EagleEye Nov/Dec 2019

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The Student-Driven Newspaper of West Hills College Lemoore Volume 8 / Issue 2 Nov./Dec. 2019

EagleEye

The Furlo-la-la-la Edition

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Furlough: A Fun Day Off . . . or Not A Letter from

By Ashley Linde & Victor Gray

the President

A furlough day normally means an unpaid day off that is due to the budget. It can affect different It’s hard to believe that the semester is coming to people in different ways, and certainly be a strain on your paycheck. But for some of our instructors, they are making the best of it. They are taking the extra time to spend with their family, and enjoying every minute of it. “I took my family to Disneyland on my furlough days, so not only did I make less, I spent more,” laughed David Gejeian, an instructor from WHCL When interviewing faculty about what furloughs mean to them, we asked three questions: 1. What are furloughs?

2. Have furloughs impacted you?

3. If so, how?

This is what they had to say: Rene Paredes 1. “A furlough is a day of paid leave, usually to save money in an economic crunch. In this instance, the state failed to follow through on a promise to fund community colleges based upon student success data. Because West Hills College Lemoore’s student success rates are higher than many throughout the state, this failed promise cost us millions of dollars that we had expected to receive. Staff, faculty, and administrators from West Hills decided to make up some of the loss by taking furloughs rather than cutting courses from the schedule or other support services for our students.

2. Not too much. It’s been nice having a few days off”.

Amber Tidwell 1. “Furloughs are days that faculty are required to take off, unpaid, in order to help offset the unforeseen budget constraints of the district.

2. Other than the financial hit to my personal budget, the impact to my classes has been minimal.

I have made the best out of a less than ideal situation by using my furlough days to take a few road trips!

3. See above”....

Michael Chamberlain 1. “Furloughs are tough on everyone, yet at times are a necessary compromise. Nuff said.

2. The furlough has impacted the pocketbook, but not my spirit. GO EAGLES! 3. I work with my family to determine ways of stretching out the dollars. Less entertainment is certainly one quick way to save. BONUS: You get to spend more time at home cooking together and making healthy eating choices”.

It was a joy interviewing these instructors, and hopefully, reading this will brighten your holiday season.

a close. I hope you enjoyed your time here at West Hills College Lemoore this semester. You have one week left, and I hope that you find the energy to push through and FINISH STRONG. Remember that we believe in you and will be here to support you as you study for your finals and write your final papers. You can accomplish great things when you dedicate your time and energy to your studies.

Please note that spring 2020 classes begin on Friday, January 10th. Although the semester starts on a Friday, only classes that are scheduled to meet on Fridays will start on the 10th. All other classes will begin the following week. Also note that there are no classes on Monday, January 20th in observance of one of our Nation’s great leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If you haven’t studied Dr. King’s teachings, I’d recommend that you take a few minutes over the winter break to read more about Dr. King and his fight for social justice through non-violent means. Dr. King was a great man, and we can certainly learn a great deal from his teachings.

I hope this holiday season brings you some well-deserved rest, ample time with friends and family, and feelings of peace, joy, and love. Please think about doing something nice for someone else, especially someone less fortunate than you. I look forward to seeing you on campus in 2020!

Happy holidays!

Wishing you all the best, Kristin Clark @drkristinclark #WHCLStrong

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EagleEye-Nov./Dec. 2019

Welcoming Dr. Hartline to WHCL By Deborah Saad & John Rodriguez West Hills College Lemoore (WHCL) students and staff are pleased to

welcome a new instructor to the biology department, Dr. Rossana Hartline. A graduate of New Paltz High School, Dr. Hartline holds an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, and a PhD in Biotechnology from the State University of New York. Dr. Hartline’s expertise in the discipline of biology is wide-ranged. Since earning her doctorate in 2013, Dr. Hartline’s careers have involved teaching at various community colleges, universities, and doing extensive lab-researches. She tells EagleEye she has taught classes ranging from animal to anatomic biology.

Dr. Hartline is the proud parent of two French Pitbulls, Tucker and Diego. In addition to being a mom to her dogs, Dr. Hartline enjoys hiking and appreciates the captivating landscapes of mountains, and she enjoys rock-climbing in the mountains. When Dr. Hartline isn’t too busy, she loves a slice pizza, one of her favorite foods.

When asked on why she chose West Hills College Lemoore, Dr. Hartline responded, “I started out just like a student here at West Hills College Lemoore.”

Particularly, when Dr. Hartline is reminded of her experience at Ulster Community College, she remembers this: “The community college I attended was relatively small and located in a rural area, but it had everything I needed.” Finally, she urges students to reach their big dreams, and says that she is “ living proof ” of achieving her goals.

Dia De los Muertos Celebration By Melissa Murillo

EagleEye-Nov./Dec. 2019-

And the poetry contest winner is . . .

