March 24, 2008 Since 1949 Volume CXV, edition 5 INSIDE DUI leads to accident, arrest-page 4 Bus rider’s Diary -page 9 Organics found locally- page 12 by Ivette Lopez and Eddie Ortiz Rampage Reporters See ‘Stewardship’ page 4 Auc Lac offers a healthy alternative-page 9 See ‘UCLA’ page 5 Otis Murphy delivers a grand show- page 6 by Cynthia Moreno by Joseph Rios Views Editor -Joseph Rios Editor in Chief Editor in Chief Photo by Joseph Rios
INSIDE Ram page March 24, 2008 Since 1949 Volume CXV, edition 5 Fresno City College by Joseph Rios Editor in Chief Practice, Practice, Practice... Police prepare for The Worst Special Edition Think about it. How often do you worry about polluting the air or planting a tree? Truth is, you probably worry more about getting parking and passing your classes more than you do about the environment. However, experts say that we need to begin to worry just how much we’re polluting the air each day. We need to stop driv- ing around the parking lot for ten minutes trying to park and begin to notice how little trees we have on campus. Gerard Bill and Nancy Gutierrez, both social science professors at Fresno City Col- lege, are activists that support the campus becoming more green. Ac- cording to Bill, what Fresno City needs is leadership from the top. If the administration began giving students reasons to carpool or ride bicycles such as monetary rewards for those who do so, then maybe the campus would shift towards thinking green. Gutierrez said that there are ways to receive cleaner energy such as solar and wind. She also said that things would change if people would “not be so hung up on driving themselves.” “We have no incentives. We don’t carpool; we have no incentive for carpooling and our parking lots are overcrowded,” said Bill. “It’s easier to ignore than to make changes. It’s always easier to live in denial and pretend that there’s not a problem,” Gutierrez added. Bill as well as other col- leagues in the Social Science division are tryimg to do some- thing about FCC’s enviromental state. They drafted a letter to Dr. Doffoney about the various com- plaints they had and suggestions of new ideas for the preservation of our planet. Among those were free bus passes to students, reduc- ing parking fees to those who carpool, and even providing an air-hose for those students that ride their bicycles to school. The letter, which circulated for about a month back in 2005, was sent to the college president, but none of the recomended changes have been by Ivette Lopez and Eddie Ortiz Rampage Reporters How GREEN is FCC? Photo by Joseph Rios IDILE Success Story: Andrew Scott leads the way by Cynthia Moreno Views Editor “If you were to see my high school transcripts, you would think that I would become nothing more than a mall security guard” said Andrew Scott. Barely graduating from Hoover High School and Fresno City College, nothing skewed Andrew’s view from pursuing his life long dream: to become a doctor. Bad study skills and a lack of motivation resulted in poor grades. It was highly unlikely that he would pursue a college degree in his future, much less, a medical degree. Some of his high school teachers and counselors discour- aged him from his pursuit. Mentors voiced their low expectations of him announced that if his school performance continued to stoop, he would not graduate from high school. It was this strike of reality that led to a turn-around in his academic career. Counselors would ask in- credulously, “Do you want to be a doctor? Maybe you should look at other options.” Options he found. After high school, he attempted to enroll in classes at Fresno City College that consisted of rigorous science, math and biology courses; they found out that he was not eligible because of his poor grades. A Fresno City College counselor simply said “No,”. Instead, he was enrolled in English, art and music classes- all of which he failed. “I just knew that I wanted to be a chemist and I wanted to take classes that would gear me towards that direction,” he said. His newfound strength came to life when the counselors from the Idile Program reached out to him. It was this program that opened the doors of opportunity, Otis Murphy delivers a grand show- page 6 In the post-Columbine era, no campus is immune to potential violent attacks. Fresno City Col- lege is no different. This is why SCCD Police sets aside time to train its offi- cers in what they call an “Active Shooter” scenario. While students enjoyed spring break last week, District Police trained alongside Fresno Police Department mem- bers in just such a scenario. Stand-ins posing as students and attackers took over the Busi- ness Education building and tested the departments’ response. Officers rushed the build- ing toting handguns and semi- automatic rifles. They swept each room and floor all the while trying to keep in close contact with each other. This, Callahan said, they need to work on. In that sort of fast-paced situation, Callahan said, it’s tough to talk and pursue at the same time. “You’re never going to be perfect,” said District Police Chief Joe Cal- lahan. “Our job is to get it as close to perfect as possible.” During a huddle after the first scenario, officers spoke about problems getting the informa- tion they needed as they probed through the building. In the event of an attack, District Police would more than likely take down the attacker with the help of the first responding of- ficers from FPD. The group spoke about the necessity of cohesion after the first scenario. On the one hand, FPD has more experience handling such a See ‘Hostage’ page 3 See ‘UCLA’ page 5 See ‘Stewardship’ page 4 Officers Greg Becker, Curtis Bunch, and Dena Reyes arrest Robert Sack during a hostage scenario. Auc Lac offers a healthy alternative-page 9 Organics found locally- page 12 DUI leads to accident, arrest-page 4 Bus rider’s Diary -page 9 his special edition of the Rampage was inspired by the Associated Stu- dent Government’s “Green Week” which begins today. To commemorate the event, the Rampage has devoted much of its 20-page edition to all things “green.” Also, readers will be happy to know that this edition, along with every edition from now on, will be printed on 40 percent recycled paper. T -Joseph Rios Editor in Chief
Think about it. How often do you worry about polluting the air or planting a tree? Truth is, you probably worry more about getting parking and passing your classes more than you do about the environment.
However, experts say that we need to begin to worry just how much we’re polluting the air each day. We need to stop driv-ing around the parking lot for ten minutes trying to park and begin to notice how little trees we have on campus.
Gerard Bill and Nancy Gutierrez, both social science professors at Fresno City Col-lege, are activists that support the campus becoming more green. Ac-cording to Bill, what Fresno City needs is leadership from the top. If the administration began giving students reasons to carpool or ride bicycles such as monetary rewards for those who do so, then maybe the campus would shift towards thinking green.
Gutierrez said that there are ways to receive cleaner energy
such as solar and wind. She also said that things would change if people would “not be so hung up on driving themselves.”
“We have no incentives. We don’t carpool; we have no incentive for carpooling and our parking lots are overcrowded,” said Bill.
“It’s easier to ignore than to make changes. It’s always easier to live in denial and pretend that there’s not a problem,” Gutierrez added.
Bill as well as other col-leagues in the Social Science division are tryimg to do some-thing about FCC’s enviromental state. They drafted a letter to Dr. Doffoney about the various com-plaints they had and suggestions of new ideas for the preservation of our planet.
Among those were free bus passes to students, reduc-ing parking fees to those who carpool, and even providing an air-hose for those students that ride their bicycles to school. The letter, which circulated for about a month back in 2005, was sent to the college president, but none of the recomended changes have been
by Ivette Lopez
and Eddie Ortiz
Rampage Reporters
HowGREEN
isFCC?Photo by Joseph Rios
IDILE Success Story: Andrew Scott leads the wayby Cynthia Moreno
Views Editor
“If you were to see my high school transcripts, you would think that I would become nothing more than a mall security guard” said Andrew Scott.
Barely graduating from Hoover High School and Fresno City College, nothing skewed Andrew’s view from pursuing his life long dream: to become a doctor.
Bad study skills and a lack of motivation resulted in poor grades. It was highly unlikely that he would pursue a college degree in his future, much less, a medical degree.
Some of his high school teachers and counselors discour-aged him from his pursuit. Mentors voiced their low expectations of him announced that if his school performance continued to stoop, he would not graduate from high school.
It was this strike of reality that led to a turn-around in his academic career.
Counselors would ask in-credulously, “Do you want to be a doctor? Maybe you should look at other options.”
Options he found. After high school, he attempted to enroll in classes at Fresno City College that consisted of rigorous science, math and biology courses; they found out that he was not eligible because of his poor grades. A
Fresno City College counselor simply said “No,”. Instead, he was enrolled in English, art and music classes- all of which he failed.
“I just knew that I wanted to be a chemist and I wanted to take classes that would gear me towards that direction,” he said.
His newfound strength came to life when the counselors from the Idile Program reached out to him. It was this program that opened the doors of opportunity,
Otis Murphy delivers a
grand show- page 6
In the post-Columbine era, no campus is immune to potential violent attacks. Fresno City Col-lege is no different.
This is why SCCD Police sets aside time to train its offi-cers in what they call an “Active Shooter” scenario. While students enjoyed spring break last week, District Police trained alongside Fresno Police Department mem-bers in just such a scenario.
Stand-ins posing as students
and attackers took over the Busi-ness Education building and tested the departments’ response.
Officers rushed the build-ing toting handguns and semi-automatic rifles. They swept each room and floor all the while trying to keep in close contact with each other. This, Callahan said, they need to work on.
In that sort of fast-paced situation, Callahan said, it’s tough to talk and pursue at the same time. “You’re never going to be perfect,” said District Police Chief Joe Cal-lahan. “Our job is to get it as close
to perfect as possible.”During a huddle after the
first scenario, officers spoke about problems getting the informa-tion they needed as they probed through the building.
In the event of an attack, District Police would more than likely take down the attacker with the help of the first responding of-ficers from FPD. The group spoke about the necessity of cohesion after the first scenario.
On the one hand, FPD has more experience handling such a
See ‘Hostage’ page 3
See ‘UCLA’ page 5
See ‘Stewardship’ page 4
Officers Greg Becker, Curtis Bunch, and Dena Reyes arrest Robert Sack during a hostage scenario.
Auc Lac offers a healthy
alternative-page 9
Organics found locally-
page 12
DUI leads to accident, arrest-page 4
Bus rider’s Diary -page 9
his special edition of the Rampage was inspired by the Associated Stu-
dent Government’s “Green Week” which begins today. To commemorate the event, the Rampage has devoted much of its 20-page edition to all things “green.” Also, readers will be happy to know that this edition, along with every edition from now on, will be printed on 40 percent recycled paper.
T
-Joseph RiosEditor in Chief
March 24, 20082 Rampage Letters
RAMPAGE
FRESNO CITY COLLEGE
1101 E. UNIVERSITY AVE.FRESNO, CA 93741
Rampage is an award-win-
ning newspaper published biweekly by
the Fresno City College Journalism 4
& 5 programs and is a member of the
Journalism Association of Community
Colleges. Views expressed in The Ram-
page are those of the individual writers
and do not necessarily reflect those
of Fresno City College, its students,
administration or the State Center Com-
munity College District.
Reporters
Editor-in-chief: Joseph A. RiosNews Editor: Joseph A. Rios
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Letter from the Editor in ChiefJoseph Rios speaks frankly about The Rampage and his vision for the student-
ran publication
Photo by Jeannie Batey
Issue five marks the twelfth consecutive issue of my tenure as the editor in chief of The Ram-page.
I have been a reporter for the paper since I first walked onto this campus in the Fall of 2005 – which means Dympna Ugwu-Oju and I have been together since the beginning.
Of course, I was not the student then that I am now. No, like many 18 year old freshman, I did not know where I was going in life and I hadn’t the initiative to make any of my dreams come true.
However, I knew that I wanted to write. That much was certain.
In time, I met a few pit-falls, found a bit of success, and received a whole lot of direction from those older and wiser. The chips of my then tumultuous life began to fall in my favor and an editorial position started looking better and better.
I took over as the sports editor in the spring of 2007. I fol-lowed an editor who made to many mistakes and didn’t take his job seriously. I sought to rectify that.
I tried to heal our ties with the wrestling team after they won the state championship and we wrote nothing about them. As a small band-aid for an already mortal wound, I wrote about the tournament in the first issue of the spring semester (weeks after the tournament had taken place). Sorry guys, I still kick myself for that one.
Luckily, Fresno City Col-lege had a win horse in the men’s basketball team that season. I cov-ered the daylights out of them.
