support clinic for immigrant stu dents
Oh SNAP!
Exhibition owners revive punk rock era from the late ’80s
The importance of building a community for the holidays
Federal cuts impact residents as holidays approach
RCC responds to food assistance program on hold
MARISSA LIEVANOS NEWS REPORTER
The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, experienced a pause in its operations. The shutdown, the longest in history which lasted 44 days from Oct. 1 through Nov. 12, resulted in suspension of SNAP benefits affecting an estimated 42 million Americans and their access to quality groceries.
SNAP benefits have fully resumed, however, leading up to the holidays it appeared people who relied on these benefits for sustenance had been negatively impacted, as the Trump administration refused to fund the program.
This was despite the fact that according to the California government website, $5 billion in contingency funds were available to keep these benefits available.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry, at this time. There will be no benefits issued Nov 1,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture website
had announced.
For California residents, CalFresh benefits were partially funded throughout the month of November.
California is one of several states that issued a lawsuit against the current administration for withholding the funding, with Gov. Gavin Newsom calling the lack of funding unlawful.
“While Donald Trump parades around the world trying to repair the economic damage he’s done with his incompetence, he’s denying food to millions of Americans who will go hungry next month,” Newsom said during an October press conference.
The California National Guard has been mobilized to support food banks and Californians by distributing meals to families, in efforts to minimize the residual impacts created by the government shutdown.
The Riverside City College Basic Needs Center, located in Room 104 of the Kane Building, has expanded its food support through the month of November to ensure groceries and basic resources are accessible.
In addition, the RCC food pantry will have snacks available at all six academic engagement
Music Changing Lives distributes food to the city of Riverside community
CHELSEA SUGIMURA LIFE REPORTER
The recent government shutdown has led to around 42 million American lives shaken, with many benefits being paused. Congress passed a bill on Nov. 12 ending the shutdown but it is unclear when or how soon people will begin to receive their full benefits again. In light of these uncertain times, many organizations have taken it upon themselves to assist families in
need through open food pantries and distributions.
Music Changing Lives and its volunteers stepped up to the task on Nov. 12 at Dario Vasquez Park in Riverside. The organization attracted a continuously growing line that formed down Sedgwick Avenue while cars moved in and out of the taken spaces covering the block.
The organization was founded
MARISSA PEREZ MANAGING EDITOR
An effort to impeach the president and vice president of the Associated Students of Riverside City College failed to achieve a majority of votes, leaving the two executives in office.
During the Nov. 4 meeting the senate voted an 8-8 tie, allowing ASRCC adviser Megan Bottoms as the meeting’s Chair to break the draw. However, Bottoms stated that she was remaining neutral on the decision of impeachment.
“Under Robert’s Rules, a tie vote means the motion fails, since a majority was not achieved,” said Bottoms via email. “The President and Vice President (the subject of the impeachment), therefore, remain in office.”
During the Senate meeting, the room was filled to its capacity, with the public waiting to hear the fate of President Myisha Jackson and Vice President Latiesha Williams. Student Trustee Gabriel Graves submitted the Articles of Impeachment to Bottoms, feeling it was his duty to serve the students and keep those in power accountable.
Heavy accusations were made about Jackson and Williams, as multiple ASRCC officers stated that they created an uncomfortable work environment following with
MAC WILSON | VIEWPOINTS
Nursing student Haneen Jaradat looks through the food shelves at the Riverside City College’s food pantry on Nov. 12
BRIANA FRANCO | VIEWPOINTS
Josiah Bruny, head organizer of Music Changing Lives gathers produce to distribute to their Hunger Relief Program on Nov. 12.
November 20, 2025
Editor: Aaron Friesen | Viewpoints@rcc.edu
Students push for change at equity hour panel
Challenges and hopes for better support are voiced
VIOLET DAWSON LIFE REPORTER
The Student Equity Hour panel held on Nov. 6 showcased how Riverside City College can support students who are part of the Disability Resource Center (DRC) Program and how they can center the student voice.
The student panel consisted of five students within the DRC at RCC, willing to share their experiences as students with disability and how being in this program has further benefited them, their college experience, as well as what challenges have been faced on campus.
Thomas Rosenfelder, an English major, came to RCC because it’s close to the downtown area, and he spends a lot of time there.
For him, the community was much more comfortable when coming here. Rosenfelder said he eventually wants to get into teaching because teaching is just becoming a passion of his as he started going to college.
Arif Rachman, a nursing student and nine-year military veteran, came to RCC because he wanted to get a medical license to work as a nurse.
Rachman said he had been hearing about the RCC
nursing program before, and wanted to apply.
After he served in the military and came back, he decided to start college as soon as possible.
Christian Jacome also came to RCC because he wanted to get into coaching baseball. It has always been a passion for him and the college keeps reminding him that he can achieve his degree.
For Rosenfelder, being a student with a disability has shaped his college experience because he puts a lot of pressure on himself to perform well in spite of what
COURTESY OF FRANK PEREZ
Star Rivera-Lacey giving her speech after being inaugurated as RCCD’s new Deputy Chancellor and Provost on Nov. 5.
Deputy chancellor & provost elected by trustees
VIVIAN FELIX NEWS REPORTER
The Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees officially announced the approval of Star Rivera-Lacey as its new deputy chancellor and provost.
Rivera-Lacey has over 25 years of leadership experience in California’s Community College system, according to an RCCD press release.
“She is widely respected for her dedication to advancing student success, equity and innovation,” Wolde-Ab Isaac, the district chancellor, said in an email. “Rivera-Lacey’s experience, integrity, and passion for student
success will be a tremendous asset to the District.”
Rivera-Lacey is set to officially begin her role on Dec.1, where she will bring her extensive experience and vision to support the district’s ongoing commitment to student success.
“Equity-driven student success is at the heart of every decision I make,” Rivera-Lacey said. “I understand the profound impact it can have on a student’s life circumstances.”
She previously served as
he is feeling, because of his need to prove something. He is always reminded by his community that it’s okay to ask for help when needed and to be able to rely on those around you.
Rachman’s challenges of campus life have been needing some processing between military life, because he had gotten used to the structured lifestyle of the military every single day. However, now that he is in college, there is the self set up of his schedule and time management.
“I felt lost in the beginning,”
IMPEACHMENT from page 1
with her violating the constitution and bylaws.
Viewpoints reached out to Jackson, Williams and Graves regarding the outcome of the impeachment. Jackson and Graves did not respond to a request for comment. Nevertheless, Graves did give a statement during the Nov. 4 senate meeting.
“At the end of the day, this institution is run by students for students,” Graves said. “So when other guard rails aren’t there to ensure that the institution runs smoothly, we have to be there to hold ourselves accountable.”
Williams, however, respects the outcome of the tie. She stated via email that the tie represents a balanced perspective within student government.
“I still believe that leadership includes making mistakes, learning from them, and growing through accountability,” Williams said. “I’ve never claimed to be perfect, but I take every experience as an opportunity to improve and serve students better.”
For the future, Williams said she plans to focus on rebuilding relationships with ASRCC officers by encouraging open dialogue and rebuilding trust. Her goal is to ensure her team is unified to be able to support student success.
However, senators voiced their concerns during that same Nov. 4 meeting about the president and vice president violating the
NEWS BRIEFS
Riverside City College hosts first annual ‘Community College to CPA event: Riverside City College hosted its first annual Community College to the Certified Public Account event on Oct. 23. The event has been designed by past students to help explore the academic and professional pathways from community college to CPA credential. Active members of the CalCPA Inland Empire Chapter brought in diverse groups of both students, educators and professionals that all share a passion for accounting and education.
Men’s track and field honored with State assembly recognition:
Rachman said. “I didn’t know what to do.”
