VIEWPOINTS VOL 104, NO.8

R IV E R S I D E CI T Y COLLEGE

Student views on community news since 1922 VIEWPOINTSONLINE.ORG

MAY 28, 2026

NEWS

LIFE

Faculty visits China for study 2 program

VOL. 104, NO. 8

OPINIONS

BRIANA FRANCO|VIEWPOINTS

Does Gen Z Community care to vote travels back in time with in prominent treats 6 elections? 9

Caught in the Act Investigation on student government raises concerns about transparency AARON FRIESEN NEWS REPORTER

Over the past academic year, Riverside City College’s student government—which controls how student services fees are doled out and runs student life events and workshops—has not complied with a section of the state’s open meeting law, according to a months-long investigation by Viewpoints.

The Ralph M. Brown Act of 1953 has mandated state legislative bodies to do their public’s business out in the open.

This includes student governments at Community Colleges.

As part of the law, local governments like Associated Students of Riverside City College (ASRCC) are required to post agendas—a list of topics to be

discussed and potentially voted on during a meeting—in a physical location and online 72 hours before a regular meeting and 24 hours before a special meeting.

“There have been a couple instances where the agenda has not been posted on time or not posted at all,” ASRCC Senator Gibson Haines said at a Nov. 4 senate meeting.

ASRCC Executive Secretary Alexandria Soto is required by the ASRCC Constitution to post the agendas for all ASRCC meetings and ASRCC President Myisha Jackson is also responsible to ensure the entire Executive Cabinet follows the governing documents.

According to the ASRCC website’s repository of agendas and minutes, of all the weekly regular meetings required by their constitution for the 2025-2026 academic year, only 3% of the executive cabinet’s agendas and 14% of the senate’s have been posted online. The supreme court has no online agendas posted for the year.

A lyrical reflection of life BRYLLE DESEO ASST. LIFE EDITOR

A husband, a father, a friend, John Byun, the beloved director of Vocal and Choral Activities at Riverside City College died May 6 at the age of 57.

To commemorate his life, the RCC Chamber Singers, choir educators and friends and family gathered at Henry W. Coil Sr. and Alice Edna Coil School for the Arts on May 14.

“We are learning to live with the unimaginable, as we stand at the intersection of grief and loss

and remembrance,” Ann Byun, his sister, said at the memorial. “Our family remembers communally and individually: a joyful son, a mischievous brother, a husband, a loving and protective father.”

Several of the attendees said Byun was a man of many talents, from singing in his childhood church to golfing, and felt he could accomplish anything. Members of the RCC Chamber Singers also noted Byun mainly being known for his compassion.

See MEMORIAL on page 5

“At this time, the members of my cabinet are in alignment with proper procedures and expectations regarding agenda posting requirements,” said Jackson in a May 26 statement to Viewpoints. Jackson requested evidence of the alleged violations in the same email.

After Viewpoints provided the information its investigation discovered, Jackson expressed appreciation for the documentation.

“Thank you for bringing these concerns to our attention and for See CONNORS on page 11 providing the relevant references regarding the Brown Act and ASRCC governing documents.

Riverside City College and ASRCC values transparency and shared governance, and we take questions related to MARISSA PEREZ A. Kane building in Room 140. public meeting accessibility and MANAGING EDITOR All forums will start at 12:50 p.m. agenda posting seriously. We RCC is in search of a are reviewing the information The Riverside Community president dedicated to student provided and will coordinate College District Board will success, promoting academic with the appropriate college and announce Riverside City excellence and allocating student leadership regarding the College’s new president on June resources to foster community concerns raised about agenda and 16. The selected canidate will take engagement, according to the See ASRCC on page 4 office on July 1.

Riverside Community College There are three candidates that District website. The job duties have been selected as finalists in of the president consist of a the search for the president, Eric strong presence across campus, Bishop, Feleccia Moore-Davis articulating a clear institutional and Laura Ramirez. All three plan that aligns with the academic will participate in a public forum Strategic Plan. where candidates will be asked In order to look for presidential questions by the RCC community. candidates, the district created Bishop’s forum took place on a search committee focused on May 27 in the Charles A. Kane “transparency and inclusivity,” building in Room 140. Moore- according to the website. The Davis’ was on May 26 in the committee is led by Monica Computer Information System building in Room 114. Ramirez’s See SEARCH on page 3 AARON FRIESEN | VIEWPOINTS will be on May 28 in the Charles

Most wanted at RCC Presidential finalists named

INDEX NEWS

2

LIFE

5

OPINIONS

9

EDITORIAL

10

SPORTS

11

@viewpointsonline COURTESY OF RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT John Byun and the Riverside City College Chamber Singers at the Jeju International Choir Festival in South Korea in February 2023.

@viewpointsonline @viewpointsonline

2 May 28, 2026

NEWS

Editors: Marissa Lievanos & Chelsea Sugimura | Viewpoints@rcc.edu

Get to know your potential representatives Upcoming Students host local election and voter education townhall at RCC statewide primary elections CITLALLI MARTINEZ & LAUREN LOPEZ

OPINIONS & MULTIMEDIA REPORTERS

Election season is underway with the June 2 primary election right aroud the corner. There are multiple open seats for the district that encompasses Riverside City College and students had the chance to see a few of the faces in the running.

Viewpoints and the Students in Politics Club organized a Local Election and Voter Education Town Hall on May 6 in the Bradshaw Building at Riverside City College. The event showcased the Riverside congressional and city council candidates running and provided a forum for students to ask them questions directly.

For District 39, Steve Manos is the Republican candidate running against incumbent Mark Takano, who was not present at the town hall. Aram Ayra, Christen Montero and Mike Vahl are running for City Council in Ward 2. Gracie Torres is also a Ward 2 candidate, but was not at the town hall.

The candidates answered questions on topics such as homelessness, public transportation, affordability and the inspiration for their running.

Ayra is an educator and city commissioner and said he’s running on affordability,

LOUIS TOZSER NEWS REPORTER

developing a foundation that will hold the utmost longevity.

The Global Learning and Study Abroad Committee understands that not all students may have a chance to study abroad, but acknowledging the importance of students understanding global issues the group created a Certificate of Achievement in Global Studies for students who complete the courses abroad.

“Faculty and students alike understand the value of learning and living abroad, so I feel pressure to help create lots of programs.

However, we are limited to what we can do. We have the support at the highest levels of the district

Over the next few weeks, voters here in Riverside, including students, staff and faculty, have most likely received their primary election ballots to pick the candidate they want to advance to the general election on Nov. 3.

However, what races are up for voting in the upcoming primary?

Here are a few of them that will be featured on the June 2 ballot.

This article discusses these races and provide information on their respective candidates.

It is worth mentioning that since the passage of Prop 14, formally known as the Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act, in Nov. 2010, the state has used a jungle primary system. This means that the two candidates who place the highest in the primary election on June 2, regardless of party, will progress on to the general election.

To register to vote or check your voter registration status, you may do so at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters website at https://voteinfo.net/.

Governor of California: Incumbent Gov. Gavin Newsom, 58, will be term-limited and thus will not be able to seek a third term.

In total, there are 61 candidates having registered with the Riverside County Registrar of Voters to run for Governor of California, with the front-runners being political commentator Steve Hilton, 56 (R), former Sec. of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, 68 (D), billionaire Tom Steyer, 68 (D), Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, 59 (R) and businessman Leo Zacky, 34 (R).

Neither the California Republican Party nor the California Democratic Party chose to endorse a candidate for governor, marking the first time in the state’s history that both major parties had chosen to not endorse a candidate for governor.