When they finally won the title, I spent much of my spring break (as I am right now) putting the special edition together. I re-ally hope they enjoyed that issue as much as I did creating it. It was
a hell of a ride.The following semester, I
took on the big title: EIC. I had high hopes for the
direction of the paper. From the outset, I told the reporters that we were going to set the bar a lot higher. The old ways would simply not do.
I made it my mission to get better every issue. The writing had to get better. The coverage had to be more thorough. The photos had to be more compelling. And the design had to be flawless.
Those with any recollection of the past know that the paper is very much different than it has been in recent years. My hope is that the paper has grown for the better and that it continues to do so.
If it hasn’t, than the hours spent on campus with only the custodians to keep me company will have been a waste.
I know the criticisms many of our readers have of the paper.
Every issue, many of you run to find the latest spelling blun-der and typographical error. Others might look at the student-ran pub-lication as a joke, a sham, or even an insult to journalism itself.
To you I say: walk a mile in my shoes. Better yet, walk a block or two and tell me how it feels to carry the weight of 20,000 voices upon your back and then be expected to listen to and reiterate their message to the masses.
After that, learn what it is like to sit (as I am now) and work well into the night and early
morning pouring your heart and soul into an ideal, only to have it mocked for its shortcomings.
What ideal you ask? The Rampage is the only student-ran publication on this campus. It is truly, the only liberated voice students have and can call their own.
Students pick the stories, write the stories, shoot the pho-tos, and design the pages. Every creative decision and policy deci-sion is made by, for, and with the students in mind.
When students have a prob-lem, we are someone they can turn to. When they have a question, we are there to find the answers. When their voices go unheard, we are there to sound the trumpet.
I take this and everything we do very, very seriously.
There’s a reason why the media is called the fourth branch of government. Here at FCC, that branch is us and we are not going anywhere.
The criticism I find most alarming comes not from students, but faculty. In an institution where education and learning is the goal, the encouragement of our students should always be a goal. Sadly, this is not always the case.
Granted, many faculty members have showered us with kind and assuring words.
Others, though, seem to find joy in tearing down the work of a class full of students in their late teens and early twenties.
Sure, I take full responsibil-ity for our failures, but some of the
words are just harsh and loaded with ill will. I can only hope that this sort of destructive criticism does not find its way into their respected classrooms.
I am well aware of the spell-ing errors. I have lost sleep over some of the mistakes that have been published.
However, when a staff member says, “The Rampage has not had any comics lately, but I get enough laughs from the articles,” he or she might want to reexamine their role as an educator on this campus.
These sorts of comments do not belong in an educational setting. I can overlook students’ questionable comments. They are our peers and are welcome to con-tinue critiquing the work of their fellow students.
I will not condone com-ments of this sort from faculty, though, or write off as part of the business.
I put too much time into what comes out every two weeks to remain quiet. This, pathetic as it may be, is my life and my life is this paper. An attack upon this publication is to attack something near and dear to me.
No matter.I will continue to devote
every ounce of me to the better-ment of this publication. And I will continue to do everything in my mortal power to address issues that impact the student body. And I will set a course for excellence.
Now, you can either help us get there or get out of the way.
Rampage Editor in Chief Joseph Rios sits at his desk and reviews recent submissions to the paper.
This is a great program and it’s a positive step towards helping our environment.
They are definitely going the right direction by starting with the students who will be the future of this planet.
HOWEVER, I do not agree that these steps will help our planet fight Global Warming and I think that you are preaching false infor-mation by showing the students the Al Gore documentary.
However compelling it may sound and however humanizing it is for us to take the responsibility for messing up our environment, the truth is that it really isn’t our actions that have caused this envi-ronmental phenomenon.
I think that as a Newspaper and the ASG being a student gov-ernment, should check their facts and go with the truth however unpopular it may seem.
I think that, yes, we have to take care of the world that we live
in and, yes, in the grand scheme of things, we have done our environ-ment wrong BUT it is not the kind of truth that the media and Al Gore is stretching.
I think that to truly define the positive steps you are taking and to make the program a real success, you must uncover the truth about the real phenomenon that surround our environment.
Good luck with your future endeavors.
-Anonymous
Student for real issuesAs a student of this school,
I would like to start off by saying that your publication is not as open-minded as you think.
First off, in the fall of 2006, when I tried to submit an article I was met with harsh harsh criti-cism.
Second, you the editor didn’t bother to contact me to tell if my article was ready for submission. I know now it was be-cause you’re bias towards a black woman’s point of view.
I not talking about white-
washing my point of view either. I know that if I was a young white male I wouldn’t have been disre-spected in such a manner. But I know that Rampage covers bias matter.
“B” is a single mother of two young boys; she attends Fresno City College part time and works hard everyday, but she holds a dark secret, she’s a registered sex offender.
She fears being branded a “rapist” or a “pedophile” and instead has chosen to use an alias instead to her birth name.
“B” is one of the 49 PC 290 registrants on the State Center Com-munity College District website and approached the Rampage to clarify her situation.
She says there are different levels of offenders, and she wants people to know she isn’t a serious threat to anyone or children.
Statistics show that 25 per-cent of women all cases involving sexual attraction to prepubescent children are women. “B” is part of that statistics.
The media have also por-trayed women who commit sexual molestation with a child as being school teachers. “B” isn’t a school teacher; she’s just a regular person who made what she describes as a “mistake” that she must live with everyday of her life. She lives with the stigma, finger-pointing, and oth-ers’ repulsion for a mistake she made many years ago.
In 1996 “B” was convicted of solicitation of a lewd act; she kissed a 17 year-old girl. She was 23 at the time.
She said she didn’t know it was wrong to kiss the minor.
According to “B”, no sexual activity took place; it was a consen-sual kiss between the two parties.
She was in a relationship with the minor at the time.
At the time the kiss took place, “B” and her husband were go-ing through a nasty custody battle.Bitter and hurt, her husband turned her into authorities at Kings County where the crime took place.
According to “B”, her hus-band told the police the two engaged in more than just a kiss, and in fact had sex. Obviously, this didn’t sit well with the police, so the 23-year-old was arrested and spent 30 days in jail along with three years of probation.
“30 days in jail is all the time I plan on spending in jail,” said “B”. “It changed me.”
She doesn’t mind having her criminal record available to the public because she’s open about her past; however, she feels people who have committed harsher crimes have not faced the permanent shame she is facing currently.
Every year, five days before her birthday, she has to register on the Megan’s law site; last month, she applied to get off Megan’s Law, but she’s still on the site.
“B” says her reputation has been tainted.
She says instead of people looking at her as a mother of two, she’s looked at as a “pedophile”. Because of her past, her relation-ships are affected negatively.
She says she tells the person she’s with about being a registered offender immediately.
“They might not want to know, but I would rather tell them right away, opposed to them find-ing out on their own,” she said. “It would look like I was hiding something.”
Her responsibility to regis-ter as a sex offender is a lifetime requirement. There are a total of 18 registration requirements she must agree to fulfilling.
They include: registration within five working days of release from incarceration, placement, commitment, or release on pro-bation; updating her registration information five days before her birthday, and submitting DNA samples as well as fingerprints and full palm prints.
“I’m constantly looking over my shoulder,” said “B”. “If I mess up once, I go back to jail.”
According to “B”, there are limitations when it comes to apply-ing for employment and choosing a career.
Legally she can’t be around schools and children; this is particu-larly hard for the mother of seven and 14 year old.
“I feel less of a mother,” stated “B”. “I can’t volunteer at their schools or go on field trips with them. Teachers ask me if I can help out on projects, but I can’t.”
According to childprotec-tion.lifetips.com, there isn’t a cure for pedophilia or child pedophiles, but there is treatment. Therapy and a combination of some sort of
medication treatment have been successful.
Experts do not agree on the cause or causes of pedophilia.
According to “B” as a child she endured tremendous physical abuse which might have affected her thinking and maturity level.
“I was a 23 year-old, but I was thinking like a 16 to 17 year-old because I had a 16 to 17 year-old mentality; I thought I was at the same level she was at (the minor),” she said.
“B” has been attending ther-apy to address her personal demons head on.
She doesn’t go to parks or schools; she has been following the registration requirements and has condemned pedophilia and child molestation.
“B” says she faces being homeless in the coming weeks, but she can’t stay in a homeless shelter.
It’s easier to believe that the “dirty old man in the park”, rather than the clean cut doctor down the street, is a pedophile.
The truth is it’s not clear who fits the description of a “pe-dophile” or “child molester”. It can be anyone -- old or young, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, professional or non-professional, any race, or any gender.
Even though “B’s” reputa-tion has been damaged, she says she’ll continue to fight against the stereotypes of a sex offender.
Registered sex offenders are not all alikeby Eddie Ortiz
Rampage Reporters
tactical response, but District Po-lice would be the first to respond and the most familiar with the campus. The key is teamwork.
“If you go in there and take him down with just two guys, you’re a hero,” one officer from FPD said. “If you don’t, you’re a victim.”
Callahan said that they would only need four guys to make the initial response. As soon as they can gather any four officers, they get into a diamond formation and move on the suspect.
The second scenario leaned on the help of the visiting hostage negotiators. Robert Sack of Alliant International University played the hostage taker. In the scene, he had grown angry with his instructor who he said was, “a liar.”
He tied his instructor, Jana Price-Sharps also of Alliant, to a chair in the classroom and threat-ened to kill her.
Sharps managed to put a call into District Police and so began the scenario. A radio wired to the police channel came to life with chatter.
Soon, “Bob” was talking it out with the hostage negotiators. He would say things like, “I want just go home” and “I know how this works; I’ve seen it on TV.”
In time, the team wore him down and exited the building with-out harming anyone. Officers with their weapons drawn awaited his arrival outside the bookstore.
Hostage situation ends peacefullyContinued from page 1
March 24, 20084 Rampage
adopted or implemented. There are those, however,
who believe that the campus is environmentally friendly. John Parks, an instructor teaching air conditioning here on campus said the campus had spent about $13 million dollars on higher efficiency supplies. Among the things bought were automatic sensors for sinks, as well as other power saving equipment around campus.
Ned Doffoney, president of Fresno City College, said there is room for improvement. He stated that the Associated Student Gov-ernment’s action for the go green campaign is taking “responsible action.” He also said that he urges students to be environmentally conscious and to be respectful of the earth.
Numerous FCC students have also voiced their opinions on
the subject. Michelle Williams majoring in Food Nutrition and Gina Torres majoring in Com-munications both agree that the college is not green enough.
“They should put trash cans in the parking lot,” said Williams.
One idea that the students had was putting up cameras and ticketing those who are seen lit-tering.
All in all, Fresno City College has begun drafting ideas, but the execution of such has not been too successful. It is up to both students and faculty to re-ally achieve the goal of becoming more environmentally friendly to preserve the planet.
In the words of President Doffoney, “We have one world, we need to make sure we’re good stewards.”
Continued from Page 1
Stewardship is the keyPhoto by Joseph Rios
Cars lined up in the southside parking lot try to exit just after noon.
What began as a simple ride back home from her grand-mother’s house ended up a child’s worst nightmare for three year old Maddie Cahill.
At approximately 3:10 p.m. March 5, Cahill and her uncle, Scott Autry, were driv-ing down McKinley Avenue in a white Dodge Stratus when Autry, who was under the influence of an unknown substance, collided with three automobiles parked along the boundary of Fresno City College.
According to a witness named Terri, who would not dis-close her last name, Autry was speeding down McKinley Avenue in a reckless manner. After he almost hit the railroad crossing, he sped forward where finally hit a blue Saturn Trans Am parked along the curb near campus. The impact of the crash pushed the Trans Am to the sidewalk and cre-ated a collision with a Honda Civic and another Saturn LS parked in front.
“He was driving all over the road, fast, obviously going over 40. I couldn’t believe all the bouncing,” Terri said.