The DRC helps students be comfortable with themselves, feel included, supported in college and they provide resources so that students won’t be afraid to ask for help whenever they need it.
The next Student Equity Hour session is being held on Nov. 20 in the Charles A. Kane Administration Building, Room 205 from 12:50 – 1:50 p.m
The next panel will be focusing on RCC student athletes and their experiences here.
constitution and bylaws.
“The Brown Act requires posting of the agenda to the public no later than 72 hours prior to the meeting,” Senator Gibson Haines said. “There have been a couple instances where the agenda has not been posted on time or not posted at all.”
Senator Crystal Scott explained that Jackson had sent out an email regarding looking for an officer to fill the vice president position. However, according to the ASRCC constitution Article II section 4: qualifications, the president and vice president must be elected on the same ballot.
Later through email threads, Scott discovered that Jackson confirmed Williams as the vice president.
“Latiesha [Williams] should have never been the vice president because there was no election, there was no ballot and we did not get informational confirmation on which states they have violated the constitutions and the bylaws,” Scott said.
“
I’ve never claimed to be perfect, but I take every experience as an opportunity to improve and serve students better - ASRCC Vice President, Latiesha Williams
Men’s Track and Field team and Head Coach Jim McCarron was honored with a California State Assembly Resolution by Assembly Member Leticia Castillo in recognition for the team’s achievements. The championship victory would be marking the ninth state title for the program under Coach McCarron. Over his career 450 RCC student-athletes have gotten scholarships to universities.
The reboot of Vine now called DiVine:
The six-second video loved app what we once knew as Vine that was taken down in January 2017 is now getting rebooted by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and will now be called DiVine.The app plans to ban all AIgenerated content and the app and bring back archived videos from the original app. At the moment there is no release date for DiVine but is being beta tested at the moment on Androids and iOS.
Fall/Thanksgiving break: Nov. 24 to Nov. 30.
Winter break: Dec. 20 to Jan. 4, 2026.
Winter semester: Jan. 5 to Feb. 12, 2026.
Spring semester: Feb.17 to June 12, 2026.
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.
ROMAN DAVISON | VIEWPOINTS
Entrance of the Disability Resource Center at the Charles A. Kane Building.
Academic Senate addresses campus needs
OZ PALAFOX MULTIMEDIA REPORTER
The Riverside City College Academic Senate discussed ongoing efforts in the institution’s evolving academic direction to revise program offerings while also confronting unaddressed challenges.
As multiple institutional planning periods approach, senate members said this year’s review carries significant weight.
RCC Interim President Eric Bishop noted that the current review cycle has exposed structural challenges and shortcomings in RCC’s long-term planning.
“ This process has really revealed some shortcomings in our long-term planning,”Bishop said.
“We have to own that.”
During the meeting, faculty leaders reviewed procedural expectations. They clarified how agenda items move through the senate and emphasized the importance of transparency in decision making.
In addition to transparency, leaders shared that communication and shared governance are essential if the college hopes to build sustainable and forward-looking academic pathways.
A substantial portion of the discussion centered on longterm campus needs, including program prioritization, approval timelines and ongoing facilities concerns that continue to affect instructional departments.
Senate members emphasized the importance of thoughtful collaboration as the college evaluates which programs require additional support or expansion.
“The goal is not to force anyone in a direction, stretch anyone too thin or replace anyone. We’re designing this together,” Bishop said.
Economic and labor demands were key to the conversation, particularly in areas where industries are expanding faster than colleges can currently accommodate. Conversations centered on emerging workforce demands are being expected to play a significant role in shaping the next strategic decisions over the next several years.
“Programs like commercial HVAC, heavy duty automotive, EV Mechanics, electrical with solar and healthcare continue to appear as priority areas,” Bishop said.
These fields, he noted, not only require specialized equipment and training environments, but also represent some of the most stable and in-demand career paths for local students.
According to Bishop, these insights will play a central role as the college updates its facilities planning, considers resource distribution and addresses classroom, lab space needs or updated instructional equipmentfactors the institution must weigh carefully as it revises a longrange plan.
Immigrant students receive legal aid
Immigration nonprofit assist marginalized community
MARISSA LIEVANOS NEWS REPORTER
The Training Occupational Developmental Educating Communities (TODEC) legal center provided a free legal assistance clinic for immigrant students at Riverside City College on Nov. 14.
TODEC is a local Inland Empire center dedicated to providing legal assistance to students who need help understanding their legal status.
Clarissa Ayala, a TODEC group coordinator, explained that the purpose of the clinic was to get into contact with students who need their assistance.
The clinic, located in the
Charles A. Kane Building, entirely took over the welcome center. Legal associates sat in offices to provide more personal assistance to the students.
The bright lights of the building created a welcoming atmosphere for the concerned students, allowing them to freely speak up about what they need.
A snack table was set up to provide free food, and anyone who came in was able to grab what they wanted.
With the current political climate and the looming fear of a sudden immigration raid hanging over students’ heads, the clinic has said that they have seen a lot more foot traffic than usual.
TODEC
Riverside City College in the Charles A. Kane building on Nov. 14.
Letter to the editor:
This letter is in response to last issue’s “Riverside City College Academic Senate works to make textbooks more affordable”.
I was asked to speak in Academic Senate on 10/20, to give some background on CMAC, the new California regulation that goes into effect January 2026, and the OERI liaison survey. I was horrified to discover that something I said or how I said it gave the erroneous impression to a Viewpoints journalism student that
our committee had somehow lost its focus over the past few years. Nothing could be further from the truth, and I sincerely regret whatever my wording was that miscommunicated my intention.
My intention was to convey that there are many aspects of ZTC/ OER and that over the past couple of years one of those aspects was funding. Heather Smith worked tirelessly and with very quick deadlines, to secure hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure
“Right now there’s a lot of fear, pain and suffering in the community, and thankfully we’re able to be here,” Ayala said.
Students who visited were skeptical and confused, wanting to talk to someone and answer their questions. TODEC began their job by explaining their process and assuring them that they are there to help.
Every procedure TODEC took to provide assistance remained confidential. The legal center’s strength remains in their purpose to protect the vulnerability of immigrant students.
The students were able to come in with their questions and leave with the knowledge of the steps they need to take to further their education,
despite their legal statuses.
“In these times their information is very sensitive and it’s important to protect that,” Ayala said. She also explained how important it is to remember who students talk to and what was said, especially since there are a lot of people in this industry who can wrong them.
TODEC also remarked on the school’s ability to provide a room for them to come in and do their legal clinics.
“We come once a month and students do take advantage of it and they see that it’s important,” Ayala said. “I think we could always grow, but I think the school does a really good job at providing us with space.”
“ ” Right now there’s a lot of fear, pain, and suffering in the community, and thankfully we’re able to be here.
- Clarissa Ayala
the furtherance of our CMAC efforts at RCC. And with that funding, faculty advocated within their departments to increase ZTC options and create whole ZTC pathways for our students.
Going forward, with that money secured thanks to CMAC and Heather’s efforts, our everyday activities may vary but have and will always maintain a focus on student equity through free and low-cost textbooks and materials.
In addition, I mentioned that other schools are ahead of us in these efforts. In many instances, those colleges have hired or
dedicated full-time employees and teams towards these efforts. I sincerely regret that my words caused confusion and left anyone with the impression I was criticizing our Chair, our members, our efforts, or our results. I am proud of being a member of CMAC and am proud of my fellow members’ passion and desire to make college accessible to all.
MARISSA PEREZ | VIEWPOINTS
People wait in line outside of the TODEC building, located on D Street in Perris.
