Viewpoints - April 25, 2013 by RCC Viewpoints

NEWS

Pgs. 8-9 SPORTS

Pg. 3 INSCAPE

Health concerns in the Math and Science building

“The Secret Garden” unveils its treasures

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INSIDE NEWS....................... 2 INSIDE 5 OPINIONS................

Softball prepares for regionals

INSCAPE ................. 8 FEATURES............. 12 SPORTS.................. 14

viewpoints An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving as the voice of the students since 1922.

Vol. XCI, No. 12

Sex offender runs unopposed for second term Student body president Doug Figueroa says he believes in “second, third, and fourth chances in life,” and encourages students to “be progressive.” full story on Page 4

Luis Solis / Photo editor

zero competition:

Student body presidential candidate Doug Figueroa speaks at the Associated Students of Riverside City College Candidate Forum.

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Viewpoints students win awards Student journalists Devon Everett and Destiny Rivera received awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges at its annual state convention April 13, in Sacramento. Student journalists submitted stories, photos and designs published in their student newspapers from Community Colleges in California during the spring and fall semesters of 2012. Viewpoints writer, Devon Everett, won a first place award for an Opinion article published Oct. 4 about the shooting of Trayvon Martin in Florida and the state’s “stand your ground” law. Viewpoints Editor-in-Chief Destiny Rivera received an Editors Honor Roll Certificate of Achievement for her work this semester.

Accessibility Upgrades coming to campus There are several areas on campus scheduled to receive upgrades to meet accessibility guidelines established by the American Disability Act. A statement released by Charles Wyckoff, interim vice president of Business Services reads, “The Business Services Office will be providing you with updates on the areas of the college that will be receiving ADA upgrades. This will mostly affect restrooms on campus, but there will be some work done to other facilities as well.” During the next three weeks, upgrades are expected in the Pilates building, Huntley Gym, Weelock Field/Stadium and Quadrangle. The schedule is subject to delay, due to unforeseen problems that may arise once construction begins. The project has been completed at Moreno Valley College and Norco College, which both experienced delays.

Alexis Gray scheduled to visit RCC on May 9 Dr. Alexis Gray, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Norco College, and 53rd Distinguished Faculty Lecturer is scheduled to present a lecture, titled “Oh Dear, It’s a Doe, A Female Doe,” on May 9 during college hour from 12:50 - 1:50 p.m. The lecture is planned to take place at the Digital Library Auditorium with light refreshments to follow in the Digital Library Auditorium Lounge.

College Police temporarily relocating College Police and Parking at the Riverside City College campus will be temporarily relocating from the Lovekin complex to Athletic office H-2. During the move, police assistance will be uninterrupted and can be reached by calling dispatch at extension 8171.

‘Rethinking Mental Health’ video contest offers $1000 to winner Student Health and Psychological Services is currently hosting a video contest at Riverside City College. Titled “Rethinking Mental Health,” students have an opportunity to positively change minds about mental health by creating an original, 60 second video. Videos need to convey the importance of mental health, and how mental health can or does affect every aspect of life. The goal of the contest is to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining mental health, and reduce the stigma about mental health related issues, including mental health illnesses and counseling. All submissions are due April 30. All entrants must read both the Official Contest Rules and Online Registration Form available at www.rcc.edu/videocontest. For additional information about the contest, contact healthsv@rcc.edu.

Juliana Zapata / asst. news Editor

here to help: A student speaks to an admissions representative from University of California Irvine.

Transfer Fair Comes to RCC Transfer center works to connect students to universities Juliana zapata asst. news editor The spring semester transfer fair took over the Riverside City College Quadrangle April 22. A total of 35 schools were present at the fair organized by the Transfer Center. Both private and public schools were at the fair. Some of the private schools included Loma Linda University, Mount St. Mary’s College and La Sierra University. Also, public schools such as UC Davis, UC San Diego, UCLA, Cal State Northridge and Cal State San Marcos were represented at the fair. Out of state universities such as Colorado State and Arizona State were also invited. At the fair, admissions representatives not only distributed information about their particular college or university but also answered questions about requirements. Saira Murillo, was one of the students who participated in the transfer fair. “My instructor told us to come to the fair to get more information about transferring” she said. “It was very helpful because I’m planning to transfer in a year.” However, students who are transferring next fall also attended the fair. Juan Jose Aranda applied to six schools and says he is ready to transfer. “I came to see which of the universities I am interested in are here,” he said. “I applied to UCLA so I came to talk to an admissions representative.” During the transfer fair, students had the opportunity to learn about different schools so that when transferring they can know exactly where they are going.

The transfer fair takes place two times a year during the fall and spring semesters. Due to the large number of universities and different requirements, transferring can be a tedious process. A Guidance course titled introduction to the transfer process is a course about the whole transferring process. However, the Transfer Center is also available to assist students with this process. The Transfer Center is located in the Counseling and Admissions building and provides students with resources and information about colleges and transferring. The Transfer Center also provides students with the opportunity to make an appointment to talk to an admissions representative. Workshops on how to write a personal statement and how to complete the application process are also offered for students planning to transfer. The SB 1440 or the new transfer guarantee associates degree is for those students interested in transferring to a California State University. Workshops about the new transfer guarantee associates degree are scheduled for April 24 and May 6 at the Heritage room next to the Cafeteria. Additionally, at the end of the spring semester, the Transfer Center organizes a transfer recognition ceremony in which students are recognized for completing the transfer requirements and transferring to a four year college or university. For more information about transferring, visit or contact the transfer center at (951) 222-8446.