At approximately 3:15 p.m., Terri called the police as she screamed “Take the keys from him!”
Shortly after Terri called out for help, FCC students jumped to the rescue. Ronald Roman and Victoria Guzman, who happened to be close by, did what they could to help the parties involved.
What started as a minor altercation between Roman and Autry ended with a Roman walk-ing away with the keys and a few scratches on his hands.
“I tried to get the keys out while they got everything situ-ated,” said Roman. “When I first heard the crash, I thought it was a gunshot,” Guzman said.
Moments after, Guzman managed to free young Cahill who was trapped in the automobile, and was located in the rear seat without her booster.
Officer Ruiz from the Fresno Police Department said that Autry had two DUI warrants and that he was driving under the influence once again. Autry was arrested and sat in the police car, waiting impatiently for the officers to delegate.
Cahill then sat at the curb, waiting for her parents to arrive.
Looking over the broken glass, her arrested uncle, and streams of oil and gasoline, young Cahill seemed dazed as the paramedics looked over the marks the seatbelt left on her neck after the crash.
Steven Cahill, father of Maddie arrived at the scene soon after. Furious about the entire situ-ation Cahill said, “I hope he goes to prison for putting my daughter’s life in jeopardy.”
Nor Steven Cahill or Maddie’s mother had any idea Au-try was transporting their daughter back home as he had no license and previous DUI charges. Mrs. Cahill said that “My daugh-ter, husband or myself will never speak to my brother ever again.”
Meanwhile back at the scene, owners of the various auto-mobiles appeared only to find their cars in ruins. Nailah Jumoke is the owner of the Twin Cam involved in the accident. As she picked up her belongings from her car she simply said, “God knows what he’s doing.”
She also stated that she was glad no one was hurt and that the situation was out of her hands. The owner of the second Saturn and the Honda Civic also involved are still unknown at pressed time.
by Ivette Lopez
Rampage Reporter
DUI ends in accident, arrestPhoto by Ramiro Godino
Photo by Ramiro Godino
Scott Autry was arrested for driving under the influence and for previous DUI warrants.
The crash occured on the northside of McKinley Ave along the boundary of the college.
Recycling receptacles like this one outside the Media Center offer students one of the only opportunities to recycle on campus.
Photo by Chris Alaniz
March 24, 2008 Rampage 5
making his dream a not-so-distant reality. He recalls Dr. Gerry Santos being active in his academic planning. She prepared the list of classes he needed to take in order to successfully finish at FCC.
“What I liked most about the Idile Program was that it was accommodating. They never questioned my ability in regards to the courses I wanted to take, and they had tremendous faith in me. They just never said ‘no’ to any of my requests,” he said.
Once Andrew became part of the Idile program, everything began to fall into place. He began to focus on time manage-ment and became disciplined towards his studies. He began to listen, think critically, do his homework, and focus on the classes that would further him in his educational endeavors.
“I think the most difficult time I ever had in school or at FCC was taking Dr. Brown’s class in writing. I did not know how to write before I met her. I always wondered to myself, ‘is it really possible to get an A in this class?’ If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am at with my writing,” he said.
Andrew’s life made a complete trans-formation. He changed his work ethic. He “buckled down” and changed his bad study habits which he said were a result of little motivation.
He started changing his outlook on life. Slowly but steadily, he began to see positive changes in his academics. He started getting better grades - good grades - enough to fulfill his dream of becoming a chemist, and strong enough to land him a spot in medical school.
Two years with Idile, and Andrew made another educational leap.
“I got accepted into UCLA. I think I got in because the chemical program isn’t very popular, but then again, nobody really goes to UCLA to major in chemistry,” An-drew said, “If it wasn’t for the Idile program, I don’t know where I’d be today. I probably would have been very angry, would have dropped out of school, stayed in Fresno, or not pursued my education.”
It was at UCLA that Andrew blos-somed. He joined the Chemistry program which would allow him to receive his degree in chemistry. He began to realize that UCLA
was very different from FCC. It was diverse and competitive, but
surprisingly enough, not difficult. He took notice when he realized he was the only African-American in the chemistry program out of 200 students. But to Andrew, it was no big deal.
“I think part of the time, students in the program thought I was an athlete or something,” he said.
Although easily identifiable in the chemistry crowd, Andrew continued and finished at UCLA with a degree in chemis-try. He contemplated what he would do with his life after finishing college and decided to jump into the working world.
Twenty-three years old and fresh out of college, he began working as an environmental chemist in Santa Monica for two years.
“I was really bored. I wanted to do more, and then that’s when it hit me,” Andrew said.
He applied to UCLA Medical School. He got in, and the rest is in the making. Andrew, now 25, is in his second year of medical school and doing the St. Jude’s joint-program where he would be working in underserved areas throughout Los Angeles after graduation. He aspires to be a pediatric surgeon and contemplates the idea of com-ing back to serve in Fresno.
He says that medical school really isn’t difficult, it’s about “time management” and “internalizing all of the information so that you can apply it later.”
Andrew says that his family is very proud of him. Both his mother and sister spend much time telling friends and rela-tives that he is on his way to “becoming a doctor”.
He is excited for what the future holds and asks that FCC students take the necessary steps to achieve their goals.
“I wanted to come back to [FCC] and thank all those people that have helped me along the way,” he said. “I think it would be a disservice to everyone if I didn’t come back to my community and inspire others along the way.”
Certainly, Andrew is an inspiration. His last piece of advice to FCC students, “You have to try to succeed and do better. You just never know. If you fail to try, you might just fail.”
UCLA Med-School up next Continued from page 1
Photo by Ramiro GodinoFormer FCC student Andrew Scott
March 24, 2008NewsRampage 6
When Otis Murphy emerged with his wife Haruko, the two quietly got situ-ated, she at the piano bench and he before a music stand.
The roaring applause dwindled to scattered claps, nervous coughs, and to the rustling of patrons settling in their seats. When all sound seemed to exit the room, Mr. Murphy blew into his horn without ut-tering a word.
And thus began the crowd’s magical journey through the realm of sound.
What ensued was like nothing this reporter had ever experienced. A saxophone was not forged to sound that way - or so he thought. In Mr. Murphy’s hands the instru-ment ceased to be what it was and at once became him and he, it.
With each note, he breathed life into his inanimate horn. Together the tandem transcended all convention, all presupposi-tion. The duo reinvented, recreated, and redefined the art of saxophone playing.
The first selection, “A Gershwin Fan-tasy” took the listener on a trip through his own imagination. The sound of a thousand spring birds soaring through the forest ema-nated from Murphy’s golden sax. Each twit-ter and tweet was like a kiss from the mouth of his sax to the listener’s eardrums.
So much music, so much life poured from the mouth of his horn. The ears told the mind what the eyes could not believe. Alone, he commanded the strength of a five hundred-piece orchestra. At his fingertips, he directed a multitude of sound.
With a calm exhalation and the open-ing of his eyes to the crowd, he concluded the first of seven songs for the evening. Much of those in attendance sat in awe.
The crowd found that the only way to express the emotional overflow Mr. Murphy had conjured up was to clap and
plead for more. Mr. Murphy was happy to oblige. With a humble bow and sly smile
that told those watching that this was only the beginning, he and his wife returned to their places and began the next song.
During the tranquil introductions performed by his wife on the piano, Mr. Murphy entered a meditative state where he seemed to feel and hear all things. It was noticeable in the way he moved about the stage, adjusted the band over his shoulder, and shifted the music on the stand.
The crowd saw it as he would shut his eyes while padding the sweat on his brow and as he basked in the delightful charms of his wife. They saw it as he cradled his sax like a mother cradles her child. They saw it as he carefully and de-liberately adjusted the mouthpiece on his horn. And they saw it as he shifted in his stance and glided his fingertips over the glistening keys of his alto saxophone.
He was on a cloud. Not here, not on earth, not in this dimension. And that night, he brought along a friend - Mr. Larry Honda.
After an impressive display of circular breathing, Mr. Murphy invited Honda up for the only saxophone duet of the evening. Mr. Honda appeared a bit ner-vous, though Murphy offered only words of assurance.
Mr. Murphy explained that over the past two years, the two horn players had become “dear friends.” What followed was a treat not many will soon forget.
The two friends took flight as birds of kin. The high-pitched notes from Honda’s horn lead the deeper tones of Mr. Murphy. Together they trekked high into the sky and danced on rays of sunlight. However, there was an Icarusian fear in
The ears told the mind what the eyes could not believe.
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Honda’s performance. It was as if Honda felt he would fly too high and his wings would melt around him.
Even so, Murphy pushed him higher and higher until the two dipped and darted downward where they bathed in the cool waters of musical brotherhood.
“That was fun,” Murphy told Honda during the reception after the show.
The night’s music did not end with that duet, though.
Mr. Murphy proceeded to fill the hall with muffled moans of sadness and quiet expulsions of sorrow. With the same care as before, he gently coaxed the soft, nearly inaudible anecdotes of grief and maintained a hold upon the woeful howls
with a steady hand. The result was a rather moving experience that diverted sharply from the opening act.
The end of the final song on the program prompted a standing ovation and drawn out applause until Mr. and Mrs. Mur-phy returned for the first and only encore.
At the end of the encore performance, the crowd sat in silence - still attempting to digest this encounter with expertise.Amidst the stillness, one woman managed to whis-per, “Wow.” The trance was broken and the crowd erupted with further applause.
With that, Fresno City College bid adieu to Otis Murphy and the divine sounds of his alto saxophone.
MasterfulPerformance
Otis Murphy captivated a packed house in the recital hall
By Joseph Rios
www.otismurphy.comOtis Murphy
March 24, 2008NewsRampage 7
Each year, the world’s tem-perature is increasing by record numbers. Global warming, which is the warming of the earth’s aver-age ground and atmospheric tem-peratures, has caused much to talk about and has created devastating disasters.The Greenhouse Effect
But what exactly causes global warming? To answer that question we must first define what components create the warming as a whole. Truth is, simple things contribute to the warming of the earth such as wasting energy, pol-luting the air while driving, defor-estation, burning natural gas and oil, and even population growth.
These all contribute to the greenhouse effect, which traps these gases in the earth’s atmo-sphere and warms the earth. Al-though the greenhouse effect is necessary for the survival of our ecosystem, the manner in which we are accelerating the process is warming the earth much too fast.
What happens is that natural and other gases that are produced both by the earth and by man are trapped in the outer layer of the at-mosphere. At low levels, the earth can let these gases free slowly and effectively keep the temperature at a normal rate.
At high levels, however, the earth is still infused with gases, but because it cannot let such go at a high rate, these are still trapped in the atmosphere, making the temperature rise at distorted lev-els. In the past century, the earth’s temperature has increased by one degree Fahrenheit. It is here when we have problems as ecosystems in the earth must adapt to these changes in climate. Energy
Energy is another major contributor to global warming. In the United States, most of our
energy is received from burning fossil fuels, oil and coal.
These resources, however, are diminishing in size and cre-ate carbon dioxide which then gets trapped in the atmosphere. Energy used can include driving your automobile, powering your phone to even warming water in the mornings. There are other healthier alternatives to burning hazardous gases, which include solar, wind and even ocean power to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and create reusable energy at the same time. Pollutants:
There are many factors that contribute to global warming, but some stand above the rest. Pol-lutants come in many shapes and sizes and can be the simplest of things. Driving a car is probably the number one pollutant, as cars let off fumes and gases that pro-duce carbon dioxide. Other things like deforestation create fewer trees, which let in the carbon diox-ide and substitute it with oxygen.
As more trees are cut, more carbon dioxide is left untouched, which in turn adds to the green-house effect.