MARISSA LIEVANOS | VIEWPOINTS
provides services to students at
November 20, 2025
Underground to foreground: ‘60 Miles East’
Mike Farber, wearing a weathered leather vest of his local punk rock band, Bad Ass, stood in front of a wall filled with tickets, photos and other artifacts within the Riverside Art Museum’s (RAM) newest exhibit.
He participated in Riverside’s early punk rock scene, he said, even meeting his wife at a local show.
“It brings back a lot of memories,” Farber said. “It made me, me.”
Raquel Puente, another attendee, stared at a wall full of band tees and reminisced about her early teens, watching live shows with friends with only a handful of change in her pocket.
“It was loud, it was fun, it was sweaty. We were all dying for water,” she said. “The community was tight-knit.”
Farber and Puente were only two of an estimated 1,100 people who attended “60 Miles East,” a collection of photographs and tactile artifacts of Riverside’s punk rock, hardcore and ska scene, on its opening reception Nov. 6 at the RAM.
The exhibition was curated by Zach Cordner and Ken Crawford, who experienced the city’s underground scene first-hand. To create the retrospective, they utilized personal memorabilia — both taken from their own collection while also borrowing from life-long friends across Southern California — to curate a space that encapsulates their hometown’s early 1980s to late 2000s.
Cordner was one of the few photographers at each show, allowing him to capture intimate shots of the bands and crowd using his wide fish-eye lens. His photographs on display show people in the moment, dripping with sweat — no phone in sight.
Cordner was still a highschooler when he started his photography career, taking classes at Riverside City College to learn the craft.
“I was getting sweat and blood and all sorts of stuff on me,” he said. “For me it was like combat photography. It was the closest thing to shooting a riot or a war. It was 50 kids jumping on stage with
“
” It was loud, it was fun, it was sweaty. We were all dying for water.
-Raquel Puente
the band, and you’re trying not to get run over.”
Crawford, who also got his career start as a student journalist at RCC Viewpoints, was alongside Cordner oftentimes being his righthand man blocking the crowd while he got photo shots in. They met in high school where they developed a friendship based on their love for skateboarding and hardcore music. They are now publisher and editor of the Riversider and have continued to be very involved in the Riverside community.
They explained their goal as curators is to see a resurrection of the music scene in Riverside, especially for the youth. In hopes that the young generations that are inspired by these eras form a band and kickstart the scene.
They frequented regional underground music hotspots, all showcased in order at the exhibit to emphasize the evolution of the scene: Italian restaurant Spanky’s Cafe, The Showcase Theatre and University of California, Riverside’s The Barn.
Spanky’s Cafe owner, Ezzat Soliman allowed kids of all ages to come and perform on the weekends.
The sign that hung in the original cafe, now closed, is seen on display.
Soliman would open Showcase Theatre in 1993, which was solely for the music scene. The original bike and chandelier that hung from the ceiling of the now burnt down venue were fully restored and put on display. The shadows of the artifacts cast over the photographs and enlarged concert tickets.
“(The theatre) just opened the door for so many fans all over the world,” Cordner said. “You’d come out and your shirt was drenched, you could just squeeze out all the sweat.”
The Barn was originally built for ranching purposes in 1917 but turned out to be one of the hottest up-and-coming music venues once 98 Posse started to promote the venue. The Barn would see performances by Blink-182 and Radiohead early on in their musical careers, making it a historical relic in the underground Riverside music scene.
“It was a real magical time, the early 90s; that Riverside doesn’t have anymore,” Cordner said.
Crawford explained the
meaning behind the “60 Miles East” title of the exhibit as an homage to the differences and actual distance of the Los Angeles punk rock, hardcore and ska scene.
“The Riverside stories don’t get told unless they’re told by people from Riverside,” he said.
The exhibit is presented by Travis Barker who worked for the 98 Posse, big-time promoters in Southern California in the late 1990s. Art Moreno was the assistant to Bill Fold, the founder of the promotion group. He worked with Fold for 10 years and currently works alongside him at Goldenvoice.
“(It was) a little archaic. At the time it was all we had. (We) spent a lot of time at Kinkos, printing out fliers and (using) early Photoshop,” he said.
There are few online artifacts of the group as most promotion was done through word of mouth and fliers from team collaboration. Moreno elaborated on what it was like to be the behind the scenes of Southern California night life. The most bustling time for the 98 Posse business was from 1996 to 2000, when they had three to five shows a week at The Barn.
“It was a good time and it was about having something for kids,” Moreno said. “Any age kid. Young kid to the adult kid.”
In a non-digital age, before social media, Riverside locals expressed they were eager for connection, seeking out the next thrill. The live concert scene provided them with all-age spaces to express themselves and find a new up-and-coming band.
Barker made an appearance, shaking fans’ hands and taking in the era he was a huge part of. The opening reception night was jampacked with energy; Ukulele Hiro played a set, the curators spoke about the exhibit to the crowd and a man in a Voodoo Glow Skulls mask roamed around for photo-ops.
To the many Riverside natives who experienced it — like Puente, who is still an active member of the scene — the energy and meaning is universal:
“I enjoy it. This truly is my therapy. It’s my community. It’s my life,” Puente said.
“60 Miles East” will be open until April 12, admission prices vary.
Editor:
LIFE BRIEFS
Nov. 21
Thanksgiving Dinner:
Spend Thanksgiving dinner with friends and neighbors at Lincoln Park from 6-8 p.m. This is a free event hosted by the Lincoln Park Neighborhood group.
Nov. 21-22
Piknik Flea Market:
Piknik Archive and Fontana Market are hosting the popup at the Raincross District, located in downtown Riverside. Every purchase will make you eligible for their giveaway. For more details visit @raincross_district on Instagram.
Nov. 22
Festival of Lights Switch-on Ceremony:
Watch as the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa hosts its 33rd Annual Festival of Lights Switch-on Ceremony. This event will begin at 5 p.m., with a firework show. The Festival of Lights will run from Nov. 23-Dec. 31.
Nov. 24
Day of Giving Event:
Hosted yearly by Community Health Systems, Inc. Nonperishable goods will be distributed and with groceries gift cards to the first 50 families. Located at the University Committee Health Center. This event is while supplies last, no registration needed.
Dec. 2
End of Semester Potluck:
Destress before finals at the End of Semester Potluck hosted by The Fine and Performing Arts Engagement Center. Bring a dish from 1-5 p.m. at the FPA Engagement Center. Sign up on the RCC website under events.
Nov. 22-Dec. 30
Christmas Vinyl Nights:
Located at the Secretary Club bar in downtown Riverside, hosted by Killer Queens. Bring your own vinyl night every Monday and Tuesday, featuring holiday cocktails. Reservations are reccomended but walk-ins are welcome.
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.
PHOTOS BY GRACE ESQUIBEL | VIEWPOINTS
Mike Farber, a member of local band Bad Ass, reminisces on the early punk rock scene at the opening reception on Nov. 6.
GRACE ESQUIBEL LIFE EDITOR
The flier wall is filled with preserved event fliers from the late 1980s to early 2000s music scene at the Riverside Art Museum on Nov. 6.
The curators hope the exhibit resurrects the Riverside punk rock, hardcore and ska music scene among youth.
The unexpected icons of the Inland Empire
: A single donkey stops in the middle of the road in the Hidden Springs neighborhoods in Moreno Valley on Nov. 3. While they traverse through the city, donkeys often find themselves in the road. This can lead to outcomes such as car crashes, potential injury and death.
criminalizing harm to them. These laws put in place show an effort of love and respect that the city itself holds toward the burros.
To me, donkeys, sometimes called burros,are an iconic symbol of the Inland Empire, specifically in Moreno Valley. They are valued amongst the community of the IE.
They have ambiguous origins, spanning from the California Gold Rush to the migration from Death Valley to their present existence in the IE which is what matters most.