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Math and Science Building makes students ill, raises health concerns Amanda Arroway News editor Cynthia Azari, president of Riverside City College, sent an email April 6 to the faulty mailing list alerting the faculty of the situation occurring at the Math and Science Building. For approximately the last eight months, the building has been experiencing odors that faculty and staff describe as solvent or sulfur-like. Faculty, staff and students have also reported feeling ill and having symptoms such as headaches, sore throat, itchy eyes and nausea. President Azari said the college has hired two firms to find what is occurring in the building. A forensic analytical company has been hired to collect air samples within the building. Azari said

there are devices that have been placed around the building for the air quality testing. The other firm is an engineering company that specializes in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It is conducting an inspection on the building’s ventilation system. The air quality testing devices were placed in the classrooms April 23. Azari said the college officers were informed of the devices in the afternoon but the word was not passed on to the evening police officers. “The police were saying there was a faulty member who was in the class and didn’t recognize the equipment so (the faculty member) evacuated (his or her class) and called the police,” she said. Since the incident, she said the college has placed fliers around

the Math and Science building that advises the students of the devices and lists the classrooms and areas where the air quality equipment is at. Azari said there were three air quality tests conducted and none showed there were any toxic levels. ”(The air quality tests) are below acceptable level so there is no danger,” she said. “If the students are experiencing anything, they need to report that to the health center.” Azari said she is expecting to get an early report on the testing in mid-May. “We are trying to identify the problem and remedy the problem.” “We have hired professionals to see what is really going on here,” she said.

Amanda Arroway / staff photo

smells like trouble: The Math and Science Building has been experiencing several issues for approximately eight months.

New recycling program takes hold at RCC Amanda Arroway News Editor An announcement at the EcoFair April 21 revealed that a new recycling program is being implemented at Riverside City College. The RCC Recycle Committee and the Student Sustainability Collective revealed that they would be working with Burrtec to implement the new program in a series of phases. Phase I will include green waste from the grounds and recyclable materials from the cafeteria. Phase II will expand the efforts to the other areas of campus. Phase I has already begun and,

in honor of Earth Week, recycling efforts in the cafeteria are starting immediately. The grounds crew has also begun to recycle green waste. In an e-mail from Tonya Huff, Associate Professor of Life Sciences, she writes, “The majority of the waste produced on the RCC campus will be able to be recycled!” “Things that may be placed in the recycle bins (blue bins with chasing arrows symbol) include: plastic and glass bottles, paper, aluminum cans, tinfoil, Styrofoam cups, plates, and food containers (minus the food), soda cup lids and straws, plastic bags, plastic silverware, and plastic cups.”

“Things that must still go in the trash bins (plain grey bins) include: food items, waxed soda cups, used napkins, plates/containers with a lot of food residue, cellophane, foil packets for chips and other snacks, juice boxes, and condiment packets (like ketchup/mustard packets).” Huff says that in order for the program to be successful, students, faculty and staff need to help by using the proper bins as they see them in the cafeteria, and later around campus. Another key element to the program’s success is educating other students, faculty, and staff about using the correct bins as well.

An air quality test is currently underway in the Math and Science building. For the purposes of the test, four different types of monitoring devices have been placed in various rooms of the building. Not all rooms have been equipped with a monitoring device. The rooms in which monitoring devices have been placed are rooms: 105, 147, 205, 208, 221, 231, 301, 304, 307, 321, 329, 339, 401, 404, and the second floor

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Student body president runs unopposed Figueroa encourages students to ‘believe in rehabilitation’

Amanda Arroway News Editor At the Associated Students of Riverside City College election forum April 18, presidential candidate Doug Figueroa gave a charged presentation, shunning the media and inviting students to “be progressive” and “believe in rehabilitation.” Figueroa, the current student body president, is running unopposed for his second term. He has recently been in the news after an anonymous flier found on campus revealed that he is a registered sex offender on probation. Figueroa has refused to be interviewed since his conviction became public, only issuing a statement to Viewpoints which was later posted to the Associated Students of Riverside City College’s website. In his opening statement, Figueroa emphasized that he focused on improving the student experience on campus during his previous term. RCC’s book rental program, the implementation of a student resource center, and taking part in winning a $250,000 mental health grant from the state to charter a mental health ambassador program are some of the accomplishments he listed. “As president and leader in our community, I’ve always dedicated to representing 100 percent of

Luis Solis/ Photo Editor

Charged: Doug Figueroa speaks to students during the candidate forum April 18. our students regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and even background.” “I am a firm believer in second, third, and even fourth chances in life. I owe tremendous gratitude to those that have supported me, and believed in me.” “Therefore, I believe in rehabilitation and the ability to learn from one’s mistakes to live a better life,” said Figueroa. Figueroa said he wants to leave a legacy by implementing more programs to benefit students this year. He also wants to be “a strong voice for the students and stand up to the administration during tough and difficult economic times.” Figueroa encourages students

to look beyond his past legal trouble. “I did not rape, nor did I do as little as touch or be touched by a minor,” said Figueroa. “I know what I did, but most importantly, I know what I did not do. This was a circumstance in which my actions were led by an inability to make the right decisions.” “Today I ask that you vote for leadership, courage, change and hope within our system and within our society,” Figueroa said. He is running with Vice President Miguel Bagsit. Bagsit did not speak at the forum. To counter the overall student apathy toward student government and elections, Figueroa plans to

host workshops to get students more involved in student government. During his last term, student government reached its largest numbers in the history of RCC with more than 60 students. “And we have been successful, regardless of what’s going out on the media,” he said. He then shamed the media for “reporting things that (they) don’t even know what the heck (they’re) talking about,” instructing, “Get the facts. Do your research.” When asked what qualifies him for the position of student body president, Figueroa said, “I feel that I am probably a little overqualified for the position because of the things I have done.” “We all have one thing in common. We’re here to get an education; we’re here to make a difference in our lives. We’re not here to conform to what media tells us we’re supposed to believe in. We’re here to make a difference and I’m qualified to do that.” Six other students checked out candidate packets to run in the election, but did not meet the qualifications for student government. Some of the current qualifications require students to have a 2.5 grade point average in the previous semester, a 2.8 grade point average cumulatively, and get 200 signatures. “What sets me apart from my fellow candidates is that I actually

exist,” said Figueroa. “Because there are no other candidates.” If elected for another term, Figueroa announced his plans to continue representing the logical voice of the students at RCC saying, “I have some big shoes to fill; my own.” “I think it’s about what I need to do to continue doing what I’ve been doing in the last year. I have always had an open door policy. There have been students that have come to my office and expressed their concern or expressed their interest and I have been open.” “Not once have I denied the ability for anybody, except for media, to come to my office and express their concern,” said Figueroa. “I’m here to say I’m asking for your vote,” he said in his closing statement. “You have the option of not voting on voting day, but I guarantee you that I will get more votes than I did last year and I thank those students that believe in being progressive and rehabilitation.” “And know that every student here on campus has an equal right to live a better life and to add value to their lives and those of the people around them” “It’s about moving forward and doing as much as you can while you’re where you’re at. Because life is short and you never know when that opportunity is going to pass you by.”