Littering also adds to the problem as certain items take years to deteriorate and can pollute the soil and water supply of the earth. By simply recycling, using less energy and switching to hybrid au-tomobiles we could reduce earth’s toxic gas output. Consequences of Global
Warming:
Global warming, like men-tioned before, can add to devas-tating scenarios. Because of the change in climate, the world can experience a drastic change in weather. For example, in hurri-cane areas such as Miami, storms can become more violent as hur-ricanes, which are fueled with warm water, have more power due to the even warmer oceans. Here in Fresno, we experience very hot summers due to the rapid evapora-
tion of water. This warmer atmosphere
also creates bigger issues in the arctic zones, as glaciers and ice caps melt by the second. This raises sea levels, which can then create flooding and thus add to the out of control storms.
The changes in climate then create larger problems; as ecosys-tems adapt so must the creatures that survive within them. Animals become extinct due to the changes in climate and deforestation be-cause they cannot adapt to the harsh changes in weather. Some animals are already diminishing in size, such as the Polar Bear and other rare species that call the arctic home.
In the ocean ecosystems, sea life is also becoming extinct as the wildlife is not used to the warmer climate in the waters, and must adapt to them in a rapid manner.
With these drastic changes in weather we not only see a change in our wildlife, but also in our pockets.
If the earth continues to rise in temperature, those areas that need colder weather will receive warmer weather, and those that need warmer weather will receive colder weather.
In Fresno, this could result in a lack of water for our crops, and with the central valley being one of the major leaders in produce, a lack of water could drastically af-fect our economy. Without crops, many people would be out of jobs and we would have to search for such necessities elsewhere.
Global warming is accel-erating into bigger problems for all mankind.
If we would all take small steps towards becoming more aware of the situation around us, we could definitely reduce the consequences that global warm-ing could bring to all living things on Earth.
Ivette Lopez
Rampage Reporter
Global Warming: Cause and Effect
Energy is an everyday thing we take for granted. We use it ev-ery second— from typing essays on the computer to charging our phones, and even while taking a shower. Energy is a great and useful tool, but if we cut half of the energy that we use, it would be great for the environment and our checkbooks.
Saving energy is an easy thing to do. Everyone can partici-pate and cut their costs. Here are some tips so you can save energy at your home.
You can start by saving energy by starting with appliances in the kitchen. Use the microwave more often. It will shorten cooking times which in turn will help you save energy.
Reduce the heat when cooking, it will help reduce the energy when cooking. When you run the disposal use the cold water it solidifies grease, moving it more easily through the garbage dis-posal and pipes. Cold water saves you energy, hot water requires you to use energy.
When buying a new re-frigerator or freezer, look for the energy star label. Energy star refrigerators and freezers can save you hundreds of dollars on your electric bill over the life of the appliance.
Remember, older refrigera-tors and freezers use two to three times more electricity than the Energy Star appliances. Set your refrigerators temperature between 36 degrees and 42 degrees. Set the Freezer temperature at -5 degrees and +6 degrees. This will help you lower your electric bill.
When doing laundry we use energy to wash and dry our clothes. Using our washers tend to use a little more energy than other appliances. If you have a washer that allows you to control the water level for your loads, adjust the level according to laundry load size.
You can save energy by using less hot water for small loads. Wash laundry in warm or cold water, it works your water heater less.
Use hot water only when the greatest cleaning is needed. Drying laundry excessively uses more energy than is needed and is hard on fabrics. Purchase a dryer that has an electronic sensor that shuts off the dryer when clothes are dry. This will help you save energy not waste it. Also clean the lint filter after each load, a clean filter will help keep the dryer run-ning efficiently.
Lighting in you household is very important. Use energy star fluorescent light bulbs. En-ergy star compact fluorescent light
bulbs(CFL) last longer and use up to 75 percent less energy than standard light bulbs. You can cut your electric bill by sixty dollars per year if you replace the standard bulbs in your five most frequently used light fixtures.
If every family in the U.S. made the switch, we’d reduce carbon dioxide by more than 90 billion pounds. The quality of light from compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs has come a long way. No longer do they have to be banished to attics, basements and storage closets. New CFLs last up to 10 times longer than regular bulbs, all while providing good quality light.
One of the best ways to reduce carbon dioxide is to use less power. Which is exactly what CFL bulbs do. When you multiply CFLS by 5 or 10 bulbs per house, it really adds up. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) spokesperson Jeff Smith said that PG&E offers a special rebate to households that replace their regular light bulbs to CFL bulbs and to customers who reduce their energy by 10 percent .
We have many electronics in our households that have a standby power mode: computers,radios, television, telephones, and cable/satellite box etc. They all have a standby mode in them. If we can cut some of this, it will help save energy.
Your PG&E bill will be at a decrease. Also, plug out your cell phone charger out of the power socket wasting energy when you are not charging your phone. For the matter unplug any appliances that are not in use to preserve en-ergy.
PG&E has been working with consumer groups and fed-eral agencies to curb standby power consumption over the past decade.
Their collective efforts have helped lead the way in creat-ing energy standards for consumer appliances in California that are far lower than the federal standards. Their work in California continues today. PG&E wants customers to take a stand and take standby mode out of their households. Purchase a power strip for your household that will have all of your standby power appliances all in one strip.
PG&E says to turn off your power strips. Fighting standby power is as easy as turning off the power strips for your computer and entertainment centers when they aren’t in use.
This keeps your printers, monitors, stereos, dvd players and televisions from using up your energy when you aren’t around. It might take a little dedication, but considering that standby mode can account for more than half of some appliances’ lifetime energy costs, it’s well worth it.
Pedro Quintana
Rampage Reporter
Saving Energy isEasier thanYouThink
Combat Veterans voice their disdainWeb Exclusive
The meeting between Drew Luan Matott and Drew Cameron must have been fate. The pair symbolize all that is the Combat Paper project. The project marries Matott’s knowledge of paper making with the pregnant swell of emotion Cameron still carries from his experience in combat. The newly formed group of veterans and artists travel around the country teaching combat vets how to make paper from uniforms they destroy. On the paper they create, they tell their stories. They express the horrors, the pain, and the heartache. Above all, they voice their abhorrence for war and the machines that wage it.
www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com
Photo by Joseph Rios
March 24, 2008NewsRampage 8
plant trees which, as you might know, suck up carbon dioxide.
Q: How do you think FCC
ranks in terms of environmen-
tally conscious?
A: You know, being a part-time teacher, I don’t know how conscious our campus is about the environment. I really only get to see evening students. But, the truth is, that we evening teach-ers don’t really hear very much about environmental concerns from either our administration or our faculty organizations—like for example, our Faculty Senate or the teacher’s union.
Q: What would you like to be
the first and most important
step that FCC takes towards
environmental awareness?
What would you like to see
more on campus?
A: I think that as they rebuild the Old Administration Building, they ought to do it so that it ends up being carbon and power neu-tral. They ought to put up enough solar panels so that the building produces all the electricity it needs. There is plenty of flat roof area in the northern part of the building for an extensive solar farm. I have tried to ask about this, and while all the folks that I talk to are very sweet and courte-ous to me, they’re all absorbed about money and that there won’t be enough “pay back” etc. I maintain that there are probably all kinds of grants and rebates available especially for a historic building like our OAB, and I just wonder if anybody has tried to get financing for a project like that. Very beneficial grants to educational institutions are being made all the time.
Q: Why do you think FCC is
falling behind when it comes to
energy saving?
A: I just don’t think our dis-trict administration seems to be interested in doing much about climate change. If they are, well then I apologize, but we certainly don’t hear much about it even though there has been terrific expansion with new satellite campuses sprouting up every-where. What they might consider is to devote a small percentage of each year’s budget to put-ting up solar panels on various buildings in the district, so that in maybe 15 to 20 years, the
place could power itself. Even beyond all the good this would do to our environment, just think of the tremendous saving of tax dollars that could be realized in the future!
Q: What can administrators
do to make students more
aware of the environment? Do
you think environmentalists
on campus bring up the issue
enough?
A: The administration, student government, etc could try to sponsor more events having to do with the environment—en-vironmental fairs maybe have a “Power Run,” you know a 5km where local solar companies could exhibit. What I see now is an attitude which says, “Oh, yeah, global warming—sure that’s a concern—but, well, let somebody else worry about it.”
Q: What do you feel is the big-
gest problem in terms of the
environment? Nationally? In
Fresno? At Fresno City Col-
lege?
A: The biggest problem nation-ally is that our current admin-istration is still hooked on the fossil fuel way of doing busi-ness- i.e. using coal, oil (gaso-line) and natural gas to power the country. Does anybody really think we would have gone after Sadam had he been the dictator of a non-oil producing coun-try? While 181 countries have signed the Kyoto Treaty which asks countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, the US still abstains. Bu I do believe that things are changing. People are really beginning to see the danger ahead unless we decide to change our current fossil-fuel ways to producing power and start to think seriously about renewable energy sources. In the space of forty minutes, the sun delivers enough energy to power the whole world for a year. We just need to be smart enough to learn how to capture some of that energy. We’ve made tremendous strides in using wind, solar, bio-mass, hydroelectric, and even the oceans, and lots of people—like our Governator for example—have come around to help. Schools are supposed to be role models, but so far, while Fresno City hasn’t been hostile, in my opinion, it certainly has not been a real leader in the cause of pro-gressive environmental steward-ship. I believe we could do a lot better.
Continued from page 20
FCC not up to parPhoto by Joseph Rios
For many years, Fresno City College has a reputation for keeping the campus looking mar-velous and clean.
The workers here take pride in their occupation. They put hap-piness, joy, and honor when they are present here, regardless of the weather conditions. Imagine this, if all the grounds men and women and janitors just did not want to work here at F.C.C. anymore. Our campus would look like a college
student closet. So, the workers here play a vital role in keeping our school looking good. So, I think they all deserve a thank you. Especially, Rick Steiner, who has been employed at F.C.C. for the last fifteen years.
He is responsible for re-pairing the equipment that the grounds men and women use. An average day for Steiner would start at 6:00 a.m., by blowing down the campus. Later on in the morning he has an assignment depending on the day. He could be fixing a lawnmower, cutting the grass, or
trimming the bushes. By 2 p.m. he picks up debris
by Euless Park. Steiner takes pride in his job. When I interviewed him, I asked what keeps you mo-tivated; he simply stated “I like doing what I am doing, I get to use the equipment and now my job just becomes a habit.” So, Steiner holds a role here at F.C.C. in keep-ing our school’s appearance. So the next time you see a grounds man or janitor tell them how much you appreciate there work here and also tell them thank you.
A Tribute...
To those who keep the campus greenby Macelino Rodriguez
Rampage Reporter
Photo by Ramiro Godino
Twins with a purpose: ServeTwin nineteen year olds,
Jessica and Diana VaVerka, are the go-to girls when it comes to knowing what we all could do to help out the planet.
The two Fresno City stu-dents both aspire to study Envi-ronmental Sciences, and to receive PhD’s in Neuroscience.
“I know everyone carries the potential to have a career to that could better society, but in the end materialism gets in the way. All it takes is to re open your eyes and understand that you can make a difference” said Jessica.
Both girls use their bikes for transportation to get to school even though they each own a car.
They encourage other FCC students to do the same. “I ride my bike to school everyday!” said Diana emphasizing her day to day routine. “It keeps up my health, and I don’t make any pollutants.” Making use of your bike is one way FCC student’s can make a difference.
When asked other ways in which FCC could help Jessica re-sponded, “The school needs to do more to support the cause. There should be a lot more recycle bins
around other than the card board ones you see once in awhile.
“The cafeteria needs to use more recyclable materials, because all of the paper and plastic is not reusable,” she added.
The girls say that their whole lives they have felt that they should do something to help. “Ever since we were little we have always collected our bottles and cans from around the house with our parents” says Jessica.
Through the years their hobby of trying to save the earth has grown their passion. “In En-vironmental Sciences we can both
make a difference, not only for us but for the benefit of society” says Diana. The girls are in a club called Peace Fresno, in which they try to promote peace and love across Fresno.
The twins don’t just focus on environmental issues, they believe strongly in helping out one another. “We always pass out water to people on the side of the road and have passed
out blankets to homeless people in tower, “ said Jessica. “Taking care of each other is just as important as taking care of the earth. We just all have to multitask a little bit better than we already do. We can’t allow our brothers and sisters that are on the streets to go hungry, and at the same time we have to protect earth.”
by Alexis Abrahamson
Rampage Reporter
“The school needs to do more to support the cause.” -Jessica VaVerka
Photo by Blake Gollmer
Jessica and Diana VaVerka sing a few songs in front of the bookstore.
Rick Steiner has been working at Fresno City College for 15 years.
Four of Weinschenk’s neighbors use solar power.
Four of Weinschenk’s neighbors use solar power.
March 24, 20089 Rampage Entertainment March 24, 20089 Rampage Special Edition
or the past few years, a pro-gressive movement has been on the rise in Fresno. This
movement calls for a vegetarian or even a vegan diet.
This progression towards a healthier lifestyle has been relatively successful in many cities such as Los Angeles and Berkeley, but how do you bring this kind of success to a city that relies on farming? Even with a city of a half million people, vegetarianism has been a foreign concept to many.
Luckily, Au Lac vegetarian restaurant is here to spread the ideas of cruelty-free eats to the citizens of Fresno. Each day, the cooks cater to those willing to try something new. The all-vegetarian menu features items such as soy fish, soy chicken, soup, and tofu dishes served with a
side of rice and vegetables. Those with a sweet tooth can also
order a slice of cake, which is free of dairy and eggs. Currently, they offer vanilla cake topped with coconut or chocolate cake with a raspberry filling.
Those who are looking for a take on an old favorite can order the Happy Burger. This burger features an all-vegan bun and patty served with mustard, sprouts, and even a vegan mayonnaise spread. To wash it all down, you can choose from their selection of teas, juices, and smoothies. This is a far cry from your average fast food meal.
What also makes Au Lac a unique place is that you can distinguish which items are vegan on the menu. What makes a vegan diet different from a vegetarian diet is the fact that it abstains from all animal products. This includes the use of eggs, milk, butter, and parts of an animal that most vegetarians would not consider avoiding. Most of the items on the menu can be altered to cater to vegans. For example, some vegetarian meals
can contain eggs or gelatin that can easily be replaced with tofu.
Au Lac has been open for almost two years now. Beforehand, most Fresno citizens relied on mak-ing food at home or making varia-tions at restaurants. “Fresno was dull. There were no restaurants with real vegetarian food,” said Trung Tran, owner of Au Lac. Opening a vegetarian restaurant in Fresno was a risky task for Trong, who had previously worked in vegetarian restaurants in Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, the feedback has been very positive. “People have said that this is the beginning of a new era,” said Trong.
“I like to order the chow fun, says Linda Reneau, an FCC student.” “Compared to other res-taurants, it tastes much fresher.” Linda claims she has been going
Fby Jonathan Esquivel
Rampage Reporter
Taste for Green
At Auc Lac, Vegetarian Is Just the Beginning
Continued on page 11
Bus Rider’s Diary
he takes the Fresno Area Express bus everyday. If she had a car, it would sit in her driveway; just thinking about the
added expenses of owning a car is scary, she said.
She gets up every morning at 5:30 a.m. She does her hair and puts on some make up. She eats occasionally. She walks to the bus at 6:20 a.m. and catches the bus ten minutes later.
Jeannie Batey has observed that hu-man interaction is limited on the busses she rides. Music is in her ears and the outside world is tuned out. On one particular day, she decided to press pause, cutting off the musical wall between her world and theirs. She decided to get to know the faces she saw everyday.
She discovered that a lot of people on the bus attend Fresno City College, and learned that Aaron Garcia, an FCC student, has been riding the bus he was seven years old. She was intrigued and needed to know more. She asked if he uses the bus for places outside of school, and Garcia said, “I go to school, work, see my friends, and just use the bus to get everywhere.”
Another interaction Jeannie had was with David Piercy who told her that he had been riding the bus since May 5, 1997. “That’s when I totaled my car,” Piercy said, adding that he uses the bus daily and likes riding the bus. “As long as the bus runs, and gets me there, I am happy,” he said.
Piercy said his morning routine is simple. “I get on the bus, plug in my ipod, and just go to school,” he said. Jeannie laughed. What a coincidence; It’s exactly what she does. He told her he did the exact
same thing heading home.Jeannie decided to talk with the bus
driver, “Big John” when the bus stopped at Manchester Mall. He greeted her kindly and preferred to go by his nickname. Big John had been driving the bus for about eight months and has loved every minute of it.
Big John said, “I love driving, and I love to meet people.” After talking to the bus driver, Jeannie hopped on the first Hy-brid bus she could find to check it out. She later discovered that in 2005, Fresno Area Transit had added two Electric Hybrid and five Compressed Natural Gas buses to their routes and was recognized as one of the first transit stations in the country to buy hybrid buses.
Jeannie feels she is doing her small part to help out the world. Riding the bus makes her feel good; she looks out the win-dow and passes all the gas stations with a smile on her face, knowing hers is a much better deal. She spends $35 a week for her bus pass, compared to the hundreds of dol-lars they spend on gasoline.
It’s a green based world no; Jeannie feels great every time she steps on a bus.
Reporter’s NotebookJeannie Batey
S
Jeannie Batey awaits the forthcoming bus. She rides from Clovis to FCC everyday.
Photo by Joseph Rios
Photo by Arthur BuenoAuc Lac serves up an alternative
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Education Savings Program
by David Malagon
Rampage Reporter
March 24, 200810 Rampage Special Edition
Many Fresno City College students choose to commute on their bicycles to and from school and work each day.
Some ride their bicycles due to the rising gas prices, others for health benefits or for environ-mental purposes.
Students who choose to ride their bikes say they are concerned about global warming and the unhealthy air in the valley
According to a Rampage poll of 40 student bikers, 12 said they wanted to be healthier; 10 said they cannot afford gas, another 10 said the environment needs major
help and the last 8 said they do not have vehicles.
Dustin Harris, a Business major at Fresno City College, explained his reason for riding his bicycle, “First of all, I’m not a mil-lionaire; I don’t have the money to pay for gas at these outrageous prices; it is totally ridiculous. Sec-ond, we are doing more damage to ourselves and the environment than we think; people everywhere disregard the facts until it’s too late.”
Students on bicycles race against the clock through the Fresno streets in order to make it to class on time.
They say, dodging traffic lights while trying to make it to school on time is no easy task.
Another FCC student, Sean Little, rides his bike to school from the Ashlan and 99 area everyday. It takes Little approximately fifty minutes each way.
“I do it mainly for the exer-cise, and not having a car plays a role in my decision as well, but not a major one,” said Little. “I would
still ride my bike just as much even if I owned a car; it’s just something I’ve grown to love.”
Many other choose to ride both short and long distances to get from one place to another.
Their techniques and styles of bicycles vary. Some take the backstreets to avoid traffic as much
as possible, while others speed along the bike lanes on major streets to feel the rush and intensity of bicycle training to the fullest.
Although the cost of gas for their vehicles is a key factor, there are definite health and envi-ronmental issues that play a major role in these students’ decisions to ride their bicycles.
It seems like students who do not own vehicles would still rely on their bicycles as a way of contributing to a better environment and a healthy body and mind.
Little said, “Imagine where we will be in twenty years if we keep neglecting the environ-ment.”
WheelDrive
Two-
In the wake of high gas prices and environmental concerns, many students have chosen pedal power
Students on bicyles race against the clock through
the Fresno streets in order to make it to class on time
Photo by Chris AlanizRacks like these are common on FCC campus
March 24, 2008 Rampage 11
by Joseph Boone
Rampage Reporter
WHAT? Amtrak California’s San Joaquin trains and Amtrak Thruway Motorcoaches connect Fresno City College and Fresno to communities and destinations throughout California.
WHY? It’s convenient, economical, and a relaxing and scenic way to travel. The train is great for studying, sleeping, eating, or spending time with friends.
WHEN? Amtrak San Joaquins® has convenient departure times throughout the day offering Fresno City College
Discount Code V363
students the opportunity to travel around California at some great savings. Thruway Motorcoaches also connect students with Amtrak trains in the Bay Area and Southern California.
HOW do I make a reservation? Simply visit our website at Amtrak.com to check current fares and schedules. You can make reservations online, at a staffed station, or by calling 1-800-USA RAIL.
WHERE do I catch the train? The Fresno Amtrak station is located at 2650 Tulare Street at Highway 41. Here a friendly Amtrak agent can help you with ticket sales, checked baggage, and general travel information.
This discount is valid for sale 01Sep07-19Jun08 and valid for travel 04Sep07-22Jun08 on the Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquins and associated thruway service, including Merced to Yosemite, all other 7000-8999 series thruways are excluded. Offer valid for 20 percent off the best available coach adult rail fare for students of the following California Colleges and Universities: California State University (Bakersfield and Fresno), Fresno City College (Fresno), California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo), University of California (Merced, Irvine, and Santa Barbara, University of the Pacific (Stockton), University of San Diego (San Diego), San Diego State University (San Diego), and Santa Barbara City College (Santa Barbara). Blackouts apply for the following dates: 20-27Nov07, 14Dec07-02Jan08, 20-24Mar08 and 23-26May08. Passenger must be a student and show a valid student ID (when purchasing tickets and on board train) for one of the colleges listed above. Reservation must be made at least three (3) days prior to travel date. Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted. This discount is not valid towards purchase of multi-rides and is not valid thru a travel agency. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Refer to discount V363. Amtrak, Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquins and Travel Made Simple are service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
Amtrak.com • Now En Español • 1-800-USA-RAIL
07-CAL-055-CollegeAd-Fresno City1 1 8/24/07 9:26:58 AM
Special Edition
there ever since she heard that there was a vegetarian restau-rant in town.
To many FCC students, it’s quick, conveniently located, and offers the perfect lunch in between classes.
The menu has been rela-tively consistent, but lately they have added a few new options.
Au Lac just added a freezer stocked with vegetarian and vegan products like soy chicken, soy fish, and soy goose. Now, customers have the opportunity to take these home and prepare the foods they love at Au Lac.
This allows new vegetar-ians to prepare and explore options with soy products when it comes to home cooking.
Since Au Lac opened its doors, vegetarianism and vegan-ism have become much more of a hot topic around town.
Other vegetarian restau-rants have followed and now many restaurants feature vegetarian and vegan options on their menus.
The public support has shown that there actually is a demand for vegetarian foods. Au Lac is not only a sign of a new era, but a sign of what could come for Fresno and its vegetarians.
Vegetarian foods find a marketContinued from page 9
Not everyone reaches for the remote when they come home from a long day. Fresno City College’s adaptive ornamental horticulture instructor, Jerry Hent-zler, feels the garden offers a better alternative.
With a degree in horticul-tural therapy, Hentzler’s idea of stress relief involves simply being out in the garden.
“Just the sheer getting out-doors in the dirt has a therapeutic effect,” said Hentzler.
Along with the two classes designed for students with disabili-ties, Hentzler teaches horticultural skills and greenhouse workforce prep. In his classes, students use small plots in and near the green-
house to grow both ornamental and edible plants.
The produce the class is currently growing includes organic basil, tomatoes, and peppers.
The harvest is shared among the students. “Anything you grow always tastes better, it’s fresher,” Hentzler said.
Hentzler also spoke of a class he teaches at Reedley Col-lege where everything grown is strictly organic. “This past Fall we had these freakishly large cab-bage, cauliflower, and broccolis that were all fed by organic slow-release fertilizer.”
That particular garden is part of a community one shared with a class of Reedley seniors who couldn’t help but notice the huge vegetables. “[The seniors] kept coming by and saying, ‘What
did you guys do to your vegetables to get them so big?’”
The ornamental plants raised in FCC’s greenhouse are sold. Centerpiece displays fea-turing a variety of different flow-ers are the most frequently sold items.
There are also three big greenhouse sales where students can more-easily browse the selec-tion. The next sale occurs March 27; the other two take place on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
While both of Hentzler’s classes focus on developing hor-ticultural skills, the greenhouse workforce prep class has an em-phasis on time management to help smooth the transition from school to the workplace for students with disabilities.
Gardenof Fresh
Greens
Greenhouse wows visitors with plump harvestsPhoto by Joseph Boone
“Reduce, reuse, recycle,” is the phrase that is used through out the United States. The local recycle centers are doing just that. Clovis Recycling Center recycles about 100,000 pounds of material a day.
The center accepts anything from Christmas lights to television sets. The local recycle centers do not accept household hazardous waste items such as batteries and floor polishers or other toxic and flammable substances. Household hazardous waste can introduce toxins and harmful chemicals into the solid waste system, con-taminating the ground and water supply. The Department of Public Works and Planning hosts two household hazardous waste drop-off events a year.
The department sets up-three different locations where county residents can take their hazardous waste free of charge. There is currently no set date for the next drop-off event, and Fresno county residents can call 559-262-4259 for information.
The department has plans to have a permanent site in Fresno for hazardous waste in the future. Stores such as Best Buy and Wal Mart currently accept dry cell batteries, ink cartridges, and cell phones. —Chris Alaniz
Centers take recylable goods
FCC students till the earth
March 24, 200812 Rampage
As issues of conservation and natural living are put in the spotlight, many are looking for small ways to contribute to these efforts.
Some have looked into automobiles, energy, and ethical business practices. However, many people have begun looking into a healthy diet as a way to help out.
One option that people have looked into is organic foods. These types of foods are grown without pesticides or genetic-modifying engineering.
Many people do not believe these factors help the environment because of the chemicals that are released into the environment and the exhaustion to the soil that is caused by commercial farming. The issues of what is being put into our body have also been brought to the forefront.
Another option is a vegetar-ian diet. Many believe that this diet benefits the environment because of how much is consumed when feeding cattle.
It is true that a lot is used in producing vegetables, but it is the lesser of two evils.
Jenny Postado, who is cur-rently an animal science major at Fresno State, claims that produc-ing organic foods has been on the rise.
“Many farmers will laugh at farmers going organic, but or-ganic farmers are the ones making money,” says Postado.
She says that she has been learning about how animals on organic farms are treated differ-ently than those on standard farms.
She also says that while standard commercial farms have their ups and downs in gaining profit, the organic industry demand is so high that those involved always profit well.
There are a few businesses around campus that focus on the importance of organic foods. Char-lotte’s Bakery, located on Wishon, uses all organic ingredients in their breads and cupcakes. They have also taken a step further to make gluten-free baked goods.
Sam Rocha, of Charlotte’s Bakery, claims that they give a healthier option than fast food for those who are always on the go.
“This is the closest thing they have to a home-cooked meal”, says Sam. This healthy option has been a very popular choice every lunch hour. The use of organic ingredients is just another way to create a healthy way of living.
They also have a variety of vegan cupcakes to add on to their hot or cold vegetarian sandwiches. They even feature an all-vegan sandwich but fear not meat lovers – you can still order your favorite cold-cut sandwiches at Charlotte’s. You can also have it grilled.
Eating at local Fresno eat-eries can be nice every once in awhile, but those who are look-
ing to do some shopping can go to some of the local markets that specialize in organic foods.
Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are some of the bigger na-tional chains that cater to those who are looking for organic and vegetarian/vegan foods. Both fea-ture an extensive organic produce section along with organic snacks and other food items.
Those who are looking to support local businesses can head over to Kristina’s Natural Ranch Market.
This is one of the only local markets in town that highlights their organic, vegetarian, and vegan section. At all of the above mentioned markets, you can find some interesting products like organic yogurts and dairy prod-ucts, organic candy and organic toiletries.
You can also support locals by buying produce from your local farmers market. Many farmers set up shop at these markets and offer the highest quality produce in the San Joaquin Valley.
These fresh quality options are available at many locations all over town. Some notable loca-tions are at Riverpark, downtown Fresno, and the Tower District.
As people learn about pesti-cides and the treatment of animals, more people will steer towards or-ganic and vegetarian options. Lo-cally, we are very fortunate to have farmers looking into how they raise cattle and grow produce.
These options will always be readily available to us. As a citi-zen of Fresno, we should be taking advantage of these options in order to support those who are locally trying to help out our planet.
With so many options, why settle for Trader Joe’s and
Whole Foods?
Along with tasty toasted and cold sandwiches, Charlotte’s Bakery offers a wide aray of organic cupcakes, muffins, and other sweets. Photos by Arthur Bueno
After doing some research on global warming, you are prob-ably left stuck on where to go if you want to engage in “green” activities. Where exactly do you go to dine if you’re vegan? Where can I find unique boutiques that sell organic clothes? We’ve gathered up a list of all our favorite places where you can be satisfied and keep the planet happy all at the same time.
Dining:
When your hunger calls, there is no need to stop at that local burger joint to satisfy your cravings. There are many vegan or vegetarian restaurants around Fresno that will surprise you with their delectable dishes. One you might want to visit on your lunch hour is the Auc Lac Café (see page 9) located at 1495 N. Van Ness Ave just a couple blocks away from Fresno City College. This restaurant, which serves Vegan, Chinese, Vietnamese and Inter-national dishes, is definitely a hit with its customers. People here recommend anything “chicken”, which of course is made with tofu and is often mistaken for the real thing. Another great place to dine for those that are vegan or vegetar-ian is the New Stars Vegetarian Restaurant, located at 1134 E. Champlain Drive at Perrin. This small but quaint restaurant serves a variety of organic foods that will leave you wanting more. Favorites here include the “beef steak”, served with real mashed potatoes that have people coming in by the dozens.
Clothing and Beauty:
Although Fresno doesn’t offer a variety of organic clothing stores, we were able to catch small boutiques that were hidden in the city that offer organic goods for the environmentalist. One store was The Hemp Shack, located in the Tower District on 220 E. Olive Ave. This shack offers a variety of goods made of none other than hemp: from lip balm to lotion, The Hemp Shack has it all. They also sell games, books and clothing for the entire family at very affordable prices.
Leisure:
As citizens of Fresno, we are lucky not to be too far away from major cities. San Francisco and Los Angeles are both three or four hours away, and even closer are some of the greatest national parks in the country. Instead of go-ing down the Golden Gate Bridge once again, plan ahead to take your family on a trail in Yosemite Valley or Sequoia National Park. There, you can enjoy the nature’s beauty while visiting The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, which host the world’s largest trees, or take in the breathtaking view over Gla-cier Point. At Yosemite, you can enjoy the wilderness for the day, or maybe even camp out for the weekend.
Be Green in the Valley
by Ivette Lopez
Rampage Reporter
March 24, 2008 Rampage 13
Journalism instructor Jessi-ca Hafer does not eat meat or eggs or dairy products or processed foods containing “animal-derived ingredients” such as gelatin. She is a vegan, a lifestyle she says she loves.
Hafer agrees and likes the cruelty-free lifestyle and health benefits of being a vegan. She said, “I choose this for ethical concerns and cruelty towards animals.”
Hafer has been a vegan for more than 10 years, and credits her love for animals and the environ-ment as why she chose her beliefs and lifestyle.
Hafer is not only a journal-ism instructor, she also works at the Plan Development Air Pollu-tion Control District in her spare time.
Hafer noted that some of her good friends are vegans. She insisted that she always tells her friends to watch their diet. The transformation from eating regular foods to the way a vegan eats can be discouraging, but she believes human beings, animals, and every other living thing on earth should practice a healthy lifestyle. And dogs likewise have to be healthy also, Ms. Hafer said that her dog, “is a vegetarian and practices good eating habits.”
She explained, “The public does not fully understand how ani-mals are impacted by our choices, particularly when we choose to eat meat or animal by products like milk and eggs.”
While animals do not need to be slaughtered for milk or eggs, Hafer explained, commercially-raised dairy cows and egg-laying chickens, whether factory-farmed
or “free range,” are slaughtered when their production rates de-cline.
The environment, she said, “is the most important.” Ms. Hafer explained that animal agriculture takes a devastating toll on the earth. It is an inefficient way of producing food, since feed or farm animals require land, water, fertil-izer, and other resources that could otherwise have been used directly for producing human food.
As for what Ms. Hafer eats, her diet consists of grains, beans, legumes, vegetables and fruits. You can also get vegan hot dogs, yogurt and more. Vegans also avoid use of all products tested on animals such as leather, fur, and wool, whenever possible.
Ms. Hafer says she makes sure she does not use or consume animal products. While vegetar-ians chose not to use flesh food, vegans also avoid dairy and eggs, as well as fur, leather, wool, cos-metic and chemical products.
Hafer also owns a scooter. She stated that, “I will not add to the pollution problems in the Central Valley.” She steadily talked about how important the environment is and how she will practice what she loves and be-lieves is right.
She enjoys everything she eats, and says a big reason why Hafer looks so good is the way she stays committed to her diet. Some people may have a problem with her lifestyle. But, you cannot question her passion for the envi-ronment and animals. You know through her actions.
Jessica Hafer lives the way she believes. She is smart and safe. And her vegan lifestyle can be practiced by everyone who wants to live the same cruelty free lifestyle.
Deon Sumlin
Rampage Reporter
Vegan:
AWayof
LifeE v e r
since the boom tha t i s S ta r-
bucks, millions of Americans clamor for the morning cup o’ joe, but if you take into consid-eration all the Styrofoam, paper cups, cardboard cup holders, and napkins Starbucks shells out everyday, you can pretty much guess without hesitation that a lot of material is being wasted. To help conserve paper next time you’re in need of your favorite latté, bring your own mug with you. It cuts down on all the paper usage and allows you get some extra mileage out of that mug sitting in your cupboard.
Bring Your Own Mug1
Shutdown your comp2 W e a l l love our comput-ers. Whether it be
checking the news, watching the latest Britney Spears rant (leave her alone!), or checking Myspace or Facebook, the computer has become a part of everyday life, but did you know the average computer, if left on, uses more than 1,000 kilowatts of electricity a year? That’s more than a ton of carbon emissions spewing into the air. To help cut down on all the kilowatts being wasted, simply cut the computer when you’re not us-ing it, and instead of using a screen saver when you’re away, put your computer to sleep.
Bag it up
3 G r o c e r y shopping is some-thing we all have
to do whether we enjoy it or not.. From finding parking and dealing with the extra squeaky basket, to putting up with the check-out girl with the extremely bad attitude ,most of us just want to get what we came for and leave with our sanity in tact. Although a common part of life, more than 100 billion plastic bags are thrown away every year. To help scale back this need for plastic ask for a cloth bag next time that snappy check-out girl asks, “paper or plastic?” Most major grocery stores carry them, and they are an inexpensive way to help conserve the usage of plastic.
Summer is right around the
corner and you can be rest as-sured that ice cream will be on the minds and tongues of everybody looking to beat the heat. Next time you’re heading out to Baskin Robins or ColdStone, how about using a cone instead of the cup. Why? Well, besides adding to the goodness that is ice cream, you completely skip the process of throwing away the cup and spoon. You just saved a tree and had your snack all at once.
We all scream for Ice Cream4
So Fresh, So Clean5
N o o n e wants to talk to
someone who’s funky, and a trail of flies following you around is definitely not a good look, but for those who like to enjoy those hour-long “use-up-all-the-hot-water” showers every morning there is a better way. Cutting a shower by two minutes can save ten gallons of water, and you can even buy shower heads that con-serve water, but for those who still want the extra two minutes there’s always the option of a relaxing bath that uses less water than a shower.
Hang Out!6 Just like we don’t like to our bodies to be funky, the same can be
said for our clothes. Looking clean is pretty much impossible without actually “being” clean. When you wash your clothes, instead of using the dryer, try hanging the clothes out on the line that you’re not going to need dry right away. That way, you can save on the energy that the dryer uses. Also, remember to remove the lint from your dryer; that way it doest have to produce so much heat.
Light it up7 M u c h t h a n k s g o t o Thomas Edison
for perfecting the light bulb. Just one of the many inventions we couldn’t live without. But like all inventions there comes a time when it needs to upgrade. That’s where florescent lights come in. Florescent lights use four times less energy than the normal light bulb. Although, like all light bulbs, be careful not to break it. Florescent light bulbs contains mercury just like your average thermometer.
Carpool8
Deshad Cato
Rampage Reporter
10Simple Waysto help the
Environment
Since we all can’t afford the high price of
a Hybrid car, we have to find dif-ferent ways to help shave off the impact of the smog our cars can cause. We all love our cars, and we love to drive them whenever we get the chance even when we know our friends are going to the same place. No matter how much fun “rollin’ deep” is, the next time your going out try and carpool. It saves on gas money and helps cut down car emissions
9 Yeah, I know it. It may be old school, but it’s
one of the easiest things you can do. Where before you had to go out of your way to recycle, now, there’s a trash can made exclu-sive for bottles, cans, and glass pretty much anywhere you go. There’s even trash cans here at FCC. Heck, there’s even the blue trash cans at your house! There’s really no reason to not recycle when it’s become so available. Or you can recycle and make a few extra bucks. What student couldn’t use that?
Recyle
Its never enough to do something by yourself, especially when you take into consider-ation the scope of global warming truly is. This problem affects everybody, everywhere. The biggest thing anybody can do is spread the word about trying to live a better way
for our planet. This list is supposed to show ten conventional ways that everybody can do, but if the word isn’t spread and we don’t all start making those changes then it wont matter. Spread the word.
10Spread the word
Photo Special to RampageFCC Instructor and Vegan Jessica Hafer
Special Edition
Views14
October 10, 2007
March 24, 2008
by Sebouh Simonian
Rampage Reporter
Why go GREEN?
With the special edition of the Rampage focusing on finding solu-tions to the global warming problem, I decided to look at the situation from a different angle.
While there is no doubt the earth has warmed up by half a degree in the last one hundred years, some question the motives of those leading the fight against global warming.
Are they really out to save the world?
Some say that many politi-cians and scientists are using the global warming fear to gain power and control. I believe this to be true whether it is for financial gain through the sale of carbon credits funding for research or the sale of cleaner cars.
Another motive is the feeling of importance. Politicans feel they are making a difference in saving the world.
It might surprise some to hear that British environmentalist George Monbiot isn’t a household name in the states, but he is considered one of Britain’s leading environmentalists. He recently spoke out against the use of bio fuels which some claim will cut back on emissions. He believes that many of those pushing for this are doing it for purely politi-cal reasons.
Some examples of people using global warming for political gain are both Barack Hussein Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Both stated that if elected they would sign the Kilda agreement to lower carbon emissions. Newly elected prime minister of England had promised to sign the agreement if elected. This is being done to gain votes of those who strongly believe in global warming.
The prime minister of Eng-land has said,“If you count only the immediate carbon costs of planting and processing bio fuels, they appear to reduce greenhouse gases. When you look at the total impacts, you find they cause more warming than petroleum...”
The Harvard Crimson’s editorial page recently wrote an article concerning the global warm-ing battle by former Vice President Al Gore. It stated that the beginning costs for ethanol would not make it a realistic alternative as compared to gas at this time.
In the article entitled “Gore and Green Cronies” Peter W. Tilton points out that Gore doesn’t live
A global warming debate unravels...
It would be easy for me to sit here and spout a whole bunch of scientific babble about why I think global warming is in fact a real problem that the world needs to address, just like it would be all too easy for those opposed to the idea of global warming to spout a whole bunch of “facts” to prove that global warming is nothing more than a myth perpetuated by…well, pretty much everyone else besides them.
While those tactics may have sufficed before in this debate, it isn’t that simple anymore.
Classroom discussions and debates grow everyday. And with no concrete evidence on either side of the scientific spectrum to
In the early 80’s, it was the scientists who spoke out for global warming that were threatened with bodily harm and made to resign from their posts. As of recently, the roles have switched thanks to global warming becoming “popu-lar”. Now, the scientists who are against the notion of global warm-ing are being attacked.
None of this is right, and none of it makes any side look better than the other.
For all the bickering and fighting, it all boils down to the fact that no one wants to be held responsible for global warming. No one wants to say “yeah, I contribute and I’m ready to fix it.” To admit global warming is real is to admit that the life we all live is hurting the planet…and in that light, Al Gore might have
by Deshad Cato
Rampage Reporter
Facing an inconvenient truth
Google Images
“Some say that many politicians and scientists are using the global warming fear to gain power and
control.”
Manipulation through fear
the environmentally friendly life he wants others to.
In fact, he points out that Gore and his wife Tipper reside in a behemoth 20 room mansion outside of Nashville that used nearly 23,000 kilowatt-hours last August, more than twice the annual...yes, annual energy
Recently the founder of the weather channel John Coleman an-nounced he is looking into the pos-sibility of suing Al Gore for fraud. He calls global warming the biggest scam in history. He points to the fact that many politicians pushing for changes in emissions hope to
usage of a typical American home. Gore’s preferred mode of
transportation between stops on his international publicity tour is his private jet, which spews out CO2 emissions at the rate of a small army of SUVs.
As for the recently awarded Nobel Peace Prize which Al Gore shared with the UN’s team of climate scientists is startling. Some of those scientists sent out letters requesting their names be removed because they didn’t believe man is causing global warming. The request was refused.
gain votes from those who believe in global warming.
I believe the involvement of scientists is to keep the flow of research funding coming. If there are no problems, there is no need for research.
While some changes to cut back dangerous emissions should be made, people must take a critical look at those making the decisions and giving the advice on how to do so. Their true motives should be discussed openly and questioned. Otherwise, following them blindly could lead to disaster.
“To admit global warming is real is to admit that the lives we live are hurting the planet..and in that light,
Al Gore might have a point.”
provide the “yes or no” answer we all want to hear, we are forced to take global warming out of it’s scientific element and place it squarely in the murky waters of ethics, morals, and personal choice.
This is where this whole is-sue gets harder to wade through.
Sure, it would be great if this debate wasn’t a personal one. It would be great if people could sit down like civilized men and women and discuss the issue openly. But, the real inconvenient truth of the matter is that it’s be-come personal.
Those who oppose global warming are pegged as greedy environment haters who want to let the earth waste away, and those who believe global warming is real are labeled as tree hugging hippies who want to rid the earth of all conservatives. Both are grossly over dramatized and only help to perpetuate the “us versus them” at-titude associated with this issue.
Scientists themselves have not escaped the mudslinging, but both sides of the issue have had their share of bashing done unto them.
a point. Now, most people who
oppose global warming are likely to say that I and those who would agree with me only stand behind global warming because of Al Gore and his film, but there mis-taken.
I don’t understand how some people can let there dislike for Gore dissuade them from the notion the global warming might be real, as if that’s a valid reason. Most of us are not blind followers to Gore and his agenda. He is not our almighty “savior”.. I think what he did with his movie was great, but this whole thing is bigger than Al Gore.
In fact it’s bigger than everything.
We only get one Earth, only one home. It’s our job as in-habitants of the planet to make sure it’s a in good condition. It won’t happen overnight, and it’ll cost money. I know we all can’t afford Hybrid cars, but if we can afford to pay for a costly war after costly war we can surely afford to invest in the well being of our planet and out future. Because that’s really what its about.
Former Vice President Al Gore.
March 24, 2008 Rampage 15Views
by Pedro Quintana
Rampage Reporter
Recyclable TrashSimple ways to be environmentally friendly
When we drink a can of soda or fin-ish reading the newspaper, we tend to throw them away into the trash can. We do not think anything of this simple act; we just go about our daily lives.
But, did you know that some of our trash is recyclable and can be reused in another cycle for many years?
In addition, if we recycle, we can cut some of the trash going into the waste sites. Recycling is really easy to do. Fresno residents have been recycling for many years now. Each resident has a blue bin and a green bin for plant products. The blue bin is used to place all recyclables.
What happens to the recycling? Well, the paper, plastic, glass and cans are all recycled to be reused in the future.
Empty glass bottles and jars can be recycled to make things like decorative pav-ing and aggregate for asphalt or swimming pool filters, as well as new glass jars and bottles. Some glass can not be recycled such as mirror glass and crystal due to the high lead content it contains.
Paper is very important to recycle. Corrugated paper and corrugated boxes can be used to make new paperboard. Newspa-pers can be recycled into paperboard, new newsprint, insulation and animal bedding products.
Office paper can be recycled into writing paper, tissue and paper towel prod-ucts. Telephone books can be recycled into egg cartons and wine boxes. You can also donate your old newspaper to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and pet shops for their pets.
Aluminum cans are a great way to make extra cash when you recycle them. You get cash for bringing in your aluminum cans. Usually, the reimbursement for cans is 5 cents a can unless otherwise noted. When you recycle your cans at a local recycling station, do you ever wonder where all those cans go?
The empty aluminum drink cans are sent overseas for recycling. They are sorted, crushed and baled into “bricks” for transporting. These bricks are fed into a hot furnace where the aluminum melts and is casted into smaller ingots which are pro-cessed into new aluminum cans. Steel cans that have contained anything from baked beans to fruit cocktails, pet food or soup can be recycled to make new cars and bridges.
Plastic is also great to recycle. A styrofoam vending cup can be made into a pencil or a pen.
Plastic bags and containers can be recycled into garden furniture, decking and fencing.
Milk bottles can be recycled into buckets, composting bins or the recycling bins many of the residents of Fresno are provided with for the curb side recycling (blue bins).
If you have an old computer that
works and you just got a new one, donate the old to a local charity group. If the com-puter does not work, you can recycle your computer at a local recycling center.
If you have clothing that you no longer use and are contemplating tossing it into the trash, donate it to a local charity like the Salvation Army . People can always reuse clothing and it is a great way to help the community.
To help the environment you can re-use some of the trash that you throw away. You can reuse zip lock bags for sandwiches and snacks rather than using plastic wrap.
You can also donate your old maga-zines to doctors and dentists offices, motels, schools or friends.
Recycling also involves shopping; you can reduce the plastic bags that you bring home by carrying a cotton bag that can be placed into your handbag for grocery shopping uses.
Another alternative is to place a cardboard box or a laundry basket in the back of your car so that groceries can be loaded straight from the shopping basket into the box/basket, eliminating the need for plastic bags.
When you are buying any household items, buy rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones. Buy the 2-in-1 shampoo as it is a great way to use and dispose of only one container instead of two. You also save money and cut back on polluting (half the amount of soap you use goes down the drain).
So when you are doing your spring cleaning, take a moment and think of what you can recycle. It is very important for every person on earth to contribute to help make where we live a better and cleaner place.
Get paid to Recycle Can take to Recycle
Center
Can’t take to
Recycle Center
Christmas Lights
AluminumWire, Cast, Painted
All PlasticsGrocery bags, PVC pipe
All Papernewspaper, magazines
Cardboard
All metalLawn chair frames, steel
Glassjars, bottles
Furniture
Small AppliancesBlow dryers, coffee pots
ElectronicsComputers, televisions
Auto PartsRadiators, engine blocksfluids must be drained
DemolitionRoof material, wood scraps
Explosive Ammunition, firearms
ToxicRust remover,pool chemicals
CorrosiveRoofing tar,
chlorine cleaners
FlammableHairspray,
oil based paint
***
*** ***
*** ***
Above is a list of materials that recycle centers accept and do not accept.