Moreno Valley has laws in place to protect donkeys, such as
While going through challenges such as having miscellaneous arrows shot at them, and the relocation to Texas through Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, the unofficial mascots seem to command love from community members.
This treatment shows a strong dedication to communities and wildlife coexisting.
Regardless of the issues donkeys have faced or could potentially encounter in the future, they continue to persevere and have a powerful impact on the city of Moreno Valley.
ROMAN DAVISON PHOTOGRAPHY REPORTER
BOTTOM
A pair of donkeys roam around the Hidden Springs neighborhood in Moreno Valley on Nov. 3. Donkeys frequently traverse through neighborhoods, in search of food. Residents tend to give them food, or they chomp on nearby grass.
PHOTOS BY ROMAN DAVISON | VIEWPOINTS
RIGHT: A pair of donkeys drink water from a tub at Box Springs Mountain Reserve in Moreno Valley on Nov.5. This tub represents the care that residents give towards the donkeys by making sure they are hydrated. Residents are not the only ones that live through the Moreno Valley.
ABOVE: A pack of donkey’s roam around Box Springs Mountain Reserve in Moreno Valley on Nov. 6. Donkeys traverse around these particular mountains often, with large groups being easily found here. Displacement could be detrimental to donkeys since the mountans would be their natural environment.
Editor: Grace Esquibel
Students share their voices at Quill Club’s open mic
SUGIMURA
A small group gathered in the center of Riverside City College’s A.G. Paul Quadrangle on a gloomy Wednesday afternoon. A single mic and podium elevated on a step were placed in front of seats arranged on the grass waiting to be used by creative writers.
Quill Club, the creative writing group, hosted its first open mic event on Nov. 12, making a space for writers of all forms of literature to share their voices. The audience was light in numbers but students sitting on the benches and outskirts of the quad lingered in the area to hear the poems, songs and short stories shared by their peers.
Dominic Medina, president of the club, acted as host for the event introducing each speaker taking the stage and encouraging spectators to share anything that was on their minds at the mic. Medina said the club is hopeful for growth with future open mics and is excited to keep practicing the vulnerability that comes with public speaking and sharing personal pieces of art.
Participants exhibited the vulnerability of writing while reciting the art that was inspired by their own lived experiences and feelings. Only a handful of students signed up to share their
work but they all displayed passion and creativity through the words they spoke.
Skie Ocegueda, treasurer for the club, said poetry has been helpful in allowing her to be more expressive with emotions. She shared an original poem titled “Puppy Love” that expressed a longing to be “soft” in a world that sometimes makes you hard.
T he poem was inspired by the current political climate and the feelings of anger that come from the chaos, Ocegueda said. The idea came while cuddling her dog who is the subject of the poem and created the connection between innocence and softness in the metaphor.
“Her small pink tongue peeks out, almost teasing me for not being as soft as her,” Ocegueda
said in the poem. “I was once like you, and then I grew up.”
Most of the work that was shared followed this theme of hardship and displayed the importance of creative writing for mental health support. Kay Bernardino, the club’s social media manager, pointed out the sad and angry tones that rang through the speakers during the event.
Bernardino said creative writing serves as an outlet to whatever it is a person is feeling inside.
“It forces you to sit down and think about what it is, why you’re feeling it and how it’s affecting you,” Bernardino said.
The club does different workshops and writing prompts that inspire students to articulate their thoughts in this way during their weekly meetings. Reggie Coker, the club’s vice president, said it acts as a safe space for all writers to express their thoughts through literature.
Coker said meetings for the club are held every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in Room 203 of the A.G. Paul Quadrangle and all students are welcomed to take the opportunity to share their writing and hear feedback.
“It’s a safe space for writers to be able to practice and explore their craft and share it in any way,” Coker said
Music in motion: Lester Oaks field tournament
BRYLLE DESEO SPORTS REPORTER
High school bands from Riverside and neighboring counties showcased their talent in the Lester Oaks Field Tournament hosted by Riverside Martin Luther King High School on Nov. 8.
Field tournaments have been an American band staple for approximately a century.
These tournaments are a way for bands to show their talent and tell a story through the performance they have prepared for the season. The schools have worked hard from the start of summer to the middle of fall to present a show they are proud of.
Not only did these schools show their talent through music, but they also showed their talent with compelling choreography and formations that caught the audience’s gaze. From noticeable tunes played by Canyon Springs High School, to Arcadia High School utilizing props and musicianship to tell a story.
Canyon Springs captivated the audience’s ears after starting their show “The Light Within,” with a song from Disney’s Tangled. The audience applauded thunderingly after hearing the show they performed.
Christian Lozano, director of the Cougar Canyon Regiment created this show with the students in mind, he wanted to make it more meaningful to them while remaining competitive.
“We see what’s relevant to the current times. We follow a lot of DCI (Drum Corps International) groups and see what the current
trends are,” Lozano said. “(We) value their input, which makes it meaningful for them because they really enjoy it.”
The show’s music selection reflected on why this show was meaningful for the Cougar Canyon Regiment. From Tangled’s “I See the Light,” to pieces by Claude Debussy and Samuel Barber. They closed their show off with Rosano Galantes’ “Transcendent Journey.”
“(It’s) about finding the light inside of you and breaking free,” Lozano said. “So something that relates to (the) kids, in any way.”
On the other hand, the Orange Vista High School Coyote Pride from Perris had a silly twist to their show. Their performance had the crowd in hysterics with their performance titled “Heartland.”
This lighthearted show took the audience back to the agricultural roots of America.
Their theme was bold with a farmhouse as a backdrop and white picket fences across the field, while the color guard wore cowboy hats and plaid shirts. This show gave the audience a good giggle especially with their drumline that made animal noises.
Joshua Boyd, band director of the Coyote Pride, focuses on the improvement aspects of these tournaments.
“For me, it’s the growth and to see what we do,” Boyd said. “But to see where we started from six weeks ago to where we are now. For me, (that’s) what’s really most exciting.”
The drumline had an impactful section where they were the main focus of the show and it was obvious these students were enjoying every minute of their performance.
“At first they thought the farm thing was a little weird, but when I told them the whole story about your home was where the heart is,”
FOOD PANTRY from page 1
by Josiah Bruny in 1998 with the motive to uplift aspiring artists and musicians within his community and teach them how to own their intellectual properties.
Bruny said that the single studio once located in his home in Moreno Valley has now turned into a robust afterschool provider where children can go to hone their love for things like music, film and fashion.
Food distributions became a recurring event in various Southern California cities for the organization during the pandemic.
They have since found a home in Riverside at the Community Settlement Association (next to Dario Vasquez Park). Bruny expressed his gratitude to now have a permanent distribution home for the next year and hopes their momentum keeps growing for years to come.
“All the college students, you guys are the lifeblood of this,” Bruny said. “You guys are gonna take the baton and keep it moving, I’m hoping.”
Volunteers present at the distribution expressed the same passion for service as Bruny through their actions.
The assembly line kept energy up with music playing through speakers while they packaged the produce to go to the next families in line, who were each offered assistance to the car by a volunteer. It was an orchestrated team effort on display and the organization made sure to have everything covered, including deliveries.
While stacks of fresh produce boxes were brought to the assembly line to be separated, large platform carts with grocery packages were being wheeled right back to volunteers’ trucks and vans to be dropped off at other locations.
Shawn Watson, one of the volunteers making deliveries, was headed to the Casa Blanca area to make stops at apartment buildings with known senior residents who couldn’t make it to the park.
Boyd said. “They really got excited about it.”
The Arcadia High School Apache Marching Band from Los Angeles County was also in attendance performing their show “Upon Paper Wings” where they utilized props and musicianship to tell the story of origami cranes.