Student senators vow to focus on representing student concerns... and puppies Amanda Arroway News Editor The Associated Students of Riverside City College is currently holding elections for student offices. Elections will be held from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. on April 30 and May 1, outside of the Martin Luther King Jr. Teaching and Learning Center. A total of 16 senators will be elected, as well as student body president and vice president. The current student body president, Doug Figueroa, is running unopposed for his second term.

Figueroa has recently been in the news after an anonymous flier found on RCC campus revealed that he is a registered sex offender. At the Associated Students Candidate Forum April 18, three of the candidates running for senate answered questions and discussed their goals outside of the Martin Luther King Jr. Teaching and Learning Center. The first candidate to speak at the forum was Sabrina Hodge, who has served as a senator for approximately a year. “I like to represent the students to the best of my abilities,” Hodge said.

“With the Senate, I see a lot of problems come up to us that we can’t always handle… My goal is to have an actual plan so students have the ability to get the knowledge they need here, and move on to transfer.” The second candidate to take the podium was Garrett McCarver, who claimed to be “the most propuppy senator there is.” In his opening remarks, McCarver said that his No. 1 priority as senator was to “make sure all puppies have homes.” A student from the audience asked how McCarver planned to represent the students, and improve the student experience

at RCC, “I am not counting on your vote, there are not enough candidates for the senate at the moment, so I am only dependent on my own vote to get me in the senate,” said McCarver. McCarver then spoke about how he assisted in streamlining ASRCC’s constitution, and emphasized his primary concern of preserving freedom of speech at the California Community College level. Rebecca Flores, the third candidate to speak, is running for her second year in Associated Students government. “I can tell you (being in

student government) has been one of the best experiences I have been through in college, she said. “It has taught me a lot, and helped me to help other students.” Flores also said that she knows that there are struggles to being a student, and she plans to make student concerns a priority. “I am here to voice any concern or opinions (students) have. Their concern will be heard, and there will be something done about it.” Voter turnout at RCC Riverside is notoriously low, with only an estimated 300 student ballots submitted last election.

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EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Destiny Rivera 760-953-0922 viewpoints@rcc.edu

Luis Solis / Photo Editor

‘Existing Candidate’: Doug Figeroua states his opinions on the media at the candidate’s open forum April 18.

MANAGING EDITOR Liz Landeros viewpoints.managing@gmail.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Javier Cabrera 951-313-0921 viewpoints.advertising@gmail.com FACULTY ADVISERS Allan Lovelace Jim Burns NEWS EDITOR Amanda Arroway viewpoints.news@gmail.com

‘Media field day’ at open forum

OPINIONS EDITOR Nishè Butler viewpoints.opinions@gmail.com INSCAPE EDITOR Conner Munson viewpoints.inscape@gmail.com

Media everywhere, from here in Riverside, to across America, and even to a newspaper overseas buzzed this month about Riverside City College’s associate’s student body president being a registered sex offender. When a Viewpoints staff member found fliers posted around campus April 1, editors immediately thought it was a cruel April fool’s joke. After all, who wants to believe that the person chosen to represent the students at RCC was a criminal and a creep? However, after researching websites such as www. meganslaw.ca.gov, Viewpoints’ editors found the “cruel joke” to be government stated facts. Almost a year has passed of Doug Figueroa’s reign as student body president and he is up for re-election for yet another semester. Are we as students going to let a registered sex offender rise to the top again? A registered sex offender, establish us, lead us, and worst of all represent us? The answer is yes! Currently, Figueroa has zero competition. No other candidates are running and RCC students have no other choice but to be led by the same person who was once convicted of kidnapping an 11-year-old boy. If there’s one thing we want to believe after all the secrets, it’s that Figueroa and the rest of ASRCC student government is committed to improving RCC, and keeping all the promises they have collectively made. In Figueroa’s speech on why students should re-elect him, he claims that he hopes the student body will accept “rehabilitation” and not believe in the “one-sided” stories that the “media” publish. He demands that the “media” do their research and that the “media” get correct facts. During the candidates’ forum April 18, the “media” were mentioned in almost every question Figueroa answered. Figueroa went off on rants about the media, side tracked his answers to questions that did not concern the media, and stumbled on his answers because of pointing out the “media.” “We have been successful regardless of what’s going on in the media and shame on you for reporting things that you don’t even know what the heck you’re talking about. Get the facts, do your research, get the police reports, know what the heck your talking about.” said Figueroa. This comment was at the end of his answer to the question on what he plans to do about the notoriously small election voter turn out. In his one minute closing statement, he chooses to use his time to call out the media, instead of addressing

SPORTS EDITOR Travis West viewpoints.sports@gmail.com FEATURES EDITOR James Williams viewpoints.features@gmail.com PHOTO EDITOR Luis Solis viewpoints.photo@gmail.com ONLINE EDITOR Benjamin Hernandez viewpoints.online@gmail.com

STAFF Alyssa Aldrete Diego Alvarez Ashley Anderson Amanda Arroway Shani Booker Marissa Bostick Cypress Calderon Derek Cannon Tim Cornell John Dela Cuesta Devon Everett Sam Finch Dominique Franklin Rikki Frohmader Max Gutierrez Mark Howard

Jarred Jackson Ashley Martindale Michelle Mathis Iyanna Matthews Gary Navarrette Colleen Olsen Aida Ortega Patrick Richardson Seles Rodriguez Usman Siddiqui Celeste Walter Michael Walter Amanda Waring Roshanika Williams Autumn Yi Juliana Zapata