Lt. Governor of California: Incumbent Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounlakis will be term-limited and thus will not be able to seek a third term.

In total, there are 16 candidates having registered with the Riverside County Registrar of Voters to run for lieutenant governor of California, with some of the notable names being nurse Ebie Lynch (R), incumbent State Treasurer Fiona Ma, 60 (D), former State Senator Gloria Romero, 70 (R), former mayor of Novato Josh Fryday, 45 (D) and farmer/businessowner David

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MAC WILSON | VIEWPOINTS Riverside City Council candidates for Ward 2 talk during intermission of voter education town hall in the Bradshaw Cafeteria on May 6.

accountability and community involvement. He said Riverside is not a tenant-friendly city and claimed current city hall members are actively cutting off communication with Riverside residents.

“Resident engagement is critical for the city of Riverside and needs to be a priority for the city too,” Ayra said. “In the last few years, it has not been.”

Ayra is also an advocate for unmasking Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Riverside for public safety and the safety of undocumented residents.

Montero is a small business owner and planning commissioner with a background in physics, psychology and education.

Montero said she was inspired at a young age to make changes in

politics and has helped in many humanitarian programs. She said she believes the biggest problem affecting Riverside residents is also homelessness and it’s due to affordability issues.

“A lot of us are one paycheck away from becoming homeless,” Montero said. “Rent hasn’t been easy and there isn’t really a lot of middleclass housing available anymore.”

She is proud to live in a city where the local police force doesn’t work with ICE and advocates for “making sure that people understand what their rights are and that ICE agents cannot override local police.”

Vahl is a business consultant and owner who has been a resident of Riverside for the past 35 years and said he wants to make a

difference in the Riverside City Council and have the community be more involved in local politics. “(I) want to make Riverside (the) great place that it’s been for me for the past 35 years,” Vahl said.

Manos has been the mayor of Lake Elsinore for the past 13 years and is an RCC alumnus. He said the reason he’s running is because he believes the world needs “stronger voices” and wants to improve the business environment in the city.

Manos said he is against public transportation because it will cause more congestion and create “safety and convenience issues.” He said there are efforts to “divide the country” and wants to focus on working families and dealing with crime.

Riverside Community College District builds international relationships BRIANA FRANCO & MARISSA PEREZ MULTIMEDIA EDITOR & MANAGING EDITOR

Members of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees recently visited China to develop study abroad programs discussed during a Board of Trustees meeting on May 5.

RCCD traveled to Nantong and Beijing during the week of March 19-29. These members included Jeff Rhyne, coordinator of International Education, Lijuan Zhai, associate vice chancellor and Star Rivera-Lacey, deputy chancellor and provost.

“Students aren’t limited to just learning in a classroom, but they’re immersed in the industries they’re studying with direct connection to regional employers,” said Rivera-Lacey.

She announced that the district signed two Memorandums of Understanding, formal but nonbinding letters of agreement between two parties, with two institutions in China.

“We engaged directly with Nantong College of Science and Technology, which is a two-year technical college,” said Zhai.

“We explored the development of structured two-way study abroad opportunities and the potential of staying at student dorms and

home-stay experiences to support culture immersion.”

The first institution visited was Nantong College of Science and Technology, which has over 10,000 students across its many programs such as biological engineering, horticulture, mechanical and electrical engineering and information technology.

The team also visited Beijing University of Agriculture to collaborate on creating an exchange model and support student services.

“Across both visits, our focus was on building sustainable, mutually beneficial partners that align with RCCD’s priority for our student access, success, equity and global engagement,” Zahi said.

According to Rhyne, the team picked China because of their influence on the world’s business, technology and education, that past cohorts focused heavily on Europe and that RCCD wants to broaden its horizons.

“China is starting to move into tiers, where only American universities have traditionally been placed, as premier research institutions around the world,” Zahi said. “So rather than thinking about China as a threat, it’s important for us as a program that is conceiving of opportunities for our students to see the opportunity that China presents.”

Other reasons why the team

MAXWELL PORTER | VIEWPOINTS Student scans QR code to join the Study Abroad interest list.

chose China was to highlight the country’s equity, accessibility and safety, according to Zahi.

“It’s really important to understand how safe China is overall,” Zahi said. “It is a highly surveilled society but what that means is our students can walk comfortably at any time of day or night.”

The study abroad program has been actively traveling for over 20 years, with the most recent trips since 2023 being Costa Rica, Belize, Italy and Japan.

The next study abroad trip is set for this summer, a return to Japan. Japan has become the most successful partnership, with this year being their third time visiting.

Rhyne says that RCCD has been doing a lot of long-term planning that will lead the way for future programming by

May 28, 2026

Viewpoints@rcc.edu

Native American veteran statue unveiled DARLENE KEHAU BURTON COPY EDITOR

The Riverside National Cemetery is now the first to have a monument honoring Native American veterans. The statue, sculpted by artist A. Thomas Schomberg was unveiled to the public in a ceremony on May 2.

Elliott Morris, a guest speaker at the ceremony, said his father, Joe Morris, was one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers. The code talkers used their languages to create the secret code used for radio messages on the battlefield during World War II. “The Native Americans are well known for keeping their word,” Morris said. “Our tribal leaders said that because their ancestors agreed to the terms in the treaty, they are bound to keep their word and defend America.”

Morris said the 12-foot bronze memorial statue, named “The Gift,” is the culmination of the promise Native Americans gave.

“The statue holds a medal in its hand, which each of the tribes received when they signed their treaty with the U.S. government,” Schomberg said. “A red, white and blue colonial flag is draped over the stoic figure’s shoulders, symbolizing early Americans.”

Schomberg grew up in Iowa and said he admired his neighbors, the Yankton Sioux. He said it was his honor to create the sculpture.

“It was a natural. Art imitates life,” Schomberg said.

“This (statue) is thanking them

for their service.” ​T h e p r o j e c t ’s d i f f e r e n t developmental stages took about 20 years to complete. The idea started with Maurice Lyons, former chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, and went through planning, resulting in raising money with the first donation of over $1 million from the Pechanga Band of Indians.

The project took the efforts of multiple groups, individuals and tribes to complete. The American Indian Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Committee, spearheaded by its chairwoman, Sharron Savage, has often worked side by side with the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee over the last 10 years to raise funds. “ I t ’s b e e n a l o n g t i m e coming…a long time and taken many advocates to raise enough money. It’s really important, especially at this moment in our country, to recognize military service and honor history,” Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) said. “It is the completion of the community’s mission.”

“The committee has also been an important source of donations to the project,” said Michael Cano, vice chairman of the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee and commander of the VFW Post 1956.

Records show they have raised DARLENE KEHAU BURTON | VIEWPOINTS over $150,000 in donations in the last two years.

Native American honor guard stand holding a medicine staff and flag Morris’ father often said, “I before the bronze statue, “The Gift,” at unveiling ceremony at the do not fight with my rifle; it is my Riverside National Cemetery on May 2. language that is the weapon.”

Distinguished speaker explores social media’s impact on students JONATHON HALL & LANDON HALVAS NEWS & SPORTS REPORTERS

MARISSA PEREZ | VIEWPOINTS From left: Eric Bishop, Feliccia Moore-Davis and Laura Ramirez in a collage of the three finalists for Riverside City College president.

SEARCH from page 1 who serves as the president at Norco College, and is made up of 19 members.

Eric Bishop has been an active member of personnel in the district. He currently serves as the interim president after the previous president of RCC was terminated.

He previously served as the interim vice chancellor of educational services. Throughout his career he’s held executive leadership roles at institutions including University of La Verne and Ohlone Community College District.

Feleccia Moore-Davis currently serves as the president for St. Louis Community College and has been a leader in higher education for more than 20 years. Moore-Davis started her academic career teaching psychology, holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Xavier

University of Louisiana. She also has a doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University.

Her profile on the district website says that she leads with scholarly interest centered on mentorship and organizational change.

Laura Ramirez is currently the assistant superintendent and vice president of instruction at Pasadena City College. She obtained her doctorate in education with an emphasis on community college leadership. According to her profile bio on the district website, Ramirez has been dedicated to opening doors for students, with her leadership reflecting her commitment to student success.

Latiesha Williams, the vice president for The Associated Students of RCC, shared her thoughts in a previous article about the search. She said that the president needs to be someone who will lead by example.

influence social media has on its viewers’ behavior and education.

“This is something I’ve been reading about for the past two or three years,” she said. “This is the first time I decided to put it all together as a talk.”

Tolunay continued by saying that technology was once developed to meet human needs, but she believes society is now rapidly changing to adapt to it.

“We integrate technology into our lives,” Tolunay continued.

“But technology is evolving in a way where, as human beings, we’re trying to catch up.”

She also reflected on how social interaction among college students has changed over time. As a social psychologist, Tolunay said it pains her to see groups of students physically together but remain focused on their phones rather than having face-to-face conversations.

“When I was in college, students would sit together and talk,” Tolunay said. “Now you see people sitting in groups, but everybody is looking at their phone.”

Interim RCC president Eric

Riverside City College welcomed its 64th distinguished faculty lecturer, instructor Adviye Tolunay, on May 12. The lecture was a part of a district-wide, three-stop distinguished faculty lecture series that took place across Riverside City College District’s multiple campuses.

Tolunay is a psychology instructor at Moreno Valley College with over 25 years of teaching experience. In her lecture, she discussed the growing role technology plays in our daily lives and how the younger generations are increasingly online due to constant engagement with technology.

Tolunay presented research on how social media and modern technology may affect students’ learning, communication and mental health. The lecture included research studies, graphs and references to the book, “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathon Haidt.

According to Tolunay, the lecture Scan for full story stemmed from years of personal research and infatuation with the

3

NEWS BRIEFS Important dates for students: Final Exams: June 5-12 Summer 2026 Session: June 22-July 30 Fall 2026 Semester: Aug. 24-Dec. 18 2026 Commencement The 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place on June 12 at 6 p.m. The celebration will be located at Wheelock Stadium and will be livestreamed.

Spring Finals Study Jam The Riverside City College Academic Support team and the Promise Program will host a Spring Finals Study Jam Event on June 2-4 in the Martin Luther King Building, Room 219. The event will feature guided group study sessions and independent options, covering Math 1A/1B, Stat-C 1000, CHE 1A, BIO-55 and Physics. Availability will vary daily based on subjects.

ASRCC election results The 2026-27 ASRCC presidential results are final and Latiesha Williams & Aleida Hill were successfully voted in as ASRCC president and vice president respectively, with a vote of 71% in the election.

RCCD earns gold and bronze awards The Riverside Community College District public relations and marketing professionals earned gold and bronze professional awards for note/card/invitation-print and promotional viewbook respectively at the 2026 Community College Public Relations Organization Conference on May 6.

R C C D en g a g es J u ru p a Va l l e y c o m m u n i t y o n I E Te c h Tr a d e C e n t e r RCCD on May 14 and 16 Riverside City College held two public forums to share plans and gather feedback on the proposal for the Inland Empire Technical Trade Center, a transformative workforce development project plan for Yucaipa Valley. Held in partnership with local leaders and community members, the meetings provided an overview of the project’s academic programs, site planning and long-term vision.

All of these dates are subject to change.

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.

4 May 28, 2026 ASRCC from page 1 ASRCC became better at posting their physical copies throughout the spring 2026 semester, but did not regularly upload online copies within the time period required by the Brown Act. “From my experience advising ASRCC, I do not believe any posting inconsistencies have been intentional, malicious, or intended to withhold information from students or the public,” said ASRCC Adviser Megan Bottoms in a statement. “Rather, when issues have occurred, they have generally stemmed from inconsistency in administrative follow-through, communication, and timeliness within a student-run environment.”

Why it matters Most recently, the ASRCC Senate planned a May 19 meeting to discuss a $2 increase to the $30 Student Services Fee charged to students when they register for classes, unless they opt out.

T h a t m e e t i n g ’s a g e n d a was posted at RCC outside the Bradshaw Center, but not made available online as mandated by the Brown Act. The senate also voted on the $2 increase at its May 26 meeting.

A copy of the agenda was posted outside the Bradshaw Center by the deadline, but it is still not online.

“The public has every right to know when we’re meeting, where we’re meeting, to have access to those meetings and to know what we’re talking about, because they may want to weigh in on something through public comment,” said Cheryl Aschenbach, former president of the California Community College’s Academic Senate, during a Feb. 2023 Brown Act training for student governments.

The ASRCC governing documents also require the minutes from executive cabinet meetings to be posted no later than 72 hours

Viewpoints@rcc.edu after a meeting concludes.

The senate and executive council have posted their minutes more often than their agendas, but still not up to the standard of posting all of them, let alone posting them on time.

A lack of accountability RCCD Student Trustee Gabriel Graves first brought up the Brown Act issue in a contentious email thread with Jackson in August 2025.

Graves and Jackson had a disagreement over a plan Graves was submitting to get student government officials a stipend for the work they do. During the exchange, Graves requested the minutes Jackson took during ASRCC’s summer meetings, quoting the missed Brown Act deadlines for posting those agendas and minutes to the website.

Eventually, RCC Dean of Student Services Thomas CruzSoto stepped in to tell Graves and Jackson to speak about the issue in person and asked ASRCC Adviser Megan Bottoms to help resolve the conflict between Graves and Jackson.

Graves said he emailed Bottoms and Cruz-Soto several times to request a meeting with ASRCC officials about the Brown Act. Bottoms confirmed that the meeting never happened.

Graves said he also sent an email to ASRCC senators on Sept.

23, 2025 reminding them of Brown Act requirements.

“These rules protect transparency and ensure that all members—including the student trustee—can participate fully and effectively,” Graves wrote.

A m o n t h l a t e r, G r a v e s attempted to impeach ASRCC President Myisha Jackson and Vice President Lateisha Williams, but the move failed.

“Compliance with agenda posting requirements and open meeting procedures is important.

As the advisor, I recognize my responsibility in helping ensure student leaders understand and

adhere to those expectations, and I will continue working with ASRCC to strengthen training, consistency, and procedural practices moving forward,” said Bottoms.

Possible legal responses The grievance and impeachment process are two ways students, as members of the public, can address the situation, but they aren’t the only options available.

There are a few legal avenues people can take to prevent future violations or reverse actions taken during meetings in violation of the Brown Act. This includes Community College students and those involved in holding the meetings, according to the First Amendment Coalition.

“We’re not going to get hauled off anywhere,” Aschenbach said, “but (violating the Brown Act) could, at the very least, require that we back-track any actions that were taken.”

Any interested person can also send a “cease and desist” letter to the secretary of the offending board detailing what the alleged misconduct is and demanding that it can no longer continue, according to Cal State Long Beach’s legal resource center.

If the government body responds with “a timely and unconditional commitment” to stop its violations, that becomes the end of the matter—unless it happens again. Then the complainants can sue, asking a judge to demand compliance.

IMAGES BY AARON FRIESEN | VIEWPOINTS From left: Associated Students of Riverside City College Chief Executive Treasurer Amaiya Verango, Executive Secretary Alexandria Soto, Vice President Latiesha Williams and Adviser Megan Bottoms sit in session for a senate meeting on May 26.

An example of doing it right The Associated Students of Norco College serves as one example of how a community college student government body has complied with the Brown Act and its governing body when it comes to posting agendas and minutes.

“My responsibility is to be on top of the Brown Act, to be sending out the agenda and the minutes in a timely manner,” Vice President of Administration for ASNC Ethan Lumahan said.

ANSC also has a consistent and organized website listing accurate meeting times and links to current, upcoming and past agendas and minutes for meetings.

Moreno Valley College’s agendas and minutes cannot be found at all on their website.

ANSC is set up a little differently than ASRCC. For example, Lumahan had a team of three ASNC senators—Mahi Sharma, Ameera Chaudhry and Adishvar Kahlon—who assisted him with his administration responsibilities.

“I do give credit to my senators as well,” Lumahan said. “When I do ask them to assist me with the agenda and minutes and then sending them out, they’ve been on top of that.”

Lumahan, however, said he has been late with his agendas before when they’ve gotten swamped or when they were hosting an event on the same day agendas were supposed to go out.

“It doesn’t happen often,” Lumahan said “I want to say 99% of the time (it’s on time).”

LIFE

5 Student interest revives ballet folklórico on campus

Editor: Victor Ledbetter Jr. Viewpoints@rcc.edu

May 28, 2026

BREANNE SOTO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After years of absence, the Ballet Folklórico Club at Riverside City College is being revived by a new generation of dancers.

The organization returned to campus this semester following a concerted effort by students and faculty to reclaim a space for Mexican traditional dance on campus.

The return was sparked by student Melissa Navarro, a second year who now serves as the club’s president. Navarro initiated the process by approaching faculty to see if the college had an active troupe.

Her plan to bring the club back led her to English instructor Jason Torres-Rangel, who has a lifelong background in the art form and had been waiting for a student leader like Navarro to step forward.

“I’ve been waiting for the kind of students to come forward and say (to me) ‘we want to start with you,’” Torres-Rangel said about the club’s revival.

He noted that the administrative

AIDEN MEDINA | VIEWPOINTS English instructor and Ballet Folklórico Club advisor Jason Torres-Rangel leads Betzi Chávez ,left, and club members at the start of rehearsal in the Catharine S. Huntley Gymnasium Dance Studio on May 7.

setup moved quickly once Navarro and other students expressed interest, involving coordination with campus engagement centers like La Casa to get the club off the ground before the 2027/28 school year.

For the members, the club provides a connection to their heritage and a break from the rigors of college life. Betzi Chávez, a first-year student, joined the club to maintain a passion she discovered in high school.

“I just feel more happy because I still get to dance even though I’m very busy with school and with work,” Chávez said. “It feels like dancing here and also dancing with my friends is like an outlet… like an escape.”

The technical diversity of the club is reflected in the favorite Mexican regions of its members.

Club member Isaac Garcia cited Jalisco for its intricate footwork, while Chávez agreed with his

John Byun and his ensemble at the Jon Secada reception in December 2010 at Riverside City College.

MEMORIAL from page 1 At first glance, he looked serious and stern, a person who could command a whole ensemble with his voice. However, Byun was a man who brought warmth, laughter and joy to his family, friends and students.

The audience laughed, cried and grieved after every statement made by Byun’s friends and family as they reflected on the moments Byun expressed his love and joy with pranks and comments he made while watching sports games.

Jonathan Talberg, one of Byun’s childhood best friends and

fellow choir director at California State University Long Beach, was a victim of one of Byun’s pranks while at the 2002 American Choral Directors Association conference in Honolulu, Hawaii.

After a night of drinking, Byun pranked Talberg by putting the tab on his hotel room.

“I went to check out of the hotel, when the desk clerk handed me my bill that was a $470 bar tab,” Talberg said. “I flipped open my Nokia and I called John (he was one of the five members I had in there).

The answer? Laughing.”

Byun was a man of many interests, one of which was sports. He held the NFL Super

Bowl party at his home and played golf with friends Julius Harrison, Oscar Diaz and Mark Bennet, who competed against each other at the golf course for roughly 16 years.

“He’s always opened up his house and he would invite us over,” Harrison said. “And anytime he came to my house, he always contributed (and) made sure that I had everything I needed as a host.”

His expression about music and theatrical plays got his friends, Diaz and Bennett, to listen to other music that they weren’t familiar with before.

“He introduced me to a lot of stuff that I really didn’t listen to

preference due to the positive memories of performing the style with her friends. Torres-Rangel expressed an appreciation for Veracruz because of its complex Afro-Caribbean influences and technical difficulty.

These regional differences define the folklórico difference.

Jalisco is often the “crowdpleaser” characterized by the wide-skirted dresses and vibrant mariachi music, whereas Veracruz requires demanding precision and

performs in white lace outfits for its coastal climate.

As the club establishes its footing, Navarro and the other leaders are focused on growth and securing more resources.

While they currently appreciate having a dedicated studio space on campus, it is a luxury that many community groups do not have, Garcia noted. Their goal is to expand the club’s reach.

Torres-Rangel hopes to eventually transition the club into an accredited course at RCC. Beyond the classroom, there is a strong desire to begin performing publicly.

While the administrative hurdle and long hours of practice continue, the dancers find that the effort is its own reward. For the leadership, the goal remains centered on the students and the joy of the dance itself.

“I just want to bring people together with dance,” TorresRangel said. “A lot of people are sometimes timid or a little shy, but I think having this program will allow people to break out of their comfort zones.”

COURTESY OF RIVERSIDE CITY COLLEGE before… (like) choir and jazz, that type of thing,” Diaz said.

Along with his enjoyment of music, he was vocal about theatrical plays and the musical qualities of the productions.

“One of the funniest things is probably always him critiquing other productions, other shows,” Bennett said. “Hearing how comical it could be hearing his perspective.”

A lot of the attendees and speakers reflected on Byun’s caring nature. Byun provided people with love, happiness, guidance and family through himself and his ensembles. In the choir world, he impacted

and inspired many with his commanding voice and laughter that echoed when he sang.

“He was just the kind of educator that I aspired to be with my students,” choir educator and Cal Baptist University alumnus Charles Martinez said. “Just wanting to get something out of them that he would get out of us.”

To commemorate his life, RCC’s Music Department made a student travel fund under Byun’s name to help future students explore the world with music.

“As the days pass onto weeks and months, I suspect our grief will heaven-flow, crescendo and decrescendo, with its own tempo,” Ann Byun said.

6 May 28, 2026

Viewpoints@rcc.edu

Ice Cream Social brings Riverside together Ken Crawford MARISSA LIEVANOS NEWS EDITOR

The city of Riverside has begun expressing its patriotism as people gathered at the historical Riverside Heritage House Museum to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.

City locals gathered at the museum’s “Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social” event on May 16 to listen to live vintage swing music, make 1890s-inspired crafts and eat complimentary ice cream.

The Thrifty ice cream brand provided the treats for the event, bringing 40 tubs of ice cream, and they were already down to just 10 tubs by 2:45 p.m. The traffic jam caused by the lines was helped by the Riverside County Fire Department, which sent firefighters to hand out ice cream.

“I’ve been a part of the museum for two decades,” said Teresa Woodard, the Education Manager of the museum. “It’s fun to see it grow and it’s how we give back to the community,” The house lawn was surrounded by white tents from local organizations such as “Blue Matters,” which used the event to promote their campaigns. The organization brought along games like cornhole and served their own all-natural mango-flavored soft serve.

The museum itself provided Victorian-style games, letting attendees make their own

thaumatropes of a Victorian house and play jacks.

The Riverside Transit Agency also made an appearance with a time-period red trolley that was fully operational and open for guests to take pictures and sit inside.

Despite being set in the summer, the weather remained gloomy and cold with wind sweeping past guests and adding to the chill of their ice cream. Locals were unaffected as they tasted all the frozen flavors and walked animatedly to upbeat renditions of “God Bless America.”

The hosts’ celebration of America helped bring promotional activity to the museum. People lined up for a free tour of the house and got a side of history with their ice cream.

Walking around, museum employees could also be seen dressed in Victorian attire: long dresses and lace umbrellas for the ladies and heavy, fitted suits with top hats for the men.

One employee stood out– George Washington. He posed for photos and served as a guide for attendees to try all the different activities. Each activity went along with some part of the city’s history.

Amy and Patrick Dodd, two locals, said this was their second time at the event and praised it for its vintage themes.

“We come here from Corona, love the music and love the ice cream,” Dodd said.

Alongside the guests were Jean, 88, and Harry, 86. Living in

shines a light on Riverside MAXWELL PORTER LIFE REPORTER

BRIANA FRANCO | VIEWPOINTS Dianne and Alan Willis dressed in authentic Victorian style outfits to take guests back in time at the Heritage House Ice Cream Social on May 17 in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Riverside their whole lives, this was their first time at the house and ice cream social.

“It is very fun, we even ran into some friends and people that we know who said it was their first time here too!” Jean shared.

Surprisingly, taking Riverside City College history and art programs was a recurring theme among guests and workers.

“I actually take history classes at RCC,” Jean said, explaining that the event helped her learn about the city in a fun and new way.

Carla Rey is another RCC alumna, serving as a volunteer who

Marina Ramirez RCC - Class of 2026

Associate of Arts

manned the gift shop table near the big swing band. She said it is her passion and her degree in history that help her sell and bring items to show others.

“You need a degree to be a museum curator, that’s what I wanted to do at least. Life happens.

I had two daughters and did not have time for school, but I went back and graduated seven years ago.”

Her passion helped sell and catch the attention of curious onlookers.

Scan for full story

Spending his life within Riverside, Ken Crawford is a textbook example of a true born-and-raised Riversider.

From Riverside City College’s Viewpoints, The Raincross Gazette, The Riversider Magazine and even the Riverside Historical Society, Crawford has consistently contributed to Riverside’s news and art scene.

Starting out in the Viewpoints newsroom, Crawford gained experience as a journalist and found his professional outlook within a particular faculty member.

“Allan Lovelace was the advisor and I always like(d) that old-school professionalism,” said Crawford.

“He took journalism very seriously.

He believed in what he was doing and that had a big impact on me.”

Reflecting on the impression that Lovelace left on Crawford, a 2024 Viewpoints article quotes Lovelace saying, “I tried to make sure every student had an opportunity, no matter what their background was.”

While Lovelace concluded his advising career at RCC in 2020, his impact proved to be significant, as he was awarded

Scan for full story

Philip Wilkinson RCC - Class of 2026

Associate of Arts

Communication, Media & Languages

Communication studies

I dedicate my accomplishments to God for strength and guidance. To my husband, thank you for supporting me through school and caring for our four children. Your love made this possible. To my godparents, thank you for your encouragement and belief in me. This achievement is because of all of you.

Philip (Justin), our Boy. We are so proud of everything that you have accomplished so far. There is no doubt you will accomplish everything you put your mind to. UCLA is lucky to have you! Reach for those stars Mijo, your future is so bright. Love, Mama and your family.

7 Editor-in-chief bids farewell after year long tenure May 28, 2026

Viewpoints@rcc.edu

BREANNE SOTO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With only a little bit of high school journalism experience and felt a lot of uncertainty when I first walked into the Riverside City College Viewpoints newsroom for the first time in the fall of 2024.

I was at a transitional point in my life, still navigating the loss of my mom. It was also that grief that temporarily pulled me away from my passions of journalism.

But the newsroom has a funny way of pulling you back in.

By the spring of 2025, I was the opinions section editor. The following semester, I was stepping into the role for editor-in-chief.

I will admit, I was terrified. I felt entirely under-qualified to sit in this chair, but I had big dreams for what this paper could become. Having now worked in nearly every tier of our newsroom hierarchy, I leave this role with a completely different understanding of what we do.

I used to think journalism was just a fun extracurricular activity, and while it still can be, I now know the gravity of it. Journalism creates change and incites conversations.

It takes immense detail, care and late night dedication to platform people’s stories and bring the community the news they deserve to know.

My primary goal as EIC was to meet our generation where they are, and that is online. I wanted our reporting to be more accessible and I am incredibly proud of the digital and social media emphasis we have made. We brought in a new audience and also saw the newsroom grow in enrollment this past semester.

It has been the truest joy. There is nothing quite like sharing your days with a room full of likeminded, passionate people in a place like community college.

There was a two-week stretch

this semester where breaking news was constantly hitting Riverside.

Watching our team drop everything and focus on important stories was nothing short of inspiring.

I saw our news writers working against deadlines, our photographers on the ground and our multimedia crew huddled over screens pushing out real-time updates. It was a beautiful kind of chaos.

But honestly, as exhilarating as it was to navigate big events together, I’m also going to miss the quiet moments in between like the after-meeting dinners where we finally got to breathe and those slow days in the newsroom where we just got to catch up and talk completely off the record.

To say thank you to this staff feels a bit cliché, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart because you all care for this paper as deeply as I do.

I am incredibly grateful to our entire editorial staff for caring for your sections and guiding your reporters as they produced quality work.

To m y M a n a g i n g E d i t o r Marissa Perez, thank you for keeping our reporters sharp and being the essential second pair of eyes on every major project we tackled.

To Co-News Editors Chelsea Sugimura and Marissa Lievanos, you have held down the news section, the most demanding corner of the paper, with a work ethic I admire. I have no doubt that, as you step up as the next EIC and managing editor, Viewpoints will be in the most capable hands.

To our advisers, journalism instructors Angela Burrell and Rick de la Torre, thank you for constantly pushing us to be the best versions of ourselves. You have held us to a standard that ensures we can handle whatever our next chapter throws at us. And

COURTESY OF DANIEL EDUARDO HERNANDEZ Under Breanne’s leadership, Viewpoints earned over 10 awards, including the Online General Excellence award at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges Conference on Oct. 11, 2025.

to our journalism specialist, Daniel Eduardo Hernandez, thank you for being a mentor, for introducing me to the local network of journalists and for helping me build the editorial eye I carry with me today.

Everything I have accomplished here is rooted in the drive to make my mom proud. She was so incredibly excited for me to pursue journalism, and she was my constant source of support growing up. I know she would be so proud to see me ending this tenure as editor-in-chief.

I miss her love every day, and I wish she were here so I could tell her how much I have grown these past two years and that I am officially heading to San Francisco State University to pursue my dream. While I miss her presence, the overwhelming amount of support I have felt

from the newsroom has carried me through.

To the returners and the newcomers next semester, take every single opportunity that presents itself. Don’t let fear stop you and use this time to find your reason for being a journalist.

I hope I served Riverside City College and its community well. As I step into my next chapter, I will always look back at Viewpoints as the place that set me up for success. I cannot wait to see what you all do next.

BRYLLE DESEO| VIEPWOINTS

Viewpoints Editor-in-Chief Breanne Soto copyedits the final issue of the spring semester on May 26.

8

Viewpoints@rcc.edu

May 28, 2026

Editor: Jessica Sanchez| Viewpoints@rcc.edu

OPINIONS

May 28, 2026

9

Non-traditional students are making their own traditions AI data centers CHELSEA SUGIMURA NEWS EDITOR

Out of all enrolled students in the California Community C o l l e g e system, 42% are 25 years old or older.

The term “nontraditional student” encompasses this age group along with veterans, parents and people who work full time. This crowd of nontraditional students has continued to increase in recent years.

After an initial decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment at community colleges across the nation have begun to increase as seen from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s data. Reasons include high unemployment rates, artificial intelligence creating fear for job security and the cost of living being at a historically high rate.

The rise in non-traditional students, however, is nothing new for Riverside City College.

In 2011, Viewpoints published an article about an increase in older students, and economic factors

VICTOR LEDBETTER JR. LIFE EDITOR

To b e honest, I use generative artificial intelligence programs COURTESY OF RCCD like ChatGPT Riverside City College students pose for a picture at the 2022 commencement ceremony. and Google Gemini as tools were still listed even then as a at Viewpoints has a wide age you’re still figuring out who you sparingly. I did find some good motive to return to school. range who all bring different are, finding what career path you uses for the software despite this, Even though the reasons for perspectives to the publication want can be even more daunting. whether it is deciphering dialogue returning statistically seem to be from their life experiences.

Before returning to school full through recordings, looking for because of hardship, I think there’s I returned to school full time time, I would drop classes left and essay ideas or getting research more positives that come with at 22 years old and can say I right because of anxiety over my results quickly. being an older student in college. have learned things from people, non-existent next step plan. If I For me, inaccurate information Pursuing higher education at an younger and older, that I could didn’t even know what I wanted and art theft aren’t the only older age is beneficial to many never learn from a textbook. to do with a degree, what was the things scaring me away from because of their different outlook College is an influential experience point of me putting all of this time the software. It’s the fact that every use comes at the cost of on life. at any age. A person should take and effort into school? destroying the environment due The time spent outside of on being a student at a time that Back then, it felt like I was the to data centers being built around college teaches a person valuable makes sense for them, not when only person my age who dealt with the United States, keeping the skills and lessons that can easily be society says they need to be ready. this. I started to feel discouraged, software up and running. transferred back to the classroom.

Entering the real world as I need to set the stage on the The mix of younger and older an adult after high school is a impact these centers are already students creates a unique learning complex time in a person’s life. making on the environment, and environment with collaboration It’s the first time that there is no Scan for full story the potential of the climate getting worse. For example, the overuse of between peers. The current staff definitive next step and, when water could make life a lot harder for people to survive if large data

Ranking fictional journalists in film and TV MARISSA LIEVANOS NEWS EDITOR

F r o m watching movies about superhuman reporters who have way too much leniency from their editors, an inaccurate news hierarchy and unclear terms of freelance work, the media has created an unrealistic representation of journalism and the process behind publishing.

As a student journalist who is currently working in a newsroom and being a part of an editorial stand, its clear that the role fiction plays in these characters and how the depiction of the field is rarely accurate.

It is my qualifications that will lead me to rate some fictional journalism portrayals in movies based on least to most accurate.

Sex and the City (1998-2004) Carrie Bradshaw is a columnist who spends most of her nights sitting at her computer writing about the romantic lives of her and her friends in New York City.

Based on the publishings of real journalist Candace Bushnell of the New York Observer, Carrie’s greatest writing flaws are her inability to be less opinionated and repetitive. There is no depth to her writing and each column ends with witty lines that instead of showing personality, shows immaturity and failure to grow as a person and a

are quickly destroying our environment

Scan for full story

Is Gen Z apathetic to voting?

BRIANA FRANCO MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Fictional journalists in movies and pop culture media.

writer. Perhaps the most accurate things about her are her low salary and poor money management living as a fashion-obsessed girl in New York City.

Carrie Bradshaw, I love you and I understand you, but you are the least accurate journalist on this list.

Spider-Man (2002-) Peter Parker is Spider-Man’s name under the suit. To make money, he realizes that staging photos of himself in the mask sells really well as a freelancer for the Daily Bugle. Fighting to get a spot as a permanent photographer for the publication causes Parker to submit his pictures tenfold, but his inability to remain consistent with new shots and angles is what challenges his position. His editor, J. Jonah Jameson, constantly yells and even publishes his photos without asking him.

His editor’s behavior and the fact I’ve never seen Spider-Man write a cutline is why spidey is taking second place.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006) “The Devil Wears Prada,” released in 2006, follows the main character Andrea Sachs, an aspiring Journalist who lands the role as junior assistant to Miranda Priestley, the editor-inchief of “Runway.”

Heavily based on Anna Wintour, former editor-in-chief of Vogue, Priestly is a woman feared by her entire office. HR aside, it seems Miranda has all the power when it comes to publication and staffing agreements. Her short communication with her team is excused as being a fashion diva.

She is never seen writing columns or editing any actual articles. Her role seems more similar to that of a CEO than

BRYLLE DESEO | VIEWPOINTS editor-in-chief of a publication.

H o w e v e r, t h e p o r t r a y a l o f women in leadership roles and the professionality of a fashion newsroom is a breath of fresh air.

This movie is safe in third place, that’s all!

Superman (1978-) A classic character in comics and film, Clark Kent is the cover name for Superman, a superhero forced to conceal his identity to protect his family and friends. He is by far the most notable fictional journalist on this list.

The Daily Planet, located in Metropolis, is a classic newsroom.

Despite it being a large-scale publication, copy machines and whiteboards cover the building in every rendition. People are dressed professionally and always Scan for full story

I t i s c o m m o n knowledge that politics is a recurring conversation in newsrooms because of the nation’s heightened political climate and on-going coverage of election news by different media outlets. As a Gen Z student editor for Viewpoints and a journalism major, I am constantly updated on the latest news around candidates, administrations and general politics.

However, when it comes to conversations outside of the newsroom with friends and peers, it’s a different story. They wait until the last minute to think about who they should vote for and say they do not know anything about the candidates. Ultimately, they do not end up voting.

Those friends and peers have sparked the question: Do they Scan for full story

10

Editorial

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

ASRCC needs to be all-in on serving students As the school year comes to an end, and the Associated Students of Riverside City College recently announced a new president and vice president, there are still many questions about what ASRCC really does that are left unanswered.

ASRCC has made it difficult to access any information about the organization.

It has fallen short on transparency. The organization hasn’t dedicated enough time to openly serving students and elevating Riverside City College.

It isn’t exactly a group that most students are knowledgeable about, including understanding its roles and responsibilities.

That is a problem considering the fact that the governing body represents around 23,000 students. But it’s not like the organization goes out of its way to keep everyone informed, either.

ASRCC’s efforts to promote itself are very minimal. The organization spends its time advertising fun events that students can participate in with an emphasis on free food or goodies rather than the important decisions it makes with its over $1 million annual budget.