Kevin Sherrill, director of the Apache Marching Band really appreciated the amount of work the upperclassmen put in to make this show.
“Every year, (we bring) in a freshman class who make up 25% of the group, starting from scratch,” Sherrill said. “Seeing the upperclassmen, pitch in and help bring those kids along and bring them up to speed. That’s something they had to overcome.”
These shows were a showcase of the artistic and creative talent from different schools, to stand out individually in the same musical mediums.
Watson said he was happy to participate and have the organization back in Riverside as a local himself.
The constant movement of the volunteers drew attention from the houses and apartments neighboring the park.
Akamie Allison, a resident in the area, joined in on the service when she saw the line forming through her window. It was Allison’s first time working alongside the organization, but she is no stranger to community activism.
She said living in the area, she frequently helps out with the community center and enjoys serving others in a neighborhood she describes as resourceful.
“Paying it forward is a humanity thing,” Allison said. “It’s spiritual and we should be responsible for giving and helping out.”
The organization is always in need of volunteers and urges anyone who wants to be involved to connect with them through social media. Their Instagram is @ musicchanginglives.
BRYLLE DESEO | VIEWPOINTS Orange Vista High School drum major conducts a trumpet soloist on Nov. 8.
CHELSEA
LIFE REPORTER
JOSE LARA | VIEWPOINTS
Quill Club President Dominic Medina welcomes attendees at the open mic poem reading on Nov. 12.
November 20, 2025
No, the Dodgers aren’t ruining baseball
The owners around the MLB are doing nothing to stop them
LANDON HALVAS & VICTOR LEDBETTER JR. ASST. SPORTS EDITOR AND OPINIONS EDITOR
The Los Angeles Dodgers made history in Major League Baseball on Nov. 1.
The boys in blue managed to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series in seven games and became the first team since the ’99-2000 New York Yankees to win two consecutive WS titles. While that is impressive, the more interesting topic surrounding the LA team is how they are “ruining” the MLB.
There are countless comments across social media saying that LA is spending a significant amount of money on the core roster, and that spending ruins the competitive integrity of the sport. We just don’t see the case.
There are many factors that came from the Dodgers being as successful as they are and simply spending money isn’t the sole cause. It’s more on the owners around the league fumbling their chance at gold in many different ways.
Many owners have the financial resources to build contenders, but they choose not to. They keep
the luxury tax payments given to them by large market teams such as the Dodgers or the Mets for themselves, while continuing to field less than mediocre teams. The Dodgers’ $350 million yearly payroll may be massive, but at least the fans know their ownership is actively trying to win.
Teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Kansas City Royals, and the soon to be Las Vegas Athletics have cut corners for years, refusing to pay their star talent and letting them walk, focusing more on profit margins than winning playoff games. When those teams start to complain about the Dodgers’ recent dominance it means nothing. The problem isn’t that LA is spending so much money, it’s their opponents’ front offices choosing not too.
Even when teams spend money, teams can screw themselves over at the chance of playoff success. Take the New York Mets this past year. The squad accounts for a little over $340 million in total payroll allocations in 2025, the second most in the MLB. Yet, the Mets failed to make the playoffs despite being the most dominant team in the first half of the 2025 MLB season with a record of 45-24, being first place in their position.
ESPN’s Jorge Castillo details the moments that cost the Mets their playoff spot, from players
“
It was on the players, it was on me, to get the job done, and we didn’t get it done.
-Francisco Lindor
How Starbucks stole Christmas and a boycott
CHELSEA SUGIMURA LIFE REPORTER
The holidays are among us and companies have already started to capitalize on the excitement and joy of the season.
Starbucks once again led the pack with their holiday launch on Nov. 6, taking over social media with sugar cookie lattes in a brand new bearista (teddy bear) cup.
I previously worked at a Starbucks cafe for a little over a year and a half and experienced for myself how chaotic it gets during the holiday time. From coffee-themed ornaments, limited time cups and gift cards lining the shelves at every location and major grocery store, it is impossible to miss Christmas with the most famous coffeehouse in your face.
like pitchers Kodai Senga and Frankie Montas having major issues to start their season, to getting blown out by the last place Pirates. Eventually, it came down to a series against the Miami Marlins, where they just needed to win one game. Miami managed to defeat New York, capping off the worst collapse in Mets history.
When interviewed by Castillo, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor summed up his feeling on a
disappointing season.
“We failed the job. We failed the mission. It was on the players, it was on me, to get the job done, and we didn’t get it done,” Lindor said.
Yet the Dodgers’ dominance isn’t just about spending, it’s about planning, culture and execution.
LA has built a system that time
Why are ticket prices so expensive and who is to blame?
OPINIONS REPORTER
When you’re a music lover, seeing the artist perform live is the ultimate goal, but when buying tickets to a concert, you’re left wondering: “Why is it so expensive?” Ticket prices have risen as the days go by and it is complete disrespect to people who want to support their favorite artist at a live performance.
Ticket prices rise for a number of reasons such as ticket demand, venue prices and dynamic fees. In the article, “Expensive concert tickets are the new normal” by Emily Stewart, she goes into detail on why these shocking prices have come to be in an interview with Morgan Harper, a lawyer at the anti-monopoly American Economic Liberties Project.
“Live Nation-Ticketmaster controls all the core business lines of the industry,” Harper said, adding that that’s how they’re able to “extort” independent venues and customers.
At the CNBC and Boardroom’s Game Plan conference in Los Angeles, the CEO of Live Nation Michael Rapino said he believes that tickets are actually underpriced and should be more expensive.
“We have a lot of runway left, right? So when you read about ticket
prices going up, the average concert price is $72,” Rapino Said. “Try going to a Laker game for that and there are 80 of them or whatever the hell. So the concert is underpriced and has been for a long time.”
Hearing that from someone who has an estimated net worth of over $900 million is like a punch to the gut to the everyday person, especially considering the rate of inflation and the state of the economy.
The reaction to this statement by Rapino left the world and concert goers with a bad taste in their mouths. The statement even sparked some controversy with highly accomplished artist and producer Jack Antinoff
hitting back in a post made on X.
“Selling a ticket for more than its face value should be illegal,” Antioff wrote. “Then there is no chaos and you give us back control instead of creating a bizarre free market of confusion amongst the audience who we love and care for.”
It is refreshing to see such a big artist stand up to the CEO of one of, if not, the biggest ticket company in the United States. It is important for us as fans to stand our ground. We aren’t there to fill the pockets of CEOs of multimillion dollar corporations, we are there to support the art that musicians make.
Ticket pricing aside, maybe you
can afford the tickets, but they sold out too fast so you go to check resale prices. You find out they are double the price of the original ticket. This is called ticket scalping and is a huge issue with live events. Dhruvi Dedhia, a journalist at Michigan Journal of Economics explains this in the article “Scalping the System: The Ticket Resale Market.”
“The global resale ticket market size was estimated at about $3.4 billion in 2024. Controversial and often highly regulated, while ticket scalping is not banned under federal law, it is prohibited in some form in 15 states,” Dedhia said.
Obviously, the resale market is insanely profitable. It takes advantage of fans willing to spend anything to support an artist they love. It seems like there is no way to win as a fan and a live music lover at this moment in time.
There is an alternative I can suggest if you can not afford a concert but want to see live music, attend a local show. Most of the time these shows are $15 or less, sometimes even free, and include several bands and artists. Not only do you get to support people in your community but you also broaden your taste and can discover really amazing and talented people. You can find these shows on social media, posters on the street and by researching small venues near you.
Nobody can argue with the fact that this empire of a coffee company has absolutely nailed its marketing strategies. So much so, that it drowns out every other ad for competing coffee shops and any backlash or little scandals the company has faced throughout the year.