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR

Letters to the editor should be kept to 250 words or less. Deliver letters to the Viewpoints office in the room behind the Assessment Building. Viewpoints reserves the right to edit letters for space and to reject libelous or obscene letters. Letters to the editor and columns represent the opinions of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the entire Viewpoints staff, Viewpoints faculty advisers, student government, faculty, administration nor the Board of Trustees.

important issues. “I’m here to state that people should state the facts. Not their assumptions, not their fallacies that they have going on. We’re in an institution of learning, do your research. What comes out of your mouth shouldn’t be... Scratch that. I’m sure the media is going to screw that one up too. I don’t know where I was going with that. Have a field day, media” he said. It seems that his main concern about the whole ordeal is that the story was exposed in the first place. This is something that he probably wanted to be kept a secret between him, Riverside police, ASRCC, and the RCC administration. As for right now, the cat is out of the bag and students should be given statements that are more than attacks at the media. He mentions rehabilitation, but he does not mention whether or not he has achieved rehabilitation for his actions. Implying is not enough; explanations are required for a matter as massive as this. “One-sided” stories are published because Figueroa refuses to comment when questions are asked. He even went out of his way to say that he does not welcome the media in his office. “I have always had an open door policy. There have been students who come to my office and express their concern and I have been open. Not once have I denied the ability for anybody, except for media, to come to my office,” Figueroa said. He released a statement that is published on the ASRCC website as well as Viewpoints’ website, but refused to answer any further questions that were asked by the reporters on our staff. He states, “Do not let life’s mishaps define who you have to be.” Picking up a child in the desert and taking him to a motel, as reported by The Press Enterprise, is more than a “life mishap.” He is belittling the crime he was convicted of and not taking proper action that is required for this situation. To commit a crime as serious as this, then to ask for understanding and acceptance from roughly 19,000 students – according to 2011 data– without explanation is entirely insulting to the student body. Votes have not been counted, heck; they haven’t even been made, however, being that Figueroa is the one candidate standing, one can only assume we’ll have yet another semester of a sex offender representing us.

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

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Vol. XCI, No. 11

April 4, 2013

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Viewpoints is a public forum, First Amendment newspaper. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. © 2013 by the Viewpoints staff, Riverside City College, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA. 92506-0528. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the Viewpoints Editor-in-Chief.

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Campus Conversations How do you feel about your student body president being a registered sex offender? Interviews by: James Williams Photos by: Luis Solis and Marissa Bostick “Well he seems to be a good guy and he seems to not want to focus on the past, but he knows what he did was wrong. By the looks of it he hasn’t done it since. Let the past be the past. He served his time.” Nicole WanCowizz

“That would probably be a problem, but who else are we supposed to get if there’s no one else to run.” Christina Martinez

“What’s in someone’s past is in someone’s past. You have to live and let live.” Steven Cobb

“That’s not something that I’m okay with. He definitely doesn’t hold my values.” Eric Gonzalez

“Honesty, it’s not going to stop me from coming to this school, but I don’t agree with it, but I’m not a very judgemental person.” Shauna Christie

For live video feed and more information please visit viewpointsonline.org

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Boston massacare alarms all

Autumn Yi Staff writer

Boston has been hit with a terrible tragedy. On April 15, two bombs went off near the finish line at the Boston Marathon. The blasts killed three people and injured more than 170. The bombs were made inside pressure cookers. Each bomb was packed with nails and shrapnel. Many runners and bystanders who were hit by the blast had to receive amputations. President Barrack Obama addressed America on April 16. He declared that “the American people refuse to be terrorized.” Not long after the bombing, news emerged of attempted murder on the president and Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi. Letters were found to contain traces of ricin, a highly toxic chemical. The atmosphere of fear which gripped America is reminiscent of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut only four months ago. These events force citizens to ask themselves if they still feel safe in America. The Boston Marathon was in its 117th year. A beloved tradition, as citizens from all over the world travel to take part in it.

Celeste Walters / Staff illustrator

Terrorism at the finish line: As hundreds of runners rush to the end of the Boston Marathon on April 15, two bombs exploded, leaving hundreds injured and killing three. A marathon is a cause for celebration. Runners are exerting themselves, spectators are cheering, and the sheer number of people gives a sense of community. Nobody could have had an idea of the horror which would soon grip Boston. America does not feel safe anymore. The incident at the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001 demonstrated that innocent people can die at the hands of religious extremists from

across the globe. Shootings on school campuses have demonstrated that colleges, high schools, or even elementary schools are prime targets for mass murders. “ S t u ff l i k e ( t h e B o s t o n bombing) has been happening, and lately it’s been happening more and more” said Riverside City College student Laura Garcia, who says she does not feel safe in America. It does seem to be happening more and more; from the explosions

at the fertilizer plant in Texas to the attacks in Newton, death on a large scale is everywhere. With the current fascination of zombies and the apocalypse, it seems as if media has caught on to the frenzied worry of some of the citizens. Not everyone agrees, however. Bryan Marin, a student from RCC, acknowledges the tragic events but does not feel anxious about them. “I feel pretty safe, because a lot of these things seem to happen on the East coast.

Usually these things tend to go on at public events and I don’t really have time to do that. But if I ever move away to a high profile city, I’d be a little scared,” says Marin. Other RCC students share Marins sentiment. “You can’t really go around saying, ‘It’s the end of the world! The sky is going to fall.’” Roman Oseguera said. “You just have to go on with your normal day, and keep going.”

Peninsula coast. The crop was cultivated by a Coast Guard service member who could no longer tend his plot of marijuana plants. Originally 4:20-Louis the code name eventually became 4:20. When asked by the Huffington Post, Waldo Steve said, “We never found the patch.” The Waldos also had ties with the popular 70s band the “Grateful Dead” as well as the magazine High Times which took the phrase global. “I started incorporating it into everything we were doing,” High Times editor Steve Hager told the Huffington Post. “Seems like everybody I know who smokes daily or many times in a week, it seems like there is always something going wrong in their life, professionally or in their relationships, financially or something, It’s a lot of fun but it seems like if someone does it too much there is some karmic cost to it.