Compiled by: Chris Alaniz
Google Images
March 24, 200816 Rampage Views
THA
– SF Publication Size Run Date(s) Initial Time
THE RAMPAGE 3/245.93 x 5
FOR DRUG CONTENT, LANGUAGE INCLUDING SEXUALREFERENCES, THEMATIC ELEMENTS AND BRIEF VIOLENCE
This film is rated PG-13. Run-of-engagement passes received throughthis promotion do not guarantee admission to the theater. Seating is on afirst come, first served basis. Theater is open to paying customers. Allfederal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of tickets assumesany and all risks related to use of ticket and accepts any restrictionsrequired by ticket provider. Lionsgate, Terry Hines & Associates, TheRamPage and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability inconnection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of aprize. Tickets cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, inwhole or in part. We are not responsible if, for any reason, winner isunable to use his/her ticket in whole or in part. Not responsible for lost,delayed or misdirected entries. All federal and local taxes are theresponsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law. No purchasenecessary. Participating sponsors their employees & family members andtheir agencies are not eligible. NO PHONE CALLS!
Rampage Support Club Presents....
Rampage Idol!!!
WHEN: APRIL 24, 2008
WHERE: FREE SPEECH AREA
1st & 2
nd PLACE WINNERS WIN
A PRIZE!!!
If you can sing, dance, or play an instrument, sign up
at the Rampage: Rm 211 above the FCC Bookstore.
by Adrine Avanesyan
Rampage Reporter
Environment?There are many reasons why soci-
ety should become more environmentally aware; alarming climate changes, melting polar ice caps, strange weather patterns, droughts, endangered species and tumul-tuous seas have set a tone for frightening doomsday predictions by scientists around the globe.
Some people argue that global warm-
ing is not a man-made phenomenon, but rather nature taking its natural course.
However, many scientists tend to disagree with this notion. Industrialization, pollution, and deforestation have all con-tributed to an increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which trap heat near the Earth’s surface.
We can all take responsibility for Earth’s slow deterioration and make an extra effort to help the environment. Many people do not realize that it takes very little effort to
help the environment, such as recycling your cans instead of throwing them in the trash.
I am happy to report and planet earth will be happy to hear, that there are environmen-tally conscious students right here on the Fresno City College campus. Here are some FCC students that take their time and the necessary baby steps to protect this beautiful place we call place we call ‘planet earth’.
CAMPUS VOICESWhat are YOU doing to help the
“I take care of my automobile and make sure it gets check ups and smog
checks.”~ Ramanjit Kaur~
Pharmacy
“I carpool, don’t litter and I do not smoke.”
~ Jenny Xiong~Nursing
“I do not drive to school, I take the bus.”
~ Chris Marsh~Pre-Farm
“I recycle cans and bottles” ~ Charlie Vang~
Music and Business
“As I walk around, I pick up trash if I see any.”
~Matt Springer~Music
“I use as little electricity as pos-sible”
~Stanisha Johnson~Business
Photos by Blake Gollmer
March 24, 2008 March 24, 2008 Rampage 17
March 24, 2007Entertainment18 Rampage
by Deshad Cato
Rampage Reporter
THA
– SF Publication Size Run Date(s) Initial Time
THE RAMPAGE 3/245.9 x 5
This film is rated R. Run-of-engagement passes received through this promotion do notguarantee admission to the theatre. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Theatreis open to paying customers. All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient oftickets assumes any and all risks related to use of ticket and accepts any restrictionsrequired by ticket provider. Lionsgate, Terry Hines & Associates, The RamPage and theiraffiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurredin connection with use of a prize. Tickets cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemedfor cash, in whole or in part. We are not responsible if, for any reason, winner is unable touse his/her ticket in whole or in part. Not responsible for lost, delayed or misdirectedentries. All federal and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Void whereprohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Participating sponsors their employees &family members and their agencies are not eligible. NO PHONE CALLS!
N O W P L A Y I N G
Celebrities are always starting up new trends, and rarely does the world not follow.
Even more rare than that is when celebrities themselves follow a trend al-ready set in motion by someone other than a celebrity.
Well, that seems to be the case as celebrities of every art form have started to show there true color. That color being the eco-friendly green.
Take Brad Pitt for instance. He’s not only concerned about human rights but he’s also heavily invested in helping the environment at large.
Pitt’s childhood love of design and architecture has translated into a partner-ship with the Global Green USA, a national environmental organization, to design envi-ronmentally-friendly housing communities in New Orleans’s devastated Lower Ninth
Ward. Actress Selma Hayek also does work with Global Green USA.
Not to be outdone, Leonardo Di-Caprio is one of Hollywood’s most vocal environmental supporters and advocates.
The hybrid car owner was key in orchestrating the 2007 eco-friendly Oscar celebrity arrivals and is following in Al Gores’ footsteps with his own global warm-ing documentary, The 11th Hour.
DiCaprio’s ex, Cameron Diaz, is also part of the environmental awakening. She brought her environmental concerns to Gen-Y with her eco-conscious MTV series “Trippin”.
The s=how centered around her and other celebrities traveling across the world. Diaz, another hybrid car owner, is also cur-rently involved with “Save Our Selves,” a campaign for a Climate in Crisis. The 24-hour event is set to kick off on July 7 with concerts on seven continents.
Singer Sheryl Crow spent most of early 2007 lobbying Congress and head-lining the Stop Global Warming Campus
Tour. She recently made news when she
suggested that everyone could do their part to save the environment if, “a limitation be put on how many squares of toilet paper can be used in any one sitting.”
Funny man Jay Leno, world re-nowned for his car collection, has gone to great lengths to make sure his cars and his garage are eco friendly.
Even the supermodels are trying there best to help out.
Gisele Bundchen has started selling sandals and giving all of the proceeds to clean up the Xingu River, part of the Ama-zon River basin one of South Americas old-est and most treasured wildlife preserves.
Never one to be out done is Jeremy Piven, sporting his hybrid BMW, one of the
only ones made thus far. Yes, BMW has just released a hybrid car but Jeremy Piven was arguably one of the reasons why they even started the research to field such a project.
Celebs like Andre 3000, Brandy, and Natalie Portman have decided to live the all green life and have been outspoken about their vegan life styles, and most of the actresses on Desperate Housewives have been long time veggie lovers. Alicia Silverstone of “Clueless” has also been a long time advocate for vegetarianism.
More than a simple trend, thinking green has become a way of life for everyone of every walk of life.
From celebrities to everyday people the environmental movement affects us all, whether famous or not.
Fad or Fact?: Celebrities Going Green
Sheryl Crow Live in Orlando Google images
google imagesJeremy Piven entering his eco-friendly
March 24, 2007 Rampage 19
Dubowsky Goes Green at FCC by Cody Gless
Rampage Reporter
by Chris Alaniz
Rampage Reporter
Now you can procrastinate just a little bit longer.Internet that’s way faster than DSL.It all starts with Speed.With a connection speed of up to 6Mbps, Comcast High-Speed Internet blasts past DSL and is over 100 times faster than 56K dial-up. Comcast High-Speed Internet can handle the most demanding on-line tasks with ease.
Want More? Try Comcast High-Speed Internet with PowerBoost. Makes Fast Faster™!
Internet service – for no additional charge.
files such as music, videos, software, games, etc.
to 16Mbps.
Download a 180MB Video GameDSL 1.5Mbps 2 minutesCOMCAST 6Mbps 30 seconds
“Jonny Dubowski Iggy Pop meets Al Gore. That’s the best way to describe the unique and spirited work of Jonny Dubowsky,” Lead Singer of the alterna-tive rock band Jonny Lives, and founder of Rock’n’Renew, a non-profit organization that educates youth about global warming and the sustainability of our planet. Jonny will be hitting FCC to promote his most recent up and coming green effort through unity and teaching. “I have seen the power-ful effect of uniting people to make even the smallest earth-saving changes in their daily lives,” Jonny Dubowsky says. Dubowsky has been playing CBGB since he was a teen and his band, Jonny Lives, who are being hailed as rock’s “next big thing,” has appeared on Conan O’Brien and played in front of packed audiences around the country. Amidst this success, Dubowsky has been touring in a converted biofuel bus and promoting Rock’n’Renew to overwhelm-ing response and support from activists, students, teachers and the press.
A unique interdisciplinary educa-tional program, Rock ‘n Renew encourages students to take action on climate change, alternative fuels and renewable energy through their classes, their artwork, their music and other media. The Rock ‘n Re-new school has classrooms on 62nd Street in Manhattan, backstage at rock concerts, and at various other venues throughout the world. With the support of Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry, actor Kal Penn, and Laurie David (founder of stopglobalwarm-ing.com and a producer of An Inconvenient Truth ),
Dubowsky’s plan of action for students involves using their favorite bands and their interest in popular culture to raise awareness for environmental sustainability. Recent Rock’n’Renew initiatives include partnering with the National Clean Cities program to teach students green concepts, and setting up school visits for high-profile artists to play concerts and discuss sustain-ability.
At his own talks, an impassioned Dubowsky challenges audience members to really think about the way their actions will define what kind of person they are going to become, and what their impact on the world will be. Jonny Lives! is currently working on their 2nd album, and Jonny will perform in London, Barcelona, Madrid, Belgium, and Scottland this summer. Get Steady will be released in Europe at the end of 2007, and is available in the U.S. right now!”
Jonny’s Rock’n’Renew Events will take place here at FCC beginning tomorrow March 25th to find more infor-mation on Jonny’s up ancoming “Green” efforts you can check in with ASG office above the FCC bookstore.
Entertainment
myspace.com/jonnylives
myspace.com/jonnylives
20March 24, 2007
Q: What motivated you to
Install solar panels in your
home?
A: I’m motivated to try to con-vince our local, state and national administrations, business leaders, and fellow citizens that global warming is a real danger to our country and the world, that na-ture continues to give us abun-dant clues that climate change is actually happening and that, by acting now to substantially lower the amount of greenhouse gases that we emit into the atmosphere, we can save ourselves and our kids and grandkids from some terrible problems in the decades to come. In this regard, I was very happy to take a leadership role in lobbying our FCC gov-ernment to join the US Mayors
Special Edition
The House thatFranz Built
The Weinschenk household reaps the benefits of a ‘green’ home
Q&A with Mr. Weinschenk The Numbers
$243.44
$34.77$3.10
$10,000Cost for solar panels after rebates
Seven Months of PG&E(Includes gas)
Average monthly bill
Total cost in October
Climate Protection Agreement which was started by Mayor Greg Nichols of Seattle, Wash-ington. The Agreement now has 806 cities (all over 3,000) who are members.
Q: How do you think Fresno
City College compares to
Fresno State or any other col-
lege in the valley in terms of its
energy conservation?
A: I don’t believe that Fresno City College compares too well with other educational institu-tions in our city because some of them have invested fairly heavily in solar power installations. For example, both Fresno State and Phoenix University have rather large parking areas covered with solar panels that provide a considerable amount of power to their schools. In the meantime, FCC has nada.
Q: What do you think Fresno
City College administrators
or students can do to be more
environmentally friendly on
campus?
A: First of all, FCC might well conduct a thorough survey and inventory to see how energy efficient the campus really is. Is there sufficient insula-tion in ceilings, ducts, walls, windows, doors etc? Does all the equipment in all the departments measure up to the “Energy Star” standards published by the EPA? Could those students and faculty members who regularly drive a bicycle to school be rewarded (like they are at Fresno State) with maybe a small discount in the cafeteria or the bookstore? Perhaps Fresno City could enroll in PG&E’s program to
by Cynthia Moreno
Views Editor
See FCC Not... page 8
Photos by Joseph Rios
Above: Franz Weinschenk peers over his fruitful investment. Below, from left: Weinschenk and his wife Sally pose in front of their home; a stove in the living room warms the home; a statement of peace welcomes people onto their doorstep.