The company has been the star of many protests the past few years, with demonstrators criticizing their union busting actions. An article was published in February 2024 by University of California, Riverside’s newspaper, The Highlander, about a student-led protest and petition. Senna Omar, former editor-in-chief, reported that the petition demanded the removal of Starbucks from the school’s campus and received over 780 signatures.
Over a year later, in September 2025, baristas from unionized stores in Riverside are still making their frustrations from unfair pay and labor practices heard. The Labor Leader, a newsletter and blog by the Inland Empire Labor Council, highlighted a store located off of Van Buren Boulevard that held a “sip-in.” The “sip-in” was a form of protest that had customers ordering under the name of “Union Strong” showing solidarity with the baristas.
The recent protests coexisted with the changes coming from the “Back to Starbucks” plan, initiated by the company’s chairman and CEO Brian Niccol. The plan has implemented additional policies directly affecting employees with changes regarding the dress code, writing on cups and general goals pertaining to quicker production times. The company has not hesitated in executing this plan, but has avoided coming to mutual contract agreements with established union stores, according to the Labor Lead’s blog post.
In the “Back to Starbucks” message posted to the company’s website in January 2025, Niccol
VICTOR LEDBETTER JR. | VIEWPOINTS
The Los Angeles Dodgers win their second consecutive World Series trophy after completing a game 7 comeback against the Toronto Blue Jays.
COURTESY OF ADOBE STOCK People praise an artist that performs on stage.
JESSICA SANCHEZ
Scan for full story
A collage of newer and classic romantic comedy films across history.
The decline of romantic comedy in modern cinema
STEPHANIE ROSASAVILA LIFE REPORTER
Are performative males changing gender norms?
“Performative male” (n) - a man who engages in stereotypically ‘sensitive’ activities to appeal to women” - according to Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Performative males are changing gender norms leading men to be more comfortable in liking things that are women oriented.
Men are starting to enjoy female indie-rock artists and they aren’t getting ridiculed for it. Men are more interested in feminist literature and try to understand it rather than tossing the subject away.
The rise of performative males has caused a stir in social media.
is starting to feminize men and challenging the gender norms that have been set in stone from years prior.
YouTuber Cole Hastings dove deep into the topic of performative males and the surrounding negative notion around it.
“The idea that a man could be interested in drinking tea, reading for pleasure,” Hastings said. “Wearing something that’s often related to a feminine activity is preposterous and automatically considered ‘performative.’”
The idea of what a man should be has been skewed for many years especially within the film industry. Young men in the past have been influenced by actors such as Clint Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger for their performance of masculinity.
Romantic comedies have been rapidly declining in recent years. With releases quickly slowing down, it leaves viewers like me rewatching older rom-coms and yearning for newer ones to have a similar charm to them.
With strong feelings of nostalgia, older romantic comedies carry a reputation of being the staple genre to rewatch when you’re feeling like a hopeless romantic, or are in the mood for a silly movie.
According to BAZAAR, the number one rom-com is “When Harry Met Sally” (1998). The list also included older rom-coms from the late ’90s to mid-2000s. There were only a select few newer films that made the list.
With fewer rom-coms releasing nowadays, it’s easier than ever to find a new favorite that tugs at your heartstrings, but they’re still few and far between.
Recent rom-coms that have a certain charm to them are “A Family Affair” (2024), “Anyone but You” (2023) and “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018).
Of the two, “Anyone but You” and “Crazy Rich Asians” received theatrical releases. According to Box Office Mojo, the budget for “Crazy Rich Asians” was $30 million and grossed about $239 million, while “Anyone but You” had a budget of $88 million and grossed around $220 million.
These films may not be for everyone, but there is still a demand for romantic comedies. This genre of film just needs to be given a bigger budget and an intriguing storyline with a good old cliché.
In the streaming era, romantic comedies appear to be switching streaming sites from where they air. Netflix has been one of the best places to keep viewers content by gradually releasing a few romantic comedies, but it’s not enough to satisfy devoted fans of the genre.
There seems to have been this shift where instead of rom-com movies, there have been rom-com shows releasing more frequently. The media has shifted, but that hasn’t stopped
people from craving a good romantic comedy movie.
“Streaming services have been doing their bit when it comes to romantic TV shows: ‘Nobody Wants This’, ‘Rivals’, and ‘Bridgerton’ were bonafide smash hits last year, all pointing to one thing: we love highquality romance and would like you to produce more,” said Tina Burke in her Mamamia article.
With newer film genres strictly sticking to being action, drama or horror, there’s a lack of lighthearted movies. With more than half of all films including a romantic subplot, it leaves viewers tired of love and romance being the primary focus. This can deter people from romantic comedies as rom-coms have been getting less theatrical releases.
Although some believe it’s good that the romantic comedy genre isn’t getting as many releases because of the unrealistic standard and how unlikely their plots are to happen, I prefer whimsical and corny movies, and I’m not the only one. Clearly, the rom-com genre continues to be desirable to those who adore more theatrical and heart fluttering films.
Some say that performative males are ‘dumb’ and their main goal is only to attract women. However, the opposing argument to that is performative males are challenging the gender norms that have been set for decades.
With the trend of performative males on the incline, males are now trying to enjoy things that women typically enjoy. Whether that’s going to the library with a tote bag, a Labubu attached to a carabiner and sipping on a matcha latte.
Performative men have gotten a lot of criticism. One of the main reasons some people are so against performative males is due to toxic masculine ideologies.
For decades, men have been expected to be tough and manly.
In spite of that, this new trend
Eastwood represented the traditional American masculinity, Stallone represented the pneumatic (emphasizing the male body and physical strength) masculinity and Schwarzenegger represented the tough dominant male.
The ideas of toxic masculinity kept getting reinforced during the rise in popularity of content creator Andrew Tate. He rose to popularity with his beliefs that men should be more dominant and be more alpha.
I think it’s great that we are seeing an uptick in performative males because it’s challenging not only the toxic masculine
BRYLLE DESEO| VIEWPOINTS
A visual breakdown of aesthetics and interests of the performative male archetype.
Campus Conversations TOPIC:
What are you thankful for this holiday season?
“I’m really thankful for my family and we recently got the news that my mom will be getting her green card.”
STEPHANIE ROSAS-AVILA | VIEWPOINTS
BRYLLE DESEO SPORTS REPORTER
Kristopher Aguirre, Welding
Zoee Irvin, N/A
Maegan Hawatt, Psychology
Interviews and photos by:
News Reporter Ximena Espinosa
Asst. Multimedia Editor Aiden Medina
Photographer Roman Davison Evelyn Gonzalez, Business Administration
“Ooh, well class got canceled so...yes!”
E ditorial
We fill the gap when benefits fall short
Given the current state of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as SNAP) benefits, there is a little uncertainty on how families in the Inland Empire will adapt during these difficult times, especially with Thanksgiving around the corner.
We would love for everyone to experience this holiday and take time off from their busy lives to spend time with their families. However, many households had to worry about how they are going to squeeze as much out of their small paychecks as they can.
There is no question on how these federal budget cuts will affect families, as some households are struggling to just get just everyday meals put on the table, let alone a feast. Parents will feel pressured to give their children a Thanksgiving experience like all the other children around them, which is stressful on parents. It’s heartbreaking that the government would cut these benefits leading up to the holidays, when children are on school break and can’t
rely on school breakfasts and lunches.
Food costs are still rising, which means some households are going to struggle more than usual to afford traditional holiday groceries and will have to scale back on Thanksgiving this year.
Communities in the IE have a strong history of stepping up for one another. Local non-profits, churches and schools often organize food drives that help fill the gap left by reduced benefits.