I never endorsed the use of marijuana but, hey it worked for me,” Waldo Dave included. “I’m sure on my headstone it’ll say: One of the 4:20 guys.” Denver, Colorado hosted the 4:20 festival on Saturday April 20th which is similar to a beer or wine festival complete with awards for taste, appearance and potency of the weed/cannabis. The Denver event was s p o n s o r e d b y H i g h Ti m e s magazine. Snoop Lion, the new reggae and marijuana- loving persona for the rapper better known as Snoop Dogg, received a lifetime achievement award from High Times and the hip-hop group Cypress Hill performed to a soldout concert at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. Denver and Washington are the two states who have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Both states are still waiting for a federal response to the votes and are working on setting up

commercial pot sales, which are still limited to people with certain medical conditions. In the meantime pot/marijuana users are free to share use the drug in small amounts. Perhaps even a political statement by people who want to see the end of marijuana prohibition. Here in California there are three competing measures on the May 21 ballot that has divided L.A.’s lucrative medical cannabis industry. With Proposition D, which would shrink the number of pot shops to about 130, only dispensaries which opened before the adoption of a failed 2007 city moratorium on new shops, would be allowed to continue operating. Proposition D is backed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Club and by a labor union that has organized workers at dozens of older dispensaries. Another Measure F, would place no limit on the number

of pot shops but would require them to submit to city audits, test cannabis for toxins and keep a certain distance from schools, parks, and other dispensaries. Like Proposition D, it would increase taxes on pot sales. The third measure, Initiative Ordinance E, would permit only the older shops but would not raise taxes. It was put on the ballot by a group of older shops and the dispensary employees union, but that coalition has shifted its support to the council backed Proposition D. The measure with the most votes will win but only if it receives more than 50 percent of the vote. If none of the three receive majority approval, they all fail. So, although pot is legal at some state levels and illegal at federal levels now is the time to educate yourself as much as possible to see where and if you agree with a smoke haze that may be headed to a location near you.

Smoky haze may be headed to a city near you

Nishe Butler Opinions editor 4:20 -- not the usual chapter and verse of the Bible, but a holiday celebrated by many, known by some as “Weed Day.” 4:20 dates back to the early 70s when three high school friends referred to as the “Waldos” would meet up after their athletic practice, at the statue of Louis Pasteur outside of their high school at 4:20 P.M., the plan, with map in hand, to locate a particular type of marijuana crop near the Reyes

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8 | April 25, 2013

April 25, 2013 | 9

Serving students since 1922

‘Gather and sing and welcome the spring’ Destiny Rivera Editor-in-chief

The classic story of Mary Lennox and her secret garden has come to life at Riverside City College. “The Secret Garden” was premiered at Performance Riverside April 12 and had shows through April 21. Different from the movie, the show featured 28 musical numbers. Along with the orchestra, vocal harmonies and choral parts from the cast emphasized the emotion and highlighted the important scenes in the play. “I have wanted to direct this musical for some time. The stunning songs and orchestration add the perfect tone to the emotional layers of these characters,” Producer Matt Neves said in a Redlands Daily Facts article. There were also more

characters with a bigger role than just a simple mention. Lily, Mary’s late aunt played by Ashley Grether was one of the ghosts featured in the play. “I love that she gets to be elegant and just kind of float around and I just love singing the music. The music is the best part of the show for me,” Grether said. The two story lines from the past and present could have been confusing to the audience. However, the additional scenes were very informal. The stage setup even had an original twist by using picture frames as stage props in the scenes. They added a unique flare to the entire production. “I think that Matt (Neves) put a really great spin on it with the way he staged everything and the way he had the frames” Grether said. “It’s something that you don’t see usually for the show and so I think it brings in a new flavor to it and it helps you focus on the story

more than the scenery.” A nice treat that the audience found amusing were some humorous comments within the dialog. After having a short conversation with her distant uncle, Mary leaves the scene on a comical note. “Did my mother have any other family?” she asked, as the theater filled with polite giggles. Although the book and the movie have a gloom setting, the story is meant to uplift the and move the audience’s emotions. “There is something for everyone to relate to in this show. It really is a story about love, loss and forgiveness. We’ve all lost someone or something dear in our lives and this play strives to help us remember, cherish and move on. It’s quite beautiful,” Neves said. For a story many grew up reading and watching, it was perfect to have on campus for students to enjoy in their older years.

Crystal klear Photography / Special to Viewpoints

Letter song: Mary

writes a letter to her uncle asking him to return home from his traves in Paris.

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10 | April 25, 2013

Serving students since 1922

Relient K ‘lets it all out’ to its fans and supporters Destiny Rivera Editor-In-chief With spring just starting, weather lately has been so bipolar and consequently, so have the diehard fans of Relient K. Instead of suiting up in a pink tux for prom, it seems like fans should invest in a mood ring. Relient K told fans at previous shows that a new album was in the works and set to release in January 2012. However, January passed and fans grew all the more eager with each passing month. Recently, the band posted several disappointing and equally exciting statements to its Facebook page. On May 11, they announced that the band would be going on a spring tour with Hellogoodbye and William Beckett starting in Birmingham, Alabama on April 24. The majority of the venues are located in the cities and states they missed from their summer 2012 tour. Hellogoodbye, William Beckett and House of Heroes joined Relient K on stage last summer and will be this time around as well, with the exception of House of Heroes.

Meanwhile, John Warne (bassist), Jon Schneck (guitarist) and Ethan Luck (drummer) released a statement on the Relient K Facebook page April 13 saying that they will not be joining Relient K on tour. “This will be the first tour that the Jo(h)n’s have missed in over eight years, and the first that Ethan has missed since he joined the band in 2008.” they said. Two days later another post was added to the Facebook page for clarification. “Life happens. It is difficult to balance families, financial responsibilities, relationships, and the rest of life. Time won’t slow down, and we are all on a journey, becoming the people we are going to be, and figuring out how to live,” the band said “The Jo(h)ns and Ethan are not able to do this upcoming tour. We hope to continue to make records and play shows together in the future.” With that said, the biggest news of all is that their drummer of 5 years is leaving Relient K. On April 21 Ethan Luck, released yet another statement informing the already dissatisfied supporters. “It saddens me, more than you know, to tell you that I have left Relient K. Thank you, from the bottom of my

heart, for the last 5 years. You all made me feel like I was in the band longer than I was.” Luck said. “ Thank you all for taking the time and spending the money to come to the shows, allowing me to have a job in music. Thank you for spending time with me after shows, having good conversation or just saying hello. I am beyond grateful.” The news quickly spread throughout social media and fans instantly expressed their grief on the parting. This is not the first time a member of Relient K departed from the band. According to www.relientknews. com past band members include: Todd Frascone– drums (1998), Stephen Cushman– drums, backing vocals (1998–2000), Brian Pittman– bass (1998–2004) and Dave Douglasdrums, backing vocals (2000-2007). The same day a lyric video for their new song “Don’t Blink” from the upcoming album “Collapsible Lung” went up on Faceook and their YouTube channel. The entire album in now set to release sometime in July. As for now, fans have the new single to keep them content, a spring tour, and a whole new album to look forward to.

Viewpoints Entertainment Calendar April 25 April 26 April 27 April 28 April 29 EVENTS

EVENTS

SMITHSONIAN WEEK at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum starting at 3 p.m.

Zumbathon Charity Event at Bobby Bonds Park Gym at 6 p.m.

Riverside Opera March for Babies Charlie and the Institute Auditions Chocolate at Riverside City at Cesar Chavez Factory at Main College starting Community Library at 2 p.m. Center starting at 6 at 7:30 a.m.

Creedence Clearwater Revisited at the Fox Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m.

RCC Guitar Masters of “Look Who’s Ensemble Harmony Spring Talking” Speaker Concert in the Series 3 at the Concert at the Riverside Art digital library/ Fox Performing Museum starting auditorium starting Arts Center at 6 p.m. at 3 p.m. at 7 p.m.

Annual Candlelight Vigil at the Historic Courthouse downtown at 7 p.m.

EVENTS

Special to Viewpoints: Ana Hartz

Editor’s Pick 2013, so far

EVENTS

James Blake

Overgrown

p.m.

Phoenix

Bankrupt! Beach Fossils

April 30 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 4 EVENTS Cesar Chavez Blood Drive & Health Fair at 9 a.m. at La Sierra University

EVENTS

Clash the Truth

EVENTS

Woodcrest Library Mirage Groove Riverside Arts BIKE with the Blowout Book Sale Walk starting at 7:30 starting at 9 p.m. Mayor at at 10 a.m. at the at Law’s Restaurant p.m. at the Goodwins Organic Riverside Woodcrest Riverside Foods and Drinks Community Library MOVIES Metropolitan “Generation Um..” starting at 9 a.m. Museum CDS MOVIES “The Iceman” LL Cool J “Iron Man 3” UCR 909 Dance “What Maisie Destination STYLE “Authentic” Knew” Fashion Show in at the Fox The Airborne Toxic “Love is All You Downtown Riverside Performing Arts Event Need” at 6 p.m. Center at 6 p.m. “Such Hot Blood”

Toro Y Moi

Anything in Return Wavves

Afraid of Heights

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Inscape

April 25, 2013 | 11

C o a c h e l l a ro c k s t h e d e s e rt David Roman Staff Writer Intense heat, blaring music, and college students with lost inhibitions. Yes, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival came and went again this year. Starting off the music filled weekend on the outdoor theater stage was, locals of southern California band and past Viewpoints featured artists, the White Arrows. The band delivered their promise of a completely revamped live show that included a great light show, Mickey Church donning a neon blue wig half way through and the premiere of a new song titled “City Boy.” Their trippy psychedelic sound coupled with Church’s hazy voice and huge stage persona made for an incredibly enjoyable show that even out-shined their follow up, and past tour-mates The Neighbourhood. Boasting a surprisingly large crowd later the same day, AltJ, a British indie band wildly known for their recent single “Breezeblocks,” rocked the cramped Mojave stage. Performing popular tracks off their debut studio album released last May, Alt-J’s lead singer Joe Newman’s perfect pitch and mesmerizing harmonies translated well in a live setting.

Headlining at the Coachella stage that night were the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who played an energetic eleven song set beginning with “Zero” and ending with their most famous song “Heads Will Roll.” During this song, Karen O connected with the audience in a completely visceral way, evoking her ballistic energy. While the decades old alternative-rock band Blur closed out the night on the main Coachella stage, arguably it was Bassnectar’s closing set at the incredibly fun dance stage Sahara, that made waves as the best show of the night. The Santa Cruz DJ opened his set with “Encore” off his “Wildstyle” EP which got the audience dancing like it was their last night left to live. Going into Saturday, The Violent Femmes reunited for the first time in four years at the main stage, and although the band hasn’t enjoyed huge success for the last couple of decades, the performance of their entire first album got the crowd cheering like it was 1983 all over again. Dominating the rest of the day, the iconic Coachella main stage saw amazing artists such as another past Viewpoints featured band, The Xx, who’s mixed performance of hits and new singles was a fan favorite. Closing out the night was Phoenix who’s highly anticipated

follow up to 2009’s “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” dropped April 22. Continuing the trend of too many acts and too little time, Sunday saw such influential artists like Mexican-American folk singer Rodriguez and popular indie band Vampire Weekend who also were there generating hype for a new album scheduled to be released this May. Their performance of “Diane Young,” which got all the hipsters dancing, was one of the coolest of the weekend. The performance by the internationally known Red Hot Chili Peppers began with their new track “Monarchy of Roses” and they finished it out with classics like “Californiacation” and “By the Way” that got old and new fans singing along together in a display that can only be described as beautiful unity. While you may get a terrible sun burn and the odor of ‘freedom’ stuck in your clothes for weeks after the festival, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one that no other in the nation can compare to. Its unique blend of art, music and southern California fun make it an unforgettable experience. If you find yourself with some spare cash next year, a trip to Indio to see some of the best touring acts is absolutely recommended.

Amanda Arroway / Staff Photos

Body Heat: Shoulders mashing, limbs rhythmically swaying, as some 90,000 fans crowd onto the Coachella festival grounds.

12 | April 25, 2013

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April 25, 2013 | 13

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Rekindled flame inspires vet

Luis Solis / Photo Editor

Time: Riverside City College student Eddadiyah Yisrayl reviewing his notes for a quiz in his math class. Yisrayl is in his first semester of college in over 31 years. James Williams Features Editor 58-year old Air Force veteran, Eddadiyah Yisrayl has returned to college after 31 years. “Last time I attended school was 1982,” he said. Yisrayl did not think school was in his future at his age but explored the opportunity through the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program.

Raised in Philadelphia then moved with his mother at the age of four to Florida, but later joined the Air Force at the age of 20 years old. “When I joined the Air Force, my duty station was March Air Force Reserve Base in Moreno Valley and spent three years there,” he said. Yi s r a y l w a s a s e c u r i t y specialist. He was responsible

for guarding nuclear weapons systems and air crafts with nuclear weapons on them. It was during these three years in the 1970s that he met the women that would years later become his wife. She was also a cousin to his best friend in the Air Force. It was his best friend who introduced him to her. But three years after Yisrayl

arrived in Moreno Valley and met his future wife, he was deployed to Italy. “We split up when I went to Italy, so I did not see her for 27 years,” he said. He spent the last three years of his time serving in Italy, and then he returned back to the United States. “The military persuaded me to do my discharge state-side; I wanted to do it in Europe,” he said. Yisrayl returned back to his home town to be with family in Philadelphia in 1980. Upon his return, he decided to go back to school with the hope of someday returning to Europe. While he never did return to Europe, he did return to Moreno Valley in Aug. 2004, following a chain of events. The events which led to him getting back into contact with his old girlfriend, he had split up with prior to his deployment to Italy. “One day out of the blue when I was in Philadelphia, her cousin called me up,” Yisrayl said. “We were talking but I didn’t hear from him for another year after that.” The following year, Yisrayl received another phone call from him asking if he can give his number to his cousin.

Shortly the two were speaking on a regular basis for the first time in 27 years. Yisrayl flew to Moreno Valley to spend the month there. They got back together then moved in with her. The couple got married in Oct. of 2005. “She is the one I always said I should have married,” he said. “I was thinking it was a mistake that I did not.” After moving in and getting married, he tried looking for a job around the Inland Empire. After several years working back on the base doing security, he returned to school to focus on the air conditioning program, with the hopes of working toward a certificate. Yisrayl states that the education system now has a greater impact. “Strike while the iron is hot, come out of high school and continue with higher learning,” Yisrayl said. “Get as far in education as fast as possible. You need it now.” He also has a message for all students entering college or that are currently at college as well. “When I came out of high school you did not need a college degree to make a decent living. Now you cannot do anything without a college degree,” he said.

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Serving students since 1922

14 | April 25, 2013

SPORTS

“The great trouble with baseball today is that most of the players are in the game for the money and that’s it, not for the love of it, the excitement of it, the thrill of it.” - Ty Cobb

State title hopes hang in the balance Riverside City College softball reaches the top the Orange Empire Conference just two weeks before state championships

Travis West Sports Editor

The Riverside City College softball team will begin its run at a state title tied for the No. 1 state ranking with College of San Mateo according to the most recent coaches’ poll. Right behind the Tigers are their conference rival Cypress College sitting in third. The Tigers took on the Chargers for the final time this season on April. 12. Cypress College has won the past three state championships, making every game against them a measuring stick to how close the Tigers are from winning their own. The game was a battle with both teams looking for their first run. Cypress would score first in the top of the fourth. The Chargers were able to get their bats working just enough to get one run batted in (RBI) and capitalized on a Tiger fielding error to score their second run of the inning. With just two inning left, the Tigers responded in a big way in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Tigers had a total of six RBI’s in the game. Five of them came in the fifth. Katherine Macias and Gina Girijalva finished the game with one RBI each. Desiree Broussard’s double to left field in the fifth inning brought in three runs and put the Tigers over the top as the Tigers went on to shut down the Chargers the rest of the game with the score of 6-2. Broussard didn’t finish in the fifth, just for good measure she decided to tally one more RBI in the bottom of the sixth. Broussard finished with one run, two hits and four RBI’s in three at bats. The season series that was once tied at 1-1, now favors the

Michael Walter / staff photographer

tOSS UP: Riverside is looking to win its first state championship in softball with a stellar 35-3 record 14-0 at home Tigers. Although the Tigers have had success against the three time state champion Chargers, they have stuggled against an opponent they dominated early in the season. Santiago Canyon College delivered the Tigers their third loss of the season on April 17. In the closely contested matchup, the Hawks kept the Tigers to three runs all game. In the bottom of the seventh the Hawks were able to win the

game with a solo shot home run by SCC’s Taylor Ousley that put the Hawks up for good by score of 4-3. The Tigers got back to their winning ways quickly after the loss with a mercy rule victory in only six innings over the Golden West Rustlers 9-0 on April 20 and a win over Mt. San Antonio College 5-4. The Tigers will play host to their first opponent at regionals on May 4-5.

N atioN a l UNi v er sit y

2013 state softball coaches poll School

Rank

Riverside City College

No. 1

San Mateo College

No. 1

Cypress College

No. 3

Mt. San Antonio

No. 3

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April 25, 2013 | 15

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Sports

Men’s tennis This month in Tiger Athletics prepped for Baseball Track and Field Men’s Tennis regionals and state Season Record 24-11

Conference 13-7

Last Game: Apr. 23 at Saddleback Win 7-1

After achieving much individual and team success in the season finishing undefeated in its conference, RCC men’s tennis will attempt to add one more accolade to its year when they travel to Ojai for the individual regional and state finals to finish off their campaign. As a team, the Tigers finished 18-3 overall and 10-0 in the Orange Empire Conference (OEC), making them the top team in the OEC. The team also competed well against Ventura, which is one of the two teams that are regarded as the best tennis teams in Southern California. The No. 4 seed Tigers feel to No. 1 Ventura College Pirates in the Southern California Semi finals to end their season as a team. the Tandem of Gobatie and Danny Garcia handed Ventura No. 1 doubles tandem Cameron Lee and Vitor Mendes their first loss of the season. The Tigers went 3-3 in individual play but went 2-1 in doubles to lose 5-4. Ventura College doubles Hans Baumstark and Tom Douglass defeated RCC doubles Aliaksandr Pesniak and Ulises Banos 8-2. Doubles played first giving Ventura a 2-1 lead going into individual play. Ventura won individual matches one, two and five to clinch the match for the Pirates. As individuals, the players have excelled with five of them going to the singles and doubles Individual State Championships to try and hoist the state trophy. In the OEC individual tournament at Fullerton College, sophomore Jordan Gobatie was crowned OEC champion when the tournament concluded on April 13. Gobatie performed exceptionally well in singles play to further solidify his individual success this year and was awarded the opportunity to study at Northern Arizona University while contributing his skills to its tennis program. Head coach Jim Elton is given a good amount of credit from his players for the team’s success. The players feel like he did a great job with the team under a bit of adversity, as it was never viewed as a big

Conference 10-0

Last Game: April 16 vs. Ventura Loss 5-1

Season Record 0-0

Conference 0-0

Next Event : Apr. 26 OEC Finals @ Santa Ana

L 2-1

Apr. 4

vs San Diego

W 9-0

Apr. 9

SoCal Hep/Dec at Cerritos

Apr. 6

RCC vs.Cypress W 3-2

Apr. 5

vs San Diego Mesa

L 5-4

Apr. 13

at San Antonio Relays

Apr. 9

vs. Golden West

Apr. 9

SoCal Quarterfinals W 5-1

Apr. 19

OEC Prelims

Apr. 11

at Golden West W 3-2

Apr. 11

OEC Tournament

Apr. 26

OEC Finals

Apr. 12

vs Orange Coast W 4-2

Apr. 16

SoCal Semifinals

May 4

SoCal Prelims

Apr. 16

at Orange Coast W 5-4

Apr. 20

SoCal Finals

May 11

SoCal Finals

Apr. 18

at Santa Ana

W 8-6

Apr. 24

at Ojai State finals

May 17

at San Mateo State finals

Apr. 20

vs Santa Ana

W 5-0

Apr. 25

State finals

Apr. 23

at Saddleback

W 7-1

Apr. 25

vs Saddleback

May 3

regionals first round

RCC at Cypress

Apr. 4

Usman Siddiqui Asst. Sports Editor

Season Record 18-3

L 3-2

Softball Season Record 35-3

L 5-1

Swim/Dive

Women’s Tennis Conference 17-3

Season Record 15-3-1

Conference 8-1

Last Game: Apr. 2 vs. Orange Coast: Win 7-2

Last Game: Apr. 3 at Saddleback Apr. 3

at Saddleback

W 2-0

Mar. 19

at Cypress

W 7-2

Apr. 5

at Orange Coast

W 7-0

Mar. 28

vs. Saddleback

W 7-2

Apr. 10

vs Santa Ana

W 4-2

Apr. 2

vs. Orange Coast W 7-2

Apr. 12

vs. Cypress

W 6-2

Apr. 4

at El Camino

L 7-2

Apr. 13

vs Citrus

W 15-0

Apr. 9

vs. Palomar

W 5-1

Apr. 16

vs Palomar

W 5-4

Apr. 16

at Mt. San Antonio W 5-3

Apr. 17

at Santiago Canyon L 4-3

Apr. 20

vs. Fullerton SoCal

Apr. 20

at Golden West

Apr. 22

vs Mt. San Antonio W 5-4

Apr. 24

vs Fullerton

W 9-0

threat by other teams. Though Gobatie is leaving the Tigers, he is happy with the success he amassed with his team in his final season with the program. “The tennis team did really well this season. We gave the top ranked tennis team in Southern California a run for their money in the regional playoff,” he said. “All in all a very solid season considering the underdog status we had going in to playoffs.” The chemistry of the team is credited by both the players and the coaches. “The team fought hard this year and it was a pleasure playing with them,” Gobatie said. He acknowledged that with this being the last season he would play at RCC, he had high hopes for the season and wanted to leave his time with the Tigers on a positive note. The Tigers will now prepare for the Ojai Regional and State Championships in singles and doubles on April 25.

Regionals

Season Record 6-1

Conference 5-1

Next Game: State championships @ East LA

Apr. 5

at. RCC Invitational

Apr. 12-13

at El Camino

OEC Dive Championships

Apr. 18

OEC champioships at Golden West

Apr. 25 L 5-3

State Championships at East LA

Tiger sports briefs Baseball - Riverside City College men’s baseball team is currently sitting at a 2411 overall record including 13-7 in conference play. They have won six straight games including wins against Golden West, Orange Coast, and Santa Ana. The Tigers sit one game behind the Fullerton College Hornets in the Orange Empire conference. They have one regular season game left against Saddleback on April 25. Regional Finals first round will begin on May 3. Women’s Tennis - The RCC Women’s Tennis team’s stellar season came to an abrupt end in the Dual Team Southern California regional championships on April 20. The Tigers lost to the Fullerton Hornets 5-3. The Tigers were 15-3-1 overall including 9-1 in conference play. Their lone conference loss came against Fullerton on Feb. 26. The Tigers will compete in the Ojai individual tournament next week. Men’s Tennis - The Tigers Golf team placed 3rd at their most recent match at the Green River Golf Course on April 17. The Tigers had a team score of 269, six strokes behind the leader, Orange Coast College. The team’s overall record is 30-26, one win behind third place. They will have a chance to grab third place in their last regular season match at the Orange Empire Conference Championships on April 29. Men’s track and field - The Riverside City College men’s track and field team continued its dominance this season with the Mt. Sac invitational on April 13. The Tigers triumphed in every event. This was the last event before the Orange Empire Conference pre-lims and championships on April 19 and 26 at Santa Ana College. The team will look to capture its fifth state championship in six years. Based off of how the Tigers are playing, it would be a major upset if the team did not win the state championship.

Micheal Walter / Staff photographer

going for the Jugular: Belarus native, Aliaksandr Pesniak has helped the men’s tennis team reach the top of the OEC with an 18-3 record.

16| April 25, 2013

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