vol.64 editon 1_fall 2012 american river current

A LOOKINSIDE 3 10CAMPUS CRIMES

urrentCamerican river

ARCurrent.com@ARCurrent

Vol. 64, Ed. 1 • Sept. 19, 2012

BROTHERSThe cliché may be that eight is

enough.But for the undefeated, No. 12

nationally ranked American River College football team, it’s just right.

In a very rare instance, the Beavers, owners of another impres-sive number--21 straight victories--have four sets of brothers all suiting up this year.

They include the larg-er than life siblings from America Samoa, Leasisefeau “Noe” and Felai “Fish” Tauave.

Then you have the quiet brothers from Elk Grove, Clifford and Jovante Redmond, the Orangevale brothers, Scott and Frankie Pata-

lano, who get a chance to bang heads daily in practice and the brothers from Rocklin, Nic and Trevor Cooper, that counter each other like yin and yang.

In his 25 years as a football coach, Beavers Head Coach Jerry Halfich said he

has never seen this many brothers all on the same

squad.“We have had

some twins, I have had brothers gen-

erationally, but not this many on the same

team,” Haflich said.Of the four sets, three of those

pairs played at their respected high schools for at least one season together.

Noe and Fish are playing on the same team together for the first—and maybe only—sea-son together.

Growing up in American Samoa, Noe, 23, and Fish, 20, played at different high schools. But after a couple years away from football, Noe joined the Beavers after moving to Sac-ramento in 2010. While Fish was unhappy at another community college in Southern Cali-fornia, he saw the success his older brother was having and decided to join in on the fun.

“Noe is a huge factor in Fish being here now,” Haflich said.

As a head coach, Halfich is thankful that the brothers are all friends on and off the field, because like any relationship, if there isn’t unity, it can be detrimental to others around.

SEE BROTHERS, PAGE 7

Constructing the future$61 million in renovations aim to bring the ARC campus into the 21st centuryBy Josh Baumbach & Steven [email protected] [email protected]

American River College is currently in the middle of one its largest renovations in the school’s history.

“Just as those who came to the campus for the first time in 1958 saw a transformation of a 153 acre cattle ranch, those who visit the campus today are seeing a steady and essential transforma-tion of an outdated campus de-signed to serve 10,000 students which now serves at least 35,000 students each semester,” said ARC President David Viar.

In the past decade, students

have seen nine buildings added or remodeled, starting with Howard Hall in 2003, and the most recently, the library in 2010. Currently in the middle of construction are the fine arts and sciences building, the student center, and a park-ing structure. Scheduled to be completed by 2013, the three buildings will bring the total cost of renovations to approximately $131 million and about 196,000 assigned square feet in the last 10 years, according to Viar.

So when can the ARC com-SEE CONSTRUCTION, PAGE 6

By Trevor [email protected]

8 FRESHMEN 101SPORTS Q&A

Nick Powell cutting concrete in the under-construction Student Sevices building.

NEWS

Death of stu-dent leaves legacy of friendship

FOUR PAIRS OF SIBLINGS ON

THE ARC FOOTBALL

SQUAD MAKES TEAMWORK A NO-BRAINER

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ARC student Harison Long-Randall remembered for good deeds and positive attitudeBy Sergio [email protected]

If a hero is a person admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities, then former American River College student Harison Long-Randall certainly qualifies as one.

Many people know Long-Randall from the headlines he made in the Sacramento Bee this past summer, but most ARC students don’t know what he did here on campus.

Long-Randall, 21, died July 29 after he jumped in the way of a speeding car near the ARC cam-pus on Garfield Avenue. He was protecting his girlfriend, 23-year-old ARC student Gemily West

SEE RANDALL, PAGE 2

SPORTS

Photo by Bryce Fraser / The Current

NEWS

Photo by Daniel Romandia / The Current

BAND OF

From front to back: Felei and Leai Tauave, Clifford

and Jovante Redmond, Frankie and Scott

Patalano and Nic and Trevor Cooper.

An increase in on-campus bike thefts invoked an investigation, leading to an arrest

ARC’s new athletic director speaks with The Current about the upcoming semester

What to do and what to expect as an incoming freshman at ARC

and her four Australian cattle dogs: Winry, Evie, Bindie and Zury. West survived, but the bone in her right leg snapped and she has 42 metal staples holding her leg together.

