be in silence?”
Myisha Jackson, Associated
Feb. 17
Umoja Bar-b-que
Join the Umoja community in honor of Black History Month on Feb. 17 from 1-3 p.m. The event on Riverside City College’s Bradshaw Aguilar Patio is open for all students and staff to join in on the celebration of Black history and culture.
February 12, 2026
ExplorAI redefines student success
BREANNE SOTO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
At Riverside City College, the conversation among students surrounding artificial intelligence may be moving past the concern of academic dishonesty and into the topic of transparency.
Emma Weissang, a third-year computer science major and president of the new ExplorAI club, is leading the conversation. The group that started last fall has a goal to teach students AI literacy, the skill of understanding how AI works, its limitations and ethical implications.
Weissang’s journey with AI didn’t start with excitement but with hesitation.
She admits she was initially against the use of AI. “The idea of using it at first really scared me,” Weissang said.
It was only after exploring it as a study tool that she realized its inevitability in her studies and workforce. Now, she views it as a necessary skill.
Although a technology related club, ExplorAI is intentionally inclusive. Roughly half of its active members are non-tech majors, ranging from students in creative fields, to those curious in STEM.
Students of Riverside City College president, was in attendance at the brunch and reflected on the event’s message.
“Everything’s always going to have a level of fear to it,” Jackson said. “But pushing through it, that’s where the masterpiece of the light at the end of the tunnel is.”
Jackson said with Black History Month here, she hopes to see more events that can bridge the gap between generations and highlight cultural celebrations. She views it as a chance for students to learn more than what is taught in a history class and connect with their roots.
Prior to the scheduled keynote speech, Bush sat down with a smaller group in the Hall of Fame located in the Bradshaw Center. The meet and greet gave students
Feb. 18
Back-to-Campus Resource Fair
Students can get connected on campus at the fair on Terracina Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair is an opportunity to connect with clubs, find resources, services and learn more about financial aid and academic support.
The club does not shy from talking about ethical use and its controversies. Weissang is clear that her role as president is to look at the technology through a realistic point of view, acknowledging the flaws.
“With a lot of new inventions, there’s always good and bad,” Weissang said. “I don’t have rose colored lenses. I look at both sides, but these conversations are necessary.”
Weissang draws a hard line at “AI slop” and generative art. Having a background in art business, she emphasizes in her club that she does not condone using AI to replace creative human work.
“I don’t condone AI art,” Weissang said. “I don’t even want to be associated with that.”
Instead, the club focuses on technical projects, resume building and is preparing to attend a coding competition
Feb. 22
New Romantics Book Club
The book club is hosting a meeting at 3 p.m. at The Riverside Marcy Library. All adults are encouraged to join the club for connection and a discussion of the book, “The Neighbor Favor” by Kristina Forest.
LUPITA RIVERA CID| VIEWPOINTS
BRIANA FRANCO STAFF WRITER
The Inland Chinese American Alliance Dance Group performs at the Riverside Lunar Festival in front of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture after its official performance on the main stage on Jan. 24.
CHELSEA SUGIMURA | VIEWPOINTS
Riverside City College student assists speaker, Edward Bush, with a rubber band representing anticipatory fear during MLK Brunch.
Best media of 2025
Rapper and producer, Tyler, the Creator released his 9th studio album on July 21, 2025 with hit singles like, “Ring Ring Ring.”
The film is written and directed by James Gunn. David Corenswet plays the leading role which was released on July 7, 2025
The comedic podcast was started in 2021 by Youtubers Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips which now reaches millions of views.
The global girl group released their second extended play on June 27, 2025 with popular hits like, “Gnarly” and “Gabriela.”
The live-action of the film was written and directed by Dean DeBlois, it was released on April 2, 2025.
The film is produced, written and directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Michael B. Jordan, it was released on April 18, 2025.
Bad Bunny, rapper and singer released his sixth studio album on Jan. 5, 2025 with hit singles like, “Baile Inolividable” and “DTMF.”
Grammy-nominated artist Sabrina Carpenter released her sixth album on Aug. 29, 2025 with popular singles like, “Tears” and “Manchild.”