It’s complicated, because Viewpoints strives to keep students informed on all things RCC, especially our student government. As journalists, it is expected of us to seek out information. But it should not be so difficult to access its meeting agendas and get ahold of the people who are supposed to lead and represent the student body.

An issue our editorial board recently noticed was the poor advertisement of the ASRCC elections. You might’ve seen an email or two in your inbox reminding you to vote, but it was hard to know who was running or learn about their platform. We saw the faces and the names on campaign flyers and accepted the free snacks and drinks they offered, but what about the work they are willing to do to make RCC better?

However, not all the blame can be placed on the student government. The campus community has the resources to seek out this information on their own. Some students aren’t aware simply because they are apathetic toward student government.

Not to mention there is an obvious imbalance with the organization’s budget.

It chooses the clubs that get funded and exactly how much they get. Looking at this school year’s budget, you can see

Dimension 10×16” 10×8” 5×8” 5×4” 3.5×2” 1×1”

STAFF LIST Editor-in-Chief: Breanne Soto Managing Editor: Marissa Perez Online Editor: Tara Bristow NEWS Editor: Marissa Lievanos Editor: Chelsea Sugimura Daniel P. Martinez Gonzalez Aaron Friesen Jonathon Hall Louis Tozser Daniel L. Carter LIFE Editor: Victor Ledbetter Jr. Asst. Editor: Brylle Deseo Violet Dawson Susana Escobedo Maxwell Porter OPINIONS Editor: Jessica Sanchez Asst. Editor: Ava Anderson Alina Gomez Citlalli Martinez

BRYLLE DESEO|VIEWPOINTS This year’s ASRCC administration’s behavior raised multiple concerns with the Viewpoints editorial staff such as club funds and the violations with the Brown Act.

that some clubs and student centers get close to no funding while the Athletics Department got upwards of $600,000. No club or collective deserves more or less money than others, but in this case, the disproportionality is a big issue.

B a s e d o n Vi e w p o i n t s r e p o r t i n g and coverage of ASRCC, it feels like the organization is all over the place.

Its failure to adhere to the Ralph M. Brown Act, a law that sets guidelines to the public’s ability to attend and access information from government meetings, is one of many examples of how disorganized they are.

It is difficult for community members to participate in important conversations and decision-making when meeting times, dates and agendas are incorrect on its website, especially considering the organization should be fully transparent and upfront with the information it holds.

One editor detailed their experience running a club and dealing with ASRCC. While the group is supposed to be there for support and to help keep clubs operating smoothly, it fails in its communication.

They explained how at the Taste of

Nations event, their club was assigned a country, spent hours decorating for it and prepared for the caterers to come. At the last second, the vice president at the time, Latiesha Williams informed them that the caterers weren’t coming. Of course, ASRCC is not responsible for the actions of the caterers, but they are responsible for communication and keeping people updated when things go south.

For members of ASRCC, having these responsibilities while navigating through college and life may not seem easy, and quite honestly must be exhausting.

The editorial board hopes that moving forward with the new leadership in 2026-27, ASRCC dedicates its time to regrouping and finding ways to make what it does more accessible and keeping students updated.

We also hope that the budget has been and will continue to be handled carefully, and that clubs and organizations are treated fairly and funded appropriately. ASRCC needs to learn from its mistakes to make the path clear for strong and dedicated leadership that is fully committed to transparency and serving students.

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SPORTS Editor: Lennon Alvarez Asst. Editor: Ethan Aguilera Julian Vazquez Ernie Tobar Ulysses Olmedo Landon Halvas MULTIMEDIA Editor: Briana Franco Asst. Editor: Aiden Medina Lauren Lopez Andrew Gibbs Aysa Bender Annie Lee Noah M. Batchman Reymundo Soto Evilyn Ford PHOTOGRAPHY Editor: Lupita Rivera Cid Editor: Mac Wilson Roman Davison Fidel Perez Ethan Yim Kyndall Halseth COPY-EDITING Editor: Ryan Pope Editor: Darlene Kehauakelaio Burton FACULTY ADVISERS Angela Burrell Rick de la Torre JOURNALISM SPECIALIST

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Editor: Lennon Alvarez| Viewpoints@rcc.edu

SPORTS

May 28, 2026

11

From Wheelock to SoFi RCC alum Dean Connors earns NFL opportunity with Los Angeles Rams LENNON ALVAREZ SPORTS EDITOR

People all across the world have watched the 10,559 sports movies produced, yet a running back from Riverside City College happened to watch his own.

Dean Connors watched his father, Brian Connors play football at the University of Oregon on old school VHS tapes found in the attic.

That same passion mirroring his father carried him from California high school football to RCC. Then landing in Division I football and ultimately receiving a phone call from an NFL team.

“I had no stars coming out and no offers,” Connors said. “We just wanted to put myself in the best position to play at a four-year university, and Riverside was really successful and had a great coach in (Tom) Craft.”

Within four years his doubts slowly turned into hopes after being contacted by the Los Angeles Rams. They signed Connors as an undrafted free agent on April 24.

Connors received the call at his home in Houston.

“I was in Houston just, just at the house, kind of navigating the whole draft thing and was super fired up to know that I was coming here to this great organization and I was champing at the bit to fly out here and come home.”

Heading back in time, Connors joined an RCC program led by legendary Tigers’ head coach Tom Craft, a coach he credited as one of the biggest influences in his football journey.

“He was really able to take us young kids under his wing,” Connors said. “Whether it was him getting on us for messing around or celebrating wins and singing in the locker room, he was a great influence and someone that I’ll remember forever just because of the lessons he taught us.”

Craft said he was not surprised

by Connors’ signing.

“Dean is a very high character and a very intelligent football player it doesn’t surprise me that he’s had the success that he has,” Craft said.

Connors’s favorite game from his time at RCC was against Golden West College at the Southern California Football Association Regional Final. RCC won the game 27-23. Connors rushed for 60 yards on nine carries and scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the final seconds of the third quarter.

“Winning that championship was really awesome and it summed up the kind of year we had.”

Connors said. “To be honest, I think at Riverside we were really prepared for a fast-paced, highlevel, football game in terms of schematics and being on the field.”

BRIAN CALDERON | VIEWPOINTS Connors rememberd the Former Tigers’ running back Dean Connors (22) rushes down the field in a second quarter drive relationships he built at RCC the for Riverside in the California Community College Athletic Association Championship game on most. He formed close friendships Dec. 11, 2021. with teammates Noa Purcell, Isac Garcia, Dom Tomanico and Braden Siri.

“We lived in a 4-bedroom apartment and we were all doubled

SEASON CAR

Scan for full story

Jorge Rodriguez: ‘The epitome of consistency’ ERNIE TOBAR

SPORTS REPORTER

Consistency became the defining trait of Riverside City College pitcher Jorge Rodriguez throughout the 2026 season. That consistency ultimately earned him Orange Empire Conference Pitcher of the Year honors after helping lead the Tigers to a second-place finish in the conference and a playoff appearance.

RCC finished among the top teams in the Orange Empire Conference and had several players earn all-conference recognition, but Rodriguez’s Pitcher of the Year award stood out as one of the teams top individual achievements.

Rodriguez earned the honor after finishing the regular season with a 7-1 record in 12 appearances, including 11 starts. The left-hander threw 57.2 innings and posted a 2.18 earned run average, which led the conference.

His performances throughout the year helped establish him as one of the Tigers’ most reliable arms while giving the Tigers stability on the mound during conference play.

After learning he had been named OEC Pitcher of the Year, Rodriguez said the recognition served as validation for the work he put in throughout the season.

“I was definitely excited,” Rodriguez said. “It was definitely like a pat on the back moment. I mean, last year I had a big year too

2021

107

YDS

AVG

TD

516

4.8

7

Kevin Craft moves to Year 2 AIDEN MEDINA

ASST. MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

In a swift transition from the weight room to Wheelock Stadium, Riverside City College’s football team held a spring scrimmage on May 19 as it prepared for the 2026 season. The Tigers finished the 2025 season with a 7-4 record, going 5-2 in Orange Empire Conference play.

The final padded spring scrimmage began at around 2:10 p.m. Head coach Kevin Craft was COURTESY OF RCC ATHLETICS demanding a fast tempo offense, RCC and Orange Empire Con- calling for a team huddle multiple ference pitcher of the year times to remind players of the Jorge Rodriguez. He was 7-1 tone. The coaching focus was on in appearances. freshman quarterback Christian Cooper as they looked to get Scan for full story him worked in with the offense early, following the transfers of

quarterbacks Bryan Wilson and Jared Doolittle.

“Last spring, there were a lot of uncertainties with returning players and guys we were trying to recruit,” Craft explained.

With the departure of Doolittle and Wilson, the extra time comes as a luxury to develop Cooper.

Craft, now heading into his second season leading the Tigers, navigates roster integrity and retention, in a sense that a coach in the junior college field has to acknowledge that the environment is a transfer-out process. idumpivision 1 programs like Doolittle, Wilson and seven other Tigers were last year. It’s that “last

Scan for full story

8.

12 May 28, 2026

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for 17 The end of double trouble 17 McCarron Capraro sisters reflect on their final season together LUPITA RIVERA CID PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Angelina and Julianna Capraro, affectionately known as ‘The Twins,’ officially closed their final season of tennis at Riverside City College with a 12-2 record in doubles. Julianna will transfer to Cal State San Bernardino to pursue her bachelor’s in General Business.

Angelina will finish her nursing degree at RCC, and she questions how the next tennis season will be for her.

Angelina, the older twin by one minute, as she likes to remind folks, was the first of the siblings to get into tennis. She rememberd an early childhood memory of hanging out at the Canyon Crest Country Club. Her father enjoyed golf and encouraged her to try it; she didn’t like it. So she enjoyed swimming for a bit. Eventually, tennis caught her attention at only seven years old.

“From the pool you could oversee the tennis courts, so I remember as a kid staring down there and just thinking I wanna do whatever that is down there,” Angelina said.

Soon, she and her grandfather would go out to practice swinging tennis rackets and hitting the ball over the net.

For Julianna, tennis was another fun opportunity to engage her competitive nature. She had been swimming throughout her early childhood, and she recalled her parents pushing her to try out various sports and ultimately trying tennis because of her sister.

“As a kid, I just thought it was fun, and then I got really competitive and just wanted to keep getting better and better, because that’s just how I am,” she said.

Angelina and Julianna started their individual tennis journey, focusing on their personal skills LUPITA RIVERA CID | VIEWPOINTS and competing in singles. Angelina remembers being very competitive against her sister and fondly recalls Julianna, left, and Angelina Capraro, affectionately known as “the twins,” officially closed several moments where they have their final season of tennis at Riverside City College with a 12-2 record in doubles. pushed each other to be their best selves because of it.

Their competitive nature stood intimately, which helps with shot challenge that comes with being joining her sister for the 2026 out, but Julianna and Angelina selection and positioning, covering confident in her strengths when season. She said her decision came would go on to be the best together. weaknesses seamlessly.” remembering this season. She from wanting to pursue nursing They would compete in doubles The twins know their strengths recalled that to be one of the most as a profession and the thought to starting in high school, and it fairly well and hold a lot of challenging aspects of the game. continue playing tennis while at wasn’t until this year that they got confidence in their game because “We get really competitive out RCC was almost a no-brainer. to play together again. of it. The five-game winning streak there, and once your mind isn’t Their competitive nature is According to the RCC Athletics they had this last season was straight… yeah…” said Julianna. reflected in their game-winning website, the Capraro sisters boast described as routine work by the Julianna was the first of ‘the records. From dominating the a 12-2 record, including a five- sisters. It’s that same confidence twins’ to start playing at RCC. scoreboard to avenging their losses, game winning streak heading into they decided to build on this year. She joined the women’s tennis the Capraro twins have made quite “Instead of just focusing team in 2024 and is described, on a name for themselves throughout the postseason. The sisters were named the 2026 Orange Empire on winning, we were focusing the RCC athletics website as “a their career together.

Conference Doubles Team of the on trying to get a golden set,” steady constant” for the two years Their final season playing Year, received the No.1 ranking said Julianna. she has played. doubles came to a close at the “That’s when you don’t let in the OEC and advanced into Julianna made back-to-back 3C2A Championship Quarterfinals them get a single point, love, love, appearances in the Women’s Tennis in Ojai, in late April. quarterfinals, where they ended love, love,” Angelina elaborated. 3C2A State Championship. Her their season.

“Angelina will be back next Their two losses during the accomplishments at RCC led her to year, so I just want her to keep her “(Their) biggest strength t o g e t h e r i s c h e m i s t r y a n d season came in close battles, with walk in the “Parade of Champions” grades up and continue playing communication, trust under an 8-6 loss to Los Angeles Mission at the 2026 Riverside Sport Hall to get ready for next year,” coach pressure,” said RCC women’s College’s top doubles and a 7-2 of Fame Celebration hosted at Cal Bonzoumet said. “I wish Julianna t e n n i s h e a d c o a c h N i k k i loss to Orange Coast College, Baptist University on May 4. the best as she is going to Cal State Bonzoumet. “They know each which they later avenged.

Angelina transferred from San Bernardino for school.”

Julianna refers to the mental UCR only a year after Julianna, other’s strengths and weaknesses Coach Bonzoumet hopes

continues his dynasty ANDREW GIBBS

MULTIMEDIA REPORTER

Riverside City College’s men’s track and field and cross country coach Jim McCarron was awarded coach of the year for the Orange Empire Conference for the 17th straight year.

McCarron took over the RCC track and field team in 2006 and has since led the Tigers to 18 OEC championships after his first year with the team. Since becoming the RCC coach in 2006, he has become the most decorated coach in the college’s history, winning eight state titles.

He has coached 50 state champions, 175 all-Americans and over 400 all-conference studentathletes in both track and field and cross country. Not only is McCarron providing success in the sport, but he is also focusing on academic success for his athletes.

During the 2025 state championship run, 83 members of the track and field team combined for a 3.14 GPA. During his tenure, he has enabled his student-athletes to transfer to four-year universities at a high rate. More than 450 student-athletes have received scholarships to universities.

“That’s probably one of the biggest accomplishments in my career. My goal is to keep providing a great environment for young men and women to move forward and get better,” said McCarron. “I have not changed much since I started at RCC.” McCarron has prioritized academics for his athletes, but he also puts in plenty of work finding a coaching staff. His choices allow players to reach an elite level of

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Julianna will visit campus again, especially to support Angelina as she heads on to the 2027 season without her long-time doubles partner and sister. Julianna has confirmed that she will be there, cheering from the stands.

As for Angelina, she’s heading deeper into her nursing degree at RCC and is looking forward to what the next season has in store.

“The goal for this coming season is probably to focus a lot more on singles just because I’m not sure who my partner would be,” said Angelina through a laugh.

She questioned how that dynamic might look with other players and settles on the idea that singles may be a more plausible direction to pursue.