The suspect, 31-year-old Paul William Walden was allegedly speeding at 80 mph. In July, the Sacramento Bee reported, “(t)he Sacramento Supreme Court records indicate that he had been arrested on suspicion of driv-ing under the influence at least three times.” Walden was arrested on driving under the influence and a suspended driver’s license.

Long-Randall graduated from Del Campo High School in 2009. He started school at ARC in the spring of 2010. His sister, 25-year-old ARC student Marybeth Long-Randall, remembers him as a heavy-set guy with a kind face that would always leave her with a smile.

“He was just really big,” said Marybeth Long-Randall. “You know, very charismatic and humorous person and made everybody laugh and if you weren’t smiling when he found you, you would be smiling by the time he left you.”

Long-Randall’s interests include stage make-up and costume design, which he wanted to pursue as a career, as well as anime. He was a part of SacAnime, a local anime convention, where the members remembered him with a memorial and donations.

ARC student and Disabled Students Pro-grams and Services employee Dylan Anderson

was working as an Adaptive Physical Education aid when he met Long-Randall and be-friended him. He loved his personality.

“Harison was so inspira-tional. He had the ability to bring me up on a bad day. He had an old soul and was too good for this world,” said Anderson

According to Marybeth Long-Randall, Adaptive P.E. was one of Long-Randall’s favorite classes.

Adaptive P.E. Director Raye Maero enjoyed having Long-Randall around and remembers him as “a sweet kid who worked really hard everyday and was really nice to all the other students.”

Brian Sprinkle, Adaptive P.E.’s instructional assistant, will always remember Long-Randall as “never having a bad day” and being “happy go lucky.”

Dealing with Long-Randall’s death has been tough on his family and his girlfriend, accord-ing to Marybeth Long-Randall, who says they miss him deeply.

“For all of us right now, it’s just a day-by-day process on having to cope with our loss, especially when you wake up in the morning expecting to hear Hari, then realizing that

it’s quiet because he isn’t here anymore,” said Marybeth Long-Randall.

Walden is still under investigation and could face murder charges if convicted.

Long-Randall’s family has hopes of setting up a foundation to help victims of traumatic crimes.

Fighting back her emotions, Marybeth Long-Randall clearly misses her brother.

“He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known and if we were all more like him, the world would be a better place.”

NewsSept. 19, 2012

urrentCamerican river

Editor-in-ChiefJosh Baumbach

Managing EditorSteven Paxiao

News EditorSergio Portela

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Cintia Lopez

Sports EditorJessica Maynard

Scene EditorMayra Sanchez

Opinions EditorJaime Carillo

Photo EditorDaniel Romandia

Web EditorCarlos Guerrero

Media EditorLance Gawthrop

Social Media DirectorShelby Young

Copy ChiefCody Alexander

Design EditorMegan Houchin

Feature Design EditorSteven Condemarin

DesignerSarah Scott

Staff Writers

Jeff GonzalesTrevor HornAlisha Kirby

Kenneth LoafeaCarla Manes

Michael PachecoAlex Panasenko

Garitt RochaSharon Styles Olesya Sytnyk

Dakota Williams

Staff PhotographersBryce FraserAlisha Kirby

Stephanie Lee

AdviserTim Swanson

Photo AdviserJill Wagner

PROUD MEMBERS OF THE CNPA & JACC

GOT A COMMENT?Send us your thoughts at [email protected] www.arcurrent.com

POLICYThe Current is produced by the students of Newspaper Production, J402. All opinions are signed and not necessarily endorsed by the Current staff. All letters and articles appearing in the Editorial, Opinion or Forum sections are not necessarily representative of the Current staff or American River College policy. All articles are the property of the Current. Please go online at arcurrent.com to see the full text of criteria and guidelines for submissions. Letters must be typed and can be submitted by mail, e-mail or in person at the following addresses:

The American River Current4700 College Oak DriveLiberal Arts, Room 120Sacramento, CA 95841Phone: 916-484-8304Fax: 916-484-8668E-mail: [email protected]

ASBNOTEBOOK

Chaos and confusion seemed to abound at the Associated Student Body meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13.

While gearing up for the new semester and do-ing basic housekeeping for the ASB, ASB President Quierra Robey made a dis-covery that could impact many of the students here at American River College. This discovery is what caused all the confu-sion.