El Dia De Los Muertos is a holiday that is celebrated amoung the

mexican heritage and even in the United States. El Dia de los Muertos started being celebrated in Mexico and among those of around 3,000 years. Dia De Los Muertos is a ritual honoring the dead in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The Aztecs and other Nahua people living in what is now central Mexico held a cyclical view of the universe, and saw death as an integral, ever-present part of life. Dia De los muertos consits of two days November first “el Dia de los innnocentes” (Day of the innocent) which celebrates all the children have passed away. November Second Celebrate everyone else that has passed away.

On October 30 West Hills College Lemoore had their annual Dia de los muertos celebration. It all started around 11 in the morning when Ms. Moreno’s and Mrs. Navarro spanish class, along with Mr Brooks Art class, and other staff set up the altars where the spanish class, the art department, the library had their altar and shared their food. Around 4 everyone starting arriving for the Day Of The Day activities which included ● Face painting ● Sugar skull painting ● Food (tamales, champurado, Dia de los Muertos bread) ● Altar vieing ● Floric dance ● Annual play

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Francisco Guadron

‘Twas the month before December,

It never snowed around here as we can remember, We were on our way to the store, But we got inside - there’s Christmas stuff and more, I couldn’t help but think just how?

Why would they set for Christmas now?

There were marshmallows, food and everything nice, Trees, decorations and even a fancy device, It’s not Christmas yet plus it’s the month of Thanksgiving, So if there’s stores with Christmas songs then I’m leaving.

A Budget Friendly Holiday

By Daisi Rubiano & James Chavez

Holidays tend to be very stressful for college students, with so many

gifts to buy, staying on budget tends to be difficult. Let’s be real - we are all tired of gift cards. Just a little time and effort can show those you love how much they matter. In this article, we provide gift and activity ideas that are fun, but won’t break the bank.

Gift baskets are a great option. Simple favorites like candies, movies, snacks, cozy socks, blankets, and knick-knacks can go a long way. Wrapping these in a basket shows that you took time, thought, and money into their gift. Many of these items can be found at your local Target, Walmart, etc. Along with big commercial stores like Target there are apps that can help you save some money on your items by offering you different coupons and sales.

Some Math

By Shawn Jackson The atmosphere for this event was varied by different emotions from the students working on their altars, rehearsing lines for the play, to culinary people making and serving the food. At the end of the day seeing everybody happy and enjoying every single part of the celebration was gratifying. I interviewed Ms. Moreno to see what the Day of the Dead meant to her and she said “ I want to show my students that we are more alike than different no matter the background.” As for myself being involved with all of the activities, it was a fun but stressful event, that ended up being extremely satisfying at the end of the day.

We often forget that the holiday season isn’t only about gifts but spending quality time with friends and family. A fun suggestion that won’t cost a dime is touring holiday lights at places like the well-known Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno. There you can walk around with hot chocolate in your hands as you admire the brightly lit neighborhood. Caroling is also very popular this time of year - gather some friends to spread Christmas cheer in your neighborhood. Staying in and enjoying holiday classics, or newly made Christmas movies with family and friends is also a great idea. While viewing The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, you can provide chips, dip, popcorn and drinks and you have a great showing party. Home Alone, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Polar Express, and Elf, are just a few really great holiday movies.

If you are feeling a little more creative, here are some low budget crafts: • Building gingerbread houses and s’mores • Baking desserts with your loved ones for neighbors and friends • Making homemade ornaments

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients Instructions

By Ashley Linde & Melissa Murillo

Find the answer on the back page :)

½ cup creamy peanut butter 3 tbsp salted butter softened 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1.) Mix the peanut butter and softened butter together, stir in powdered sugar until combined. Place in the fridge for about 15 minutes.

2.) Using your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

3.) Melt the chocolate chips.

4.) Using a fork, dip the peanut butter balls one at a time into the melted chocolate.

Place the chocolate balls onto wax paper, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

4Presents on Patrol

EagleEye- Nov./Dec. 2019

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Doctor Sleep Film Review

By Dorian Ecker

resents on Patrol is a yearly community give back celebration where the Lemoore Police Department brings holiday cheer to the town of Lemoore.

In one day of the month of December multiple families are visited by law enforcement, volunteers, and members of the LPD staff, all there to help Santa Clause deliver presents and food care packages to families in need of some holiday spirit.

This celebration has been a part of the LPD since 1998 with the main purpose of the event is to provide gifts to those who do not have the same holiday luxuries that others have. The city of Lemoore supports the LPD and their officers in many ways throughout the year, and this is just one of the many opportunities our boys in blue can give back.