A Canadian romance sports television series written and directed by Jacob Tierney aired Nov. 28, 2025 that’s based on a novel by Rachel Reid.
BRYLLE DESEO INTERIM LIFE EDITOR
Jermaine Cole, also known as J. Cole put his music back on the spotlight with his seventh and speculated final studio album “The Fall-Off.” This album was first teased in Cole’s 2018 album “KOD” with the final track being titled “1985-Intro to ‘The Fall Off’” and the album was finally released on Feb. 6.
The album is filled with rich, story driven music reflecting J. Cole’s career. The record consists of 24 tracks making it a double album describing J. Cole’s return to “The Ville” aka North Carolina at two different points of his life.
Cole’s new album is separated into two parts highlighting two points of his career. “Disc 29” focuses on his late 20s to early 30s career and the second disc, “Disc 39” focuses on J. Cole now and his growth as a person and global superstar. The beauty of this album
doesn’t even start with the first track. It starts with the story behind the album cover.
“The Fall-Off cover that is currently circulating is a picture I took on a disposable camera when I was 15 years old,” Cole said on an Instagram post.
“My first beats were made in that spot, surrounded by my mother’s CD collection that I would comb through looking for samples.”
To strengthen the idea of returning back home, the first official song titled “Two Six” references his hometown of Fayetteville, N.C. due to it being the 26th county of the state. This song is a reflection of J. Cole’s own come up from the rap game from his humble beginnings in North Carolina to becoming a rap veteran.
Starting off the first verse of the track, Cole uses a lot of doubleentendre’s (a line or phrase that has more than one meaning) in his bars. In true J. Cole fashion, he keeps on shouting out the Ville but this time
it’s interpreted as his departure and return to the town.
In the same track, he talks about how he’s the future of rap and just to forget about the past. This could be interpreted with his past controversy with rapper Kendrick Lamar and how he deleted his diss track “7 Minute Drill” against the L.A. rapper.
Cole ends the track strongly with him talking about falling off and falling on his face but he knew he’d find a way to get back up.
Another personal song comes after “Two Six” titled “SAFETY” putting Cole in the shoes of a childhood friend. The song was meticulously crafted with the lyrics being a series of check-in messages made by the aforementioned friend.
The friend tells him how life is in the Ville and how much the friend is proud of Cole’s success as a rapper. In the ears of the listener, the friend wasn’t just an acquaintance Cole had made but a brother. No matter how popular Cole got as an artist, the friend
J.
‘The
never asked for a bit of the money he made because in the end, Cole isn’t a celebrity in his eyes but a brother.
Overall, the first “disc” of this album was amazing, with great production on the song “Poor Thang” to a mix of Latin inspired instrumentals in the song “The
DREAMVILLE RECORDS
Cole’s
Fall-Off’ album cover, released on Feb. 6.
Scan for full story
Let Out.” “Disc 29” really highlighted
5
“How to Train Your Dragon”
Kali Uchis released her fifth studio album on May 9, 2025, which hit 7 million streams, with hit singles like, “All I Can Say” and “ILYSMIH.”
12, 2026
OPINIONS
Strangest thing:
Did the Duffer Brothers even care about season 5?
LUPITA RIVERA INTERIM PHOTO EDITOR
The Duffer brothers did not do “Stranger Things” justice with season five, and I love the internet for the turmoil it probably put them through.
Co-creators Matt and Ross Duffer, known as the “Duffer Brothers,” faced some criticism when the final season of their 2016 Netflix Original series, “Stranger Things,” came to a horribly, underwhelming end.
Viewers took to the internet to point out several inconsistencies with the final season. The delirium was real when fans speculated that the Duffer Brothers had to have a secret ninth episode lined up. Because it’s just impossible for them to have dropped the ball that bad for a show so highly anticipated. I mean, it’s been in the making for nearly 10 years.
Yes, almost 10 years. I came to that realization in line for a ride at Six Flags just a couple days before the final episode was released. My friends and I were talking about the
final episode that had yet to air, and a couple groups ahead of us, high school students were talking about Steve Harrington.
My boyfriend was quick to point out how crazy it is that the show was released when we were in high school, and yet, we are still hearing high schoolers talk about it. This should speak to how crossgenerational and great this show promised to be.