ARC students who are eligible for the Board of Governors Fee Waiver have not been required to pay the $1 ASB represen-tation fee.

With a lower number of students paying these fees, a concern has come up that could have an effect on many of the traditional events that ARC partici-pates in.

“We have approximately $13,000 in the rep fee ac-count,” Robey said. “We’re used to around $30 to $40,000.”

Events such as the an-nual March in March that help create the culture of ARC typically cost more than the entire budget that is supposed to last for the duration of the year.

Depending on how the ASB decides to work with this development, the sen-ate may take a motion to the Los Rios Community College District to start charging these fees.

“I would be totally willing to pay,” said ARC fashion major and BOGW eligible student Kristen

Schierenberg. “I under-stand for some students (a dollar) is a big deal, but for some of us it’s not.”

Not all students receiv-ing the waiver agree.

“I really would not want to pay,’ said Octaviana Bradford, an ARC student whose major is unde-clared. “I feel like a dollar each is not going to make a difference with all the cuts going.”

Many students also do not realize that they can opt out of paying the representation fee based

on religious, political, or financial needs and beliefs.

However, without voices from the general public present at ASB meetings, the senate will be voting on many things over the course of the school year that could impact many of the most financially chal-lenged of students.

If students want to make their voices heard the ASB meets every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until noon in the Campus Life Center in the portable village.

By Jeff [email protected]

BOG Waiver issue causes confusion for Associated Student Body

RANDALL: Remembered fondly for his heroic actionsAbove: American River College students Harison Long-Randall (left) and Gemily West with three of her Australian cattle dogs. Below: A map of the scene of the incident.

mapquest.com

Photo courtesy of Facebook

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

News Sept. 19, 2012

KNOW YOUR VOTEEditor’s Note: In the spirit of fairness, all information used to inform this article has been taken directly from the candidates’ websites and/or speeches.

INBRIEFFREE GREEN JOBS CLASSESSept. 17, 2012 through March 29, 2013 American River College, in collaboration with Sacramento Em-ployment and Training Agency, will be offering green jobs classes, training participants for positions like sales and installers of solar panels. The class is free to all students.

“Training subsidized through Work-force Investment Act,” said Ira Ayers of SETA.

For more info, see the Career Center.

Contact Ira Ayers at (916)263-3990 or Maquoo Anderson at (916)263-3998 for more information.

FORMER MUSIC PROFESSOR PERLA WARREN PASSESPerla Warren, a professor of music from 1975 to 1995, passed away on July 29 at the age of 76.

The mass and reception to be held on Sept. 21, 2012 at 5 p.m. at St. Mel’s Catholic Church, 4745 Pennsyl-vania Ave, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

REGIONAL TRANSIT EXTENDED HOURSExtended hours of service for Light Rail and a number of bus routes, including routes 1 and 82.

Route 1 will run from campus going eastbound toward Sunrise Mall until 10:02 p.m. and westbound toward Watt I-80 at 10:07 p.m.

Route 82 last departs from ARC at 9:47 p.m.

Changes effective Sept. 2, 2012.

For more information call (916)321-BUSS or visit the official website of Regional Transit.

UNIVERSITY REPS VISITING ARCFor students interested in transfer-ring to colleges will be on campus offering information.

Sacramento State University will be on campus Wednesday, Sept. 19, and Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.

UC Davis will on campus Monday Sept. 24 and University of San Fran-cisco will be present on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

For more information on these and other universities offering informa-tion, see Transfer Center or Event Calendar on ARC website.

CAMPUS CHANGE WORK-SHOPSMake IT Happen! is an introduction to creating changes on campus by giving students the opportunity to work with campus administrators and could be an extra boost to help out transfer resumes.

Topics include participation in campus-wide planning committees and involvement in student leader-ship activities.

Sept. 20, 2012, Noon -1 p.m. in Portable 612.

Life Cycle Series: Parenting Education

Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, 12:15p.m.-1:15p.m., CTL Conference Room.

Ongoing, held on first Wednesday of the month.

For more information, see Event Calendar on ARC website.