Volunteers are armed with bags of unopened toys and are strategically loaded into police cruisers and volunteers cars. They embark on a predesignated route to each of the various families throughout Lemoore. These families receive gifts as well as food boxes delivered by Santa, portrayed by a new volunteer each year.

Volunteers are encouraged to give smaller gifts to kids in the neighborhoods they visit, bringing joy to dozens of Lemoore youth.

Food donation boxes are provided by Lemoore Christian Aid and toys are donated by various organizations throughout Lemoore.

Everyone can use some holiday spirit, and Presents on Patrol is a program that the Lemoore Police Department can be proud of each year.

Eco-friendly Holiday

By Jane Dustin

Holidays can be full of unnecessary waste of both food and trash. So,

here are some ways that you can keep both yourself and the holidays merry and bright.

• Use reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper • Utilize LED strand lights • Put lights or blow up decorations on a timer • Turn off light-up decor when needed • Buy trees from a Christmas tree farm • Hand make gifts • Purchase the correct amount of food needed

• Donate toys, clothes, and food • Reusable Tupperware for storing leftovers • Reuse decorations from previous years • Use washable plates, silverware, cups, and napkins • Carpool • Recycle paper, boxes and other packaging • Reuse boxes and paper that come with online purchases

All of these suggestions are simple and easy to do, plus they won’t add stress to your fun-filled holiday season.

Reviewing a Classic Home Alone 2: Lost In New York By: Holly Cassina

Grade: A+

The Home Alone movies have become a holiday staple in most American

households over the years. In Home Alone 2, we see how a lack of basic parenting skills and airport security takes our young friend Kevin McCallister on yet another wild adventure. This time, Kevin finds himself on the mean streets of New York City. With a cameo from Donald Trump before it was taboo to say his name in a crowd, Home Alone 2: Lost In New York will make you want to take a ride in a stretch limo down 5th Avenue with a cheese pizza or even feed the pigeons in the park. Merry Christmas you filthy animals.

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EagleEye-Nov./Dec. 2019

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By Daniel Cancio My Final Verdict: 9/10

Doctor Sleep is the perfect sequel to The Shining that was thirty-nine years

in the making.The film takes place thirty-nine years after The Shining and we’re reunited with Danny Torrance, played by Ewan McGregor. The film also features Rebecca Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran, Cliff Curtis, Carl Lumbly, and Zahn McClarnon. This film follows an adult Danny Torrance as he helps young Abra, another user of The Shining and solve a large string of murders involving Shine users.

I have to praise this films character development as many new characters appear yet by the conclusion we understand them on a finer level that was executed at a perfect pace. There are also several callbacks to the The Shining that are subtle yet bold. All of this wrapped up in a film that explicitly didn’t feature any jumpscares and made every anxiety-building scene count.

The perfection of this film doesn’t save it from it’s own flaws. The pacing could feel a bit rushed at times despite being two-and-half hours long.

Destinations seem to be reached in little time and tends to feel like plot convenience more than anything. However, the film utilizes every second of this story and every scene has a purpose.

I wholeheartedly believe that Doctor Sleep is the perfect sequel. This was a story nearly forty years in the making and was completely worth the wait. This may be a horror film yet every character has a story and personality that makes them memorable and unique. Along with amazing cinematography and visual effects that elevate this film beyond The Shining, this is truly the peak of horror cinema in 2019.

Klaus: Review

By Ramiah Jordan

Verdict: 9/10

Are you looking for something original with a different take on the Christmas genre? Looking for something that the whole

family can watch and enjoy with hilarious and heartfelt moments? Look no further because Netflix has recently released a movie called Klaus, and I must say this movie was fantastic—loved everything about it.

Klaus is about a spoiled young adult man who is forced to go to the unhappiest of places and realizes there is more to life and that one act of kindness always sparks another. It’s animated in a more classical style. It’s not 3D animated as we see a lot these days, and it’s refreshing and it compliments the film nicely. The characters are charming and fun. By the end of the film, all of the primary characters feel complete and fleshed out. I never felt like there was a character who I absolutely didn’t care about or disrupt the flow of the film.

The plot pattern itself isn’t revolutionary nor is it unpredictable, but it’s not any less enjoyable. And there are a few minor nitpicks regarding the plot, but otherwise this very enjoyable.

This film is on Netflix only. Unless you already have an account set up, you’ll have to get one, but they do provide a month free trial. If you already used that to binge as many episodes of Stranger Things as possible, then you’ll have to pay. But look at it this way, you’ll have to pay $10 which worth 1 theater ticket that you and others can watch. Once you watch it, you can end the subscription with no strings attached.

Overall, this is a great film. Klause not only surpassed my expectations, but it’s also a new holiday favorite that I’ll be sharing with others. This is definitely one of the best Christmas films to come out recently and one of the best animated Christmas films since A Christmas Carol.

Math Answer: 15