We have to remember the circumstances the show put fans through. “Stranger Things” aired its first episode on July 15, 2016, with a main cast of middle-school-aged children. The final episode aired on Dec. 31, 2025. That’s almost a decade making five seasons of a show that spans roughly four years, from November 1983 to the fall of 1987.
And for four seasons it was promising. We got queued into so much including how this evil “thing” was able to continue terrorizing people in Hawkins, Indiana. We got bread crumbs into how Vecna, a multidimensional character could have been a foil
Scan for full story
Gen Z loves differently
How the younger generation is redefining Valentine’s Day
BRIANA FRANCO STAFF WRITER
For as long as I can remember, I have loved Valentine’s Day and looked forward to it every year. In my childhood, I looked forward to celebrating with my family because they treated Valentine’s Day as a day just as special as Christmas to spend together.
In elementary school, I would exchange Valentine’s Day cards with my classmates while heart shaped decorations, red streamers and balloons were set up for me to come home to.
My cousins, aunts and uncles would all come over. We would share handmade Valentine’s cards cut from pink construction paper written with glitter pens and end the night with dinner, usually Italian food.
The original Valentine’s Day originated from dark roots where Romans celebrated a feast of Lupercalia, a festival of “fertility and love” in early century Rome, according to npr.org, but also
it celebrated Saint Valentine, a Roman saint executed for his Christian faith on Feb.14. As centuries progressed, the feast of Lupercalia softened and later was romanticized by Shakespeare. It helps shape modern Valentine’s Day.
It was a day of love with the people I loved and who loved me back. Now as a 21-yearold adult, I carry that with me.
Valentine’s Day for me has shifted to a more romantic love shared with a partner, but that would not be possible if it was not for my family giving this holiday a meaning of general love to me.
It is important to bring meaning to less prominent holidays, like Feb.14. and make them exciting for your children because the positivity will carry into adult life.
This shows prominently in Generation Z. It has now become more popular to redefine what love and relationships look like in life.
Research done by Opentable, states that 70% of Gen Z is celebrating Valentine’s Day more inclusively and reservations for parties over two have increased by 34% for Feb.14.
This is the rise of “Gal-entines” and “Pal-entines” celebrations.
Gen Z is among the first
generation to break traditional celebrations of Valentine’s and popularize alternative celebrations, and play up platonic love.
Children will always remember how their family made Valentine’s Day special for them regardless of not having a traditional Valentine.
They will continue to keep the same happiness that came from the holiday as they continue to grow.
They might host a galentine or palentine just because the holiday has always felt special to them.
Life is all about what you make of it and the traditions that your family creates. You could even be the person to start more non-traditional celebrations I learned how to see a different side of this holiday instead of moping around and being sad that I do not have a Valentine’s Day I thought of Valentines as a day for my family to express their love for me as a child and now I express that same love now into the relationships in my adult life.
E ditorial
AI is everywhere, how do we navigate it?
Artificial intelligence has taken over what seems to be every corner of the internet. When searching something up on Google ,there are AI summaries at the top of the page. The music industry has been using it with massive success as of late and there have been talks of using AI actors in films.
The use of AI has blurred the lines of what is real and what is fake on social media. It all feels overwhelming like an unstoppable wave crashing at the shore.
It feels like there is close to nothing that AI can’t do. It’s an incredibly convenient tool to use on things like homework and writing papers. Without a doubt this makes everyday work much easier without all the stress. However, the problem with AI stems from the abuse of it and how we use it for things that we are entirely capable of doing without it. As a result, the work we do lacks the “human touch” and often feels soulless and uninspired.
Reading should be a skill that most if not all people possess and should be a clear way to receive information.Yet, literacy is already
a massive problem in the United States.
The National Literacy Institute reported that 54% of adults read below a sixth grade level and 64% of fourth graders do not read proficiently. With that in mind, it is clear that AI will only make this worse by doing all of the work for you. The convenience and ease of AI is what makes it dangerous. What was once a tool becomes a crutch we rely on every day.
AI is not as reliable as it seems to be. Open AI, which is the company that owns ChatGPT, says its AI models source information from public information available on the internet, licensed information from third parties and information provided from humans that train the AI.
That means that AI is directly sourced from sites like Reddit, Wikipedia, Quora and many more public forums that cannot be used as reliable sources. As for the third parties, we should know exactly where our information is coming from, not some backdoor deal that billionaires have arranged to have their information on the digital forefronts.
It is in our best interest and our education to conduct our own research and ensure our information is true and reliable.
Human creativity and art is being threatened by AI as well. There has been a strong rise in AI-generated videos, memes, cartoons and art of all forms. There are people on social media claiming to be “AI artists” when in reality they type a few words as a prompt for the system and in return it produces the picture, video, songs etc. This takes the integrity and heart out of art that is meant to be human, expressive and inspiring. It is insulting to artists to support AI-generated art and consume AI-generated content.
AI has been shoved in our faces whether we like it or not. So many influential and wealthy people have invested in it and have made sure it is incorporated into everything internet related. It is our job to use it wisely and teach others to do likewise.
Regulating your use of AI is not only going to benefit yourself, but also the planet at large.
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VIOLET DAWSON|VIEWPOINTS
February 12, 2026
RCC head coaches preview upcoming season
LENNON ALVAREZ INTERIM SPORTS EDITOR
As Riverside City College says goodbye to fall sports, spring comes swinging in with a group of exciting sports to look forward to. Before the start of the season lets listen to what some of the head coaches have planned.
Baseball
Rudy Arguelles
RCC baseball head coach
Rudy Arguelles is entering the 2026 season with confidence and excitement as the Tigers prepare for another competitive year. With decades of experience guiding the program, Arguelles believes this year’s team has the tools to compete at a high level.
Pitching is expected to once again serve as a cornerstone of the program, a strength that has consistently defined RCC baseball. Arguelles also emphasized the depth and balance of this year’s lineup, noting that the Tigers are built to generate offense throughout the order rather than rely on a few key contributors.
“We believe the club shares the same sentiments of excitement,” Arguelles said. He added that the team can depend on consistent production throughout the lineup and has responded well during fall competition, showing an ability to adjust and compete in highlevel situations.
As the Tigers open the season against a multitude of challenging opponents, Arguelles is encouraged by the team’s preparation and overall focus. The Tigers faced strong competition during the fall and used those experiences to sharpen both their execution and mindset entering the spring.
“I think we’re ready to go,” Arguelles said.
Men’s Track & Field
Jim McCarron
Track and field head coach Jim
McCarron enters the season with a clear focus on growth both on the track and in the classroom. For McCarron, success is measured not only by results at meets, but by daily improvement and academic achievement.
“The main goals this season are to get a little better every day in the classroom and on the track and field,” McCarron said, as the program aims to surpass a 3.0 combined team GPA while also competing for another state title.
He emphasized the importance of accountability and consistency, believing that strong academic habits translate into stronger performances in competition.
With a larger and more balanced roster than in previous seasons, McCarron feels the program is positioned for sustained success.
The added depth allows athletes to develop at their own pace while creating internal competition that raises the overall level of the team.
McCarron also noted that experience across multiple event groups has helped establish leadership and stability within the roster.
“Wins and losses will come and go,” McCarron added, “but getting a little better every day will change their lives for the better.”
As the season unfolds, McCarron hopes his athletes carry that mindset forward, building a culture that values growth, discipline, and long-term success
Feb. 12 Women’s tennis vs. Southwesterm at 1 p.m.
Feb. 12 Softball at San Diego City at 2 p.m.
Feb. 12 Baseball vs. Pasadena
both on and off the track.
Men’s Tennis
Otis Vu
Men’s tennis enters the season with one clear objective in mind: winning a state championship. After falling short in last year’s campaign, the Tigers have returned with renewed focus and determination, using that disappointment as motivation heading into the new season.
Preparation has been intensified through structured practices centered on drills, match simulations and conditioning.
Head coach Otis Vu emphasized that the team’s mindset has been clear from the outset.
“The mindset for this year’s team is plain and simple: to win state,” Vu said, highlighting the group’s hunger and competitive focus.
Led by sophomore captain and All-American Ronith Sreeram, RCC boasts strong depth across both singles and doubles lineups.