ELECTION 2012

By Sarah [email protected]

The backbone of President Barack Obama’s student loan reform centers on reducing private loans and increasing federal direct loans. Obama explained in his Democratic

National Convention speech that this would allow students to borrow directly from the government; eliminating the risk of tak-ing out high-interest loans they can’t pay back. Also included in Obama’s plan is student loan forgiveness. Beginning in 2014, stu-dents taking out a first time federal loan will pay 10 percent of their expendable income per month for 20 years. Students that make regular payments will have the remainder of their debt forgiven after the 20-year period. Students that work in public-service professions such as teachers, nurses or hold a government job will have the rest of their debt wiped after just 10 years. The president recently proposed making this plan available to students with existing federal loans as well. In addition, Obama’s plan in-cludes a tax increase to help fund the expansion of the Pell Grant.

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is pushing for more involvement from private loan companies, while decreasing or even eliminating federal student loans. Ac-

cording to Romney’s “A Chance for Every Child,” government money would be given to banks to issue private student loans. Romney is supporting reforms that will make information about schools more accessible to prospective students as well. He be-lieves that informed students are more likely to make an educated decision and not overpay for a degree. This will force colleges to charge prices that accurately represent the quality of the educa-tion, and potentially lower costs of higher education. Romney is also highlighting the benefits of community colleges and occupa-tional degrees, explaining that for many jobs a four-year degree is not necessary. He plans to tighten the qualifications for the Pell Grant, making it available only to the most in-need students and lowering the maximum amount granted. Romney’s plan relies on the idea that students will make informed decisions regarding stu-dent loans and school choices.

In July, campus police working with an outside agency arrested a suspect for the rash of bicycle thefts on the ARC main campus.

“The suspect we are looking at in this case has been identified and was picked up on a different charge and is in custody, “ said Captain Chris Day of the Los Rios Police Department.

“We are working with the outside agency and the district attorney right now to add our crimes to that for prosecution. Since this person has been in cus-tody our bike thefts have dropped dramatically.”

The suspect’s name is being withheld while the investigation is underway.

Day confirmed that the cam-pus experienced a tremendous increase in bike thefts beginning in February. Campus police increased patrols, had officers working undercover and worked with an outside agency. Thefts occurred throughout the campus, but according to Day, possibly more happened near Davies Hall due to the population of the area.

The arrest could prevent others students from experiencing the shock Daniel Brouns felt when he discovered his bike was gone. Brouns, a May 2012 graduate, had his bike stolen from the rack near the theatre and music build-ing.

“It was kind of…. didn’t feel real. Like, you gotta be kidding me,” said Brouns. “My previous bike was stolen from my house a few weeks before. I had a lock on the bike, but in the rush on my way to class, maybe the lock didn’t click fully.”

Captain Day said there is no

way to guarantee your bike will not be stolen, but if the person can be deterred or slowed down long enough for an officer to make an arrest it would help tremendously. If you can, use a double lock with 3/8 inch cable and U-shape lock; any removable equipment such as gloves and hel-mets should be taken to class with you; park in a well-lit area; use bike racks to stabilize and support the bike; park in public areas and be aware.

Police continue to stay alert to all crime on campus with officers on constant foot and bicycle

patrol. Security cameras in the parking lots also record activities at some of the bike racks. These security cameras are constantly viewed by dispatch. In addition, Day is working with Public Infor-mation Office Stephen Peithman to place a bicycle theft prevention video on the ARC Facebook page. Day also encourages students to stop by the police office for flyers and safety tips.

“For us being as large a campus as we are, it’s a pretty safe cam-pus,” said Day.

Suspect in custody as Los Rios Police Department works with outside agency in investigation, says LRPD CaptainBy Sharon [email protected]

Arrest made in ARC bike thefts

Using designated areas to lock up bikes, U-shape locks, and a 3/8-inch cable are important to deter thieves.

Photo by Daniel Romandia / The Current

STUDENTLOANS

OBAMA ROMNEY

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Arts&EntertainmentSept. 19, 2012

The musical mayhem of ‘Sweeney Todd’

The Current speaks with director Nancy Silva about her take on the popu-lar production and her interpretation for the ARC play opening Oct. 12

The story of a man who was un-justly sent into exile for 15 years by a judge who wanted to claim the man’s wife for himself, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is about a murderous barber dead-set on getting revenge on the judge who stole his life and the woman he loved. The Current had the opportunity to sit down with Director Nancy Silva for a Q&A about the upcoming musical.

Current: Will this be the first time you’ve directed this play?

Silva: I have never directed this play before. Correct.

Why did you choose to do Swee-ney Todd?