These collective actions not only help meet material needs, but can also strengthen our community bond, something Viewpoints tries to do in our work.
Some of the Viewpoints team contributed to a local Riverside food pantry and our campus food pantry leading up to Thanksgiving break.
Recently, communities have actually been coming together to help those in need with food resources and offer advice on where to find resources.
This has been shown on apps like Instagram as people post, spread and repost ways to help or find alternative resources to what has been cut.
Organizations like Music Changing Lives have offered food drives as well. At the time of this writing, the government has ended the shutdown, but we are well aware that it is hard to make a comeback for some families.
The resilience that has been shown in the community reveals that just because something bad happens, it seldom hinders the love of family and support.
Hopefully, the IE will continue to come together and continue to help out any way possible.
We want people to know that it will get better one day, that there will be something to look forward to tomorrow, no matter how bad the current climate gets.
Nothing is impossible. There will always be someone who can help spread joy this holiday season.
Here are some resources for anyone in need: findhelp.org shows local food pantries based on area codes. You can find pantries and donate to feedingamericaie.org , which is locally based.
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Editor-in-Chief: Breanne Soto
Managing Editor: Marissa Perez
Online Editor: Tara Bristow
NEWS
Editor: Aaron Friesen
Asst. Editor: Alana Reyes Ximena Espinosa
Vivian Felix
Marissa Lievanos
Louis Tozser
LIFE
Editor: Grace Esquibel
Asst. Editor: Novah Reyes
Violet Dawson
Alexis Matamoros
Ryan Pope
Stephanie Rosas-Avila
Chelsea Sugimura
OPINIONS
Editor: Victor Ledbetter Jr.
Asst. Editor: Alina Gomez
Kyndall Halseth
Jessica Sanchez
SPORTS
Editor: Ethan Aguilera
Asst. Editor: Landon Halvas
Lennon Alvarez
Brylle Deseo
MULTIMEDIA
Editor: Briana Franco
Asst. Editor: Aiden Medina Oz Palafox
Novah Reyes
Jaylen White
PHOTOGRAPHY
Editor: Mac Wilson
Asst. Editor: Lupita Rivera Cid Alana Coletta
Roman Davison
Jose Antonio Lara
FACULTY ADVISERS
Angela Burrell
Rick de la Torre
JOURNALISM
Daniel Eduardo Hernandez
Viewpointsonline.org
MEMBER:
Wholesale prices for a turkey have jumped 40% from a year ago, according to the Department of Agriculture. In a survey by Couponfollow, 52% of Americans plan to use a food pantry holiday season as a result of the SNAP benefit shutdown.
VIOLET DAWSON|VIEWPOINTS
Best captured moments
Semesters’ best photos selected by Viewpoints photography editors
LOVE the lighting. This is a great example of “human” interaction in images. I really appreciate seeing faces in photojournalism. This image takes this photoshoot from just being an arcade, to really seeing how PEOPLE interact with the arcade while maintaining an eye for composition.
A pack of donkeys congregate in Box Springs Mountain Regional Park on Nov. 6.
Riverside City College wide receiver, Dominic Cox (4), attempts to catch pass against Saddleback College defensive back, Noah Luginbill (16), during game at Wheelock Stadium on Sept. 20.
Riverside City College defensive back, Matthew Lashley (12), holds up the number of interceptions he caught during the game against
College on Sept. 27.
The shot was taken right as he was going for a three pointer. The ball being in the picture as well is a nice touch.
Great color throughout the photo, compositionally enjoy the flag leading to the Matachin with incence.
Perfect timing for the photo. It was taken right as Matthew Lashley put up his fingers to show how many interceptions he had in the game.
Banda Real Jalisciense leads a dancing crowd at the Perris Flowers booth during the celebration of El Grito at the Moreno Valley Amphitheater on Sept. 15.
Jesus Perez Owner of Galaxy Claw rearranging a plushie in the machine on Oct. 11.
Palomar
Riverside City College guard, Jabari Harris, scores a three pointer against Victor Valley College on Nov. 12.
Aztec dancers preform at Riverside City College. Sept. 16.
Editor: Ethan Aguilera|
Tigers crumble in a rain-soaked post season matchup
ETHAN AGUILERA
SPORTS EDITOR
The No. 13 Riverside City College football team fell 45–30 to No. 11 Fullerton College in the Southern California Bowl on Nov. 17 at rain soaked Sherbeck Field, marking the end of the season for the Tigers who finish with a 7-4 record.
Riverside got on the board first with a 21-yard rushing touchdown from freshman running back Kayvion Sibley. They would extend the lead on the next drive with a 38-yard field goal from freshman kicker Timothy Tynan, going up 10-0.
The first half ended with two straight Hornets rushing touchdowns from quarterback Jack Schierholz, leaving the Tigers down 14-10.
The third quarter unraveled for
the Tigers, as they surrendered 21 points including two unanswered touchdowns before freshman quarterback Bryan Wilson scored on a 17-yard run.
But the Hornets responded back immediately, closing the quarter with a 10-yard rushing touchdown from running back OJ Jones.
Wilson connected with sophomore wide receiver Dominic Cox for a 1-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit 35-24. After a crucial fourth-down stop, the Tigers regained possession at their own 17-yard line.
But an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty pushed them back to the 8-yard line, and sophomore quarterback Jared Doolittle was flagged for intentional grounding, resulting in a safety.
The Hornets immediately ended any hopes of a Tigers
comeback. On the first play of the ensuing drive, running back Fred Hunter broke free for a 61-yard touchdown to ice the game.
In the final minute Doolittle was able to find sophomore wide receiver Donovan Ferguson for a 20-yard touchdown, to close the loss margin.
“I think we did a good job but we could have done a great job,” freshman linebacker Micah Valenzuela said. “We have got to be better prepared, we gotta be better.”
Riverside was penalized 15 times for 122 yards. The penalties frustrated the Tigers all game giving the Hornets several opportunities to extend their lead.
For the game, RCC boasted 413 total offensive yards, including 149 passing yards and 264 rushing yards. Freshman running back
2025 Football Season Stats
Passing Bryan Wilson: Jared Doolittle:
Rushing
Kayvion Sibley: Marquis Monroe: Kiyel Tyler: Bryan Wilson:
Receiving Dominic Cox: Ross Nickson III: Logan Quates: Hector Garcia:
Defense
Micah Valenzuela: David Lene:
Ty Staples: Zion Magalei: Iese Magalei:
164-245, 66.9%, 2,117 yds, 19 tds, 8 int
97-174, 55.7%, 1,526 yds, 16 tds, 8 int
109 rushes, 1,033 yds, 9.5 avg, 10 tds
66 rushes, 565 yds, 8.6 avg, 6 tds
59 rushes, 384 yds, 6.5 avg, 4 tds
78 rushes, 394 yds, 5.1 avg, 7 tds
76 rec, 1,241 yds, 16.3 avg, 11 tds
27 rec, 505 yds, 18.7 avg, 10 tds
23 rec, 413 yds, 18 avg, 2 tds
22 rec, 228 yds, 10.4 avg, 2 tds
110 tot, 1.5 scks, 5.5 tfl
59 tot, 5.5 scks, 15.5 tfl, 1 int
28 tot, .5 tfl, 3 int
34 tot, 2.5 scks, 3.5 tfl
38 tot, 3.5 scks, 10 tfl
Kayvion Sibley had 15 carries for 99 rushing yards and sophomore running back Kiyel Tyler had 6 carries for 57 rushing yards.
Doolittle went 9-for-18 for 130 yards with one touchdown pass, while Wilson went 6-for-22 with one touchdown pass and one rushing score. This was the lowest amount of passing yards in a game for the season.
On defense, Valenzuela had 14 tackles and one fumble recovery and freshman linebacker Caden Arellano had 16 tackles and a forced fumble.
“We had a lot of mistakes, a lot of mental mistakes on our own,” sophomore wide receiver Dominic Cox said.
This was his final game with the Tigers and he looks ahead to consider offers from Colorado State, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Akron and four more Division I universities.
“He’s such an explosive player, he was a special player for us,” head coach Kevin Craft said. “Wherever he ends up next year, he’ll be good.”
This marks the end of Craft’s first year as the head coach, ending in a 7-4 record three of those losses being by one score. Despite the losses Riverside led the SCFA in points per game showing Craft’s potential leading the Tigers back as champions.
“I’m proud of these guys,” Craft said. “I know it’s not the way we all wished it had gone but it didn’t stop us from having fun.”
He finished the year with 1241 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on the year. He currently leads the Southern California Football Association in receptions, yards, yards per game and is fourth in touchdowns.
Women’s basketball schedule
Women’s basketball faces off against West LA college on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. before they head off to Santa Ana college for the Santa Ana tournament Dec. 4 - 6
Dec. 15 vs Santa Barbara at 5 p.m.
Dec. 16 at EL Camino at 6 p.m.
Dec. 20 vs Antelope Valley at 1 p.m.
Dec. 30 at Citrus College at 3 p.m.
Jan. 7 at Orange Coast at 7 p.m.
Jan. 9 vs Fullerton at 7 p.m.
Men’s basketball schedule
Nov. 22 vs Glendale at 1 p.m.
Nov. 26 vs Chaffey at 1 p.m.
Dec. 3 vs East Los Angeles at 6 p.m.
Dec. 4 vs Mt. San Jacinto at 6 p.m.
Dec. 6 vs Ventura at 2 p.m.
Dec. 10 vs San Bernardino Valley at 5 p.m.
Dec. 16 at Desert College at 6 p.m.
Dec. 19 at Citrus College at 5 p.m.
Jan. 7 at Orange Coast at 5 p.m.
MATTHEW NOLAN | RCC ATHLETICS
Riverside City College football running back Kayvion Sibley (8) breaking off tackles against Fullerton College at Sherbeck Field on Nov 17.
Boom or busted: betting scandal exposed
SPORTS BRIEFS
Mens’ Water Polo:
The men’s water polo team finished the season at 8-17. Sophomore C Luke Bliss led the team with 102 goals on the season, while sophomore goalkeeper Leonardo Davis led the team with 177 saves.
Womens’ Water Polo:
The National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, and Ultimate Fighting Championship face controversy as arrests have been made related to match fixing and illegal betting.
Thirty-four people related to illegal sports betting were arrested, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones.
“This is an illegal gambling operation and sports rigging operation that spans the course of years,” Federal Bureau Investigation Director Kash Patel said.
The UFC has also faced some problems, Yadier Del Valle vs Isaac Dulgarian was a fight that had suspicious betting line movement before the fight started. Dulgarian, who was a -250 favorite, lost by submission in the first round. This suspicious activity led to many sports books refunding bets.
“The first thing we did was call the FBI,” UFC president Dana White said.
The most recent cases have come from the MLB. Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Leandro Ortiz allegedly worked with sports bettors to rig pitches. According to investigators on this case, Clase, who has been arrested, has won bettors at least $400,000. The two pitchers can face up to 20 years in prison.
“In or around June 2025, Ortiz,
a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, joined the criminal scheme,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. “Together with Clase, Ortiz agreed in advance to throw balls (instead of strikes) on pitches in two games in exchange for bribes and kickbacks.” U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York said.
These cases can have an immense impact on the sports world. The NBA has so far been quiet on its recent scandals. Most notably, the Kawhi Leonard situation, where Clippers owner Steve Ballmer allegedly helped Leonard secure a $28 million contract without an NBA contract through the company Aspiration.
That is in violation of the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
There has been no punishment
for Leonard or Ballmer yet. The NBA may have to take action sooner this time, however, since the FBI is now investigating. The NBA has placed Billups and Rozier on leave.
The UFC has already taken action. They have released Dulgarian from his contract and are working closely with Integrity Compliance 360, a firm that monitors the betting market and the FBI.
“They are the best bet monitoring company in the business,” White said.
Other UFC fighters have spoken out, admitting they were approached and offered money to
Men’s basketball dominates against Long Beach City College
ETHAN AGUILERA
SPORTS EDITOR
The Riverside City College men’s basketball team lit it up from the field and rode that momentum to an 85–69 win over Long Beach City College on Nov. 14, extending their strong early-season form.
The Tigers started the game on fire, hitting four straight threepointers, two from sophomore guard Jaedon Hose-She, to seize early control and put the Vikings on their heels in the opening minutes.
Riverside controlled the first half defensively, limiting the Vikings to a 21% field-goal clip. But the Tigers’ foul trouble gave
Long Beach frequent trips to the free-throw line, allowing the Vikings to stay within reach despite their struggles from the floor.
The second half opened all Riverside, sparked by a 10–2 run that forced the Vikings into an early timeout. Momentum fully shifted when freshman guard Zay Freeman caught fire, drilling three straight three-pointers to put the Tigers firmly in control.
“Zay gave us great minutes off the bench, he shot very efficient,” head coach Andre Wilson said. “Him coming in, giving us that spark, making shots really helped us a lot tonight.”
Despite a late scare from the
Vikings, the Tigers ended the game with an 85-69 win.
Sophomore forward PJ Pounds led the way with 15 points and 11 rebounds, marking his second double-double of the season.
Pounds is also third in rebounds per game in the Orange Empire Conference, averaging 8.6 per game.
“PJ is our game changer whenever he plays like he played today,” sophomore guard Jabari Harris said. “That’s what makes a difference for our team.”
Another key difference came from the Tigers’ second unit. RCC’s bench dominated the matchup, putting up 35 points while holding
the Vikings’ bench to just seven.
Their energy off the bench, whether it was pushing the tempo, grabbing rebounds, or knocking down open shots, played a major role in Riverside keeping momentum for the entire game.
After struggling with their shooting in the past two games, the Tigers bounced back in a big way, connecting on over 40% of their three-point attempts and finishing
The women’s water polo team finished the season 2211. Sophomore ATT Yosra Elsefi led the team in goals. Riverside heads to Merced College for the 3C2A State Championship next week and will face the No. 1 seed from the North, Sierra College, on Nov. 20.
Mens’ Cross Country:
Riverside City College mens cross country grabbed another trophy after winning the SoCal Championship on Nov. 7. Freshman Alex Wesolowski led the Tigers with a time of 20:29.5 to take sixth place overall, while Joshua West finished ninth with a time of 20:36.2. They have another race for the 3C2A State Championship on Nov. 22 at at Woodward Park in Fresno, California.
Womens’ Cross Country: Riverside City College womens cross country qualified for the 3C2A State Championship with a 10thplace finish at the SoCal Championship on Nov. 7. Freshman Lorena Munoz led Riverside with a time of 19:59.1 securing a top 30 finish, and sophomore Celeste Mendoza finished with a final time of 20:25.3. They race for the 3C2A State Championship on Nov. 22.
Volleyball: Women’s volleyball finished the season 7-20 after getting swept 3-0 on Nov. 14. They were led by sophomore Jayden Franchere with 171 killshots.
Baseball: 2025 Orange Empire Conference Pitcher of the year Jake Valenzuela commits to Washington State University, the first game of the Tigers season is on January 2026.
For more information on all Tigers’ latest sports news and standings go to rccathletics. com or scan below.
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Riverside City College, Jabari Harris (5), scouts the court for an open teammate while against Long Beach City College wing, Junior Kouakou (32), in Wheelock Gym on Nov. 14.