Vu believes that balance will allow the Tigers to remain competitive throughout the season, regardless of opponent. The team’s consistency and adaptability in match play have stood out during preparation, giving confidence in their ability to respond in highpressure situations.
“ We’re inching closer,” Vu added, expressing belief that this driven and disciplined squad is ready to compete at the highest level.
With leadership, depth and a championship mindset in place, the
Feb. 13 Men’s & women’s track & field at RCC early bird at 1 p.m
Feb. 17 Men’s tennis vs. Mt. San Jacinto at 2 p.m.
Feb. 17 Softball vs. Mt. San Jacinto at 2 p.m.
Feb. 18 Men’s golf at Cuyamaca Classic at 12 p.m
Feb. 18 Mens’s basketball vs. Cypress at 5 p.m.
Feb. 18 Women’s basketball vs. Cypress at 7 p.m
Interim Editor: Lennon Alvarez| Viewpoints@rcc.edu
Softball team and alumni play scrimmage
ETHAN AGUILERA STAFF WRITER
The Riverside City College softball team hosted its second annual alumni scrimmage at the Evans Sports Complex on Jan. 24.
The scrimmage was not scored, as RCC does not track or report results from alumni scrimmages, according to Sammi Wellman, director of sports information.
Tigers enter the season determined to finish what they started and bring a state title back to RCC.
Women’s Tennis
Nikki Bonzoumet
Women’s tennis is entering the season with an emphasis on growth, unity and consistency as the Tigers look to build on lessons learned from last year. After facing challenges during the previous season, communication and trust have become central pillars of the team’s approach moving forward.
“We learned how valuable communication and trust are, especially during those challenging moments,” head coach Nikki Bonzoumet said. That mindset has guided the team’s preparation, with an increased focus on supporting one another both on and off the court.
The Tigers return key leadership in experienced players Julianna Capraro and Brianna Nikas, who are expected to help set the tone for a developing roster.
Alongside them, four freshmen are anticipated to make an immediate impact, adding energy and depth while gaining valuable experience at the collegiate level.
Bonzoumet believes this blend of youth and experience has created a strong foundation for growth throughout the season.
“The mindset is all about learning, improving, and getting a little better every day,” Bonzoumet added. The team is also striving for academic excellence.
Feb. 19 Men’s & women’s track & field at Ron Kamaka Multi at 12 p.m
Feb. 19 Baseball vs. Southwestern at 2 p.m.
Feb. 20 Women’s beach volleyball vs. Mt. San Jacinto at 9 a.m
Feb. 20 Baseball vs. Palomar at 2 p.m
Feb. 20 Men’s tennis vs. Whittier at 2 p.m.
Feb. 20 Men’s basketball vs. Santiago Canyon at 6 p.m
The event served as a preseason tune-up, giving current players a chance to face experienced competition ahead of the regular season.
“We’ve had a big change in our hitting and in our defense,” sophomore infielder Alysha Kendrick said. “We finally came together as a team.”
Former RCC players returned to the field, reconnecting with teammates and coaches while competing against the current roster.
The scrimmage also provided an opportunity for new players to gain experience at the college level, with several returning athletes stepping into leadership roles.
“Overall, we did really good communication and turning double plays,” freshman catcher Ryli Wilson said. “Our hitting came along, not everyone was being selfish.”
The Tigers finished 14-26 last season, including a 4-14 record in conference play, and missed qualifying for the postseason.
Returning for the new season is a mix of experienced players and newcomers, with Abigail Baldwin and Carissa O’Neil standing out as the team’s key returners.
Both are expected to guide their teammates on and off the field, with Baldwin posting a .262 batting average and O’Neil hitting .268 last season.
“Everyone is coming along well, we’re starting to come together as a team,” recruiting coordinator Charles Moronez said. “It happens sooner or later, but we want to be peaking in a few weeks.”
The Tigers will head on the road to Chula Vista to face Southwestern College on Feb. 17 before traveling to Santa Clarita for a doubleheader against College of the Canyons on Feb. 21.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RCC ATHLETICS
Head coaches Nikki Bonzoumet, Otis Vu, Jim McCarron and Rudy Arguelles.