I’ve wanted to do this show for 15 years at least, maybe even longer than that, and we’ve kind of waited to do it until we’ve felt like we could handle

it; having the theater upgraded helped a lot. We also needed to know if we could cast it. I really like [this] kind of musical; it’s what we call a ‘dark musical.’

What about the violent content of the play? How are you handling it? Have you had to tone down the violence?

No. It’s really not [that] violent. It’s the play and not the film; you don’t want to confuse those two. In the play it’s just not that violent at all. When he slices a throat there’s a little bit of blood, but compared to what people see on film today, it’s nothing. It’s more like if you’d see Dracula or Frankenstein on stage, it’s more in that realm. The violence is fun; it’s melodrama in the best sense. I know the college really loved “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” [and] I believe people will

love “Sweeney Todd” for the same reasons.

What would you tell someone who has only seen the movie?

That the play is 10 times better. I thought the casting in the movie was bad. [The characters] were too young, youthful and good-looking, they changed the play and they dwelled on the violence in the movie. The play doesn’t do that at all.

When do you open?We open on October 12, which is

a month away and we’re going to be ready. I’ve got a great cast, the scenes are so good they’re going to blow people away and there are some very, very good actors, so I think we’re go-ing to be ready in time.

Fact: Kids are being born less white these days.For the first time in U.S. history, babies of color

outnumbered Caucasian newborns 50 to 49 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s the latest bit of evidence illustrating the shifting demographics in our country.

One-time minorities -- especially Latinos and Hispan-ics -- will soon become majorities in states that used to be part of Mexico, such as California, New Mexico and Texas.

In fact, 38 percent of California’s population is Latino or Hispanic. That’s a mere one percent behind Caucasians in a number that’s projected to rise in the future. The U.S. census predicts that they may become the ethnic majority in California by 2015.

Non-Latino people shouldn’t be too intimidated by these shifts; it just means more burritos, Pacifico and Oakland Raiders games to go around, as well as filling the country with people that would rather eat two tacos than listen to U2.

Which brings me to the point of my column: I am here to translate my experiences as a young Mexican Ameri-can.

Going by the recent conventions for the presidential elections, it’s something that would have interested both Republicans and Democrats. Latinos and Hispanics are becoming an important demographic as far as candidates are concerned, becoming a crucial voting block.

Knowing this importance, both the Republicans and Democrats infused their conventions with some serious Latino sabor.

At the Republican convention in Florida (another state with a strong Latino population), politicians and speakers began dashing Spanish into their speeches like a George Lopez stand up special to try and win the Latinos over.

But nothing at the Republican convention was as fla-vorful as at the Democratic convention, where guest and keynote speaker was Democratic politician Julian Castro, mayor of San Antonio, marking the first time a Latino had given the keynote speech at a major party conven-tion.

Obama and Romney, pay attention. The Latino vote always will favor the party with the friendlier stance on immigration. Even though President Barrack Obama has deported more immigrants than George W. Bush did (according to Reuters), we almost turn a blind eye and pretend we don’t understand English just so we don’t ac-cidentally vote another rich white guy president.

When minorities become majorities

By Garitt [email protected]

Cast members of the musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Steet.” The production, directed by Nancy Silva, begins Oct. 12 at ARC Theater.

Photo courtesy of ARC Archives

By Carlos [email protected]

Arts&Entertainment Sept. 19, 2012

Willie’s looks good, tastes OK

INOURHEADS

If In-N-Out is the “gold stan-dard” for burgers, Willie’s Burgers and Chiliburgers take the bronze.

This restaurant is a very typi-cal counter-ordering restaurant. Willie’s Burgers has an industrial theme to it, with stainless steel walls and countertops. The front of this Mexican American joint is glass so you can immediately see if it’s busy or not.

There is minimal ordering space and the menu is expansive in size and price. With a variety of foods to choose from, ordering became confusing for me. Right next to the ordering counter is a huge win-dow with the main grill behind it so everyone can see how the cooks make the orders as they come in.

They didn’t have any combos to make choosing an item easier. I ordered a “Hammer 4,” which is a double cheeseburger and comes with lettuce, tomato, thousand-island dressing and onions.

I was given a number and took a seat.

The service, for me, was typi-cal. There was one employee that was courteous and even talkative toward some people. Televisions are set up around the front of the room for people to watch while they enjoy their food.

The burger was well cooked and seasoned. The lettuce was crisp and tasted fresh. The onions were flavorful, while the cheese was per-fectly melted on both patties and the thousand-island dressing added an interesting flavor to the burger.

I ordered a side of garlic fries

with my burger for only $3.50 and although they were pretty messy, they were filling and delicious. The fries were topped with garlic, cilantro and Parmesan cheese.

Even though the food altogether was average, the price seemed to be fair (total of $10.78), which isn’t bad. They are also open until midnight on Fridays and Satur-days, so I might be back for a late night meal.

“Hell On Wheels”- Recently starting its second season on AMC, “Hell On Wheels” is set during the construction of the first transcontinental railroad. There are plenty of dirty politics and violence, but it’s mostly its roots in history that have me hooked.

[email protected]

Carmichael restaurant features industrial theme, typical service but confusing menuBy Steven [email protected]

Willie’s Burgers5050 Arden Way

Carmichael, 95608

$$$$««««

A double cheeseburger with garlic fries, served at Willie’s Burgers and Chiliburgers located at 4040 Arden Way.

Photo by Steven Condemarin / The Current

The Current’s Josh Baumbach shares the wide variety of what is in his head

“The Hunger Games” - With the recent release of the blu-ray, “Hunger Games” fans have something to tide them over until “Catching Fire” next year. Being a fan of the books as well as the movie so far, this blu-ray was a must-have for me.

“Rise Of Nine” by Pittacus Lore – The third book of the “Lorien Legacies” (or “I Am Number Four” series) was an exciting read from front to back. It follows a race of aliens stranded on Earth who are fighting another alien race that wants them extinct. But there are only 20 of them, and they are being rapidly picked off.

“Slaughterhouse: Welcome To: Our House” - Comprised of Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Joe Budden, and Royce Da 5’9”, this hip hop super-group weaves together a rare classic album in the age of iTunes singles. Also doesn’t hurt that they had Emi-nem managing the album.

“The Walking Dead: The Game” - Developer Telltale Games had past success with other licensed properties such as “Back To The Future” and “Jurassic Park,” but this is where they shine. With a gripping story not like anything else in “The Walking Dead” uni-verse, “The Game” makes you care about the characters, and there are so many shocking twists it rivals the show and novels.

WILLIE’S BURGERS AND CHILIBURGERS

4040 ARDEN WAY CARMICHAEL, CALIF.

MEAL FOR 1: $10-$15«««««

FeatureSept. 19, 2012

Renovation is in the air

The new parking structure under construc-tion, to be completed by spring 2013

Photo by Steven Condemarin

The future entrance of the new student center, to be completed by early 2013.

One of many skylights illuminating the new student center.

Construction: Ready spring 2013 -munity expect to see these new additions completed?According to Dr. Viar, everything should be ready by spring 2013. “Due for opening in early 2013 are the fine arts and sciences portables replacement building and the student center, and for spring 2013, we will open the parking structure with

spaces for approximately 1,650 vehicles. These three buildings will cost around $61 million,” said Viar.All these additions are possible thanks to California voters pass-ing Measure A and Measure M as well as various education bonds.

by theNUMBERS

Although it may seem like the stu-dent center build-

ing has been running smoothly throughout the construction process, there was a delay in the initial beginning of the project that forced the slight change in deadline. One of the main things mentioned by the project manager John Powell was the fact that the soil was not suitable for the weight of the building. “Basically the soil where the new student center is had a lot of clay, which isn’t stable enough for the weight of the building. We had to over-excavate in order to get to the hard

pan, and fill it with slur-ry,” said Powell. Along with the visual up-grade of the student cen-ter comes the addition of new venues as well. The addition of a Starbucks and a Burger Shack will accompany the Subway that is already on cam-pus, which will be moving from the portable village once finished.There will also be a com-plete kitchen inside that will accommodate stu-dents for reasonable pric-es. Inside the new center will be much more space for student-work, includ-ing three student lounges and 10 meeting rooms.

Anyone who has taken classes here at ARC clearly knows there is a

huge parking problem, mainly during the first month of each semester. With the addition of the new parking structure to be finished for the spring se-mester this year, it should help solve some of those problems every student faces. “The new parking structure will definitely be a huge help for the students, because so many people are late because they’re looking for a parking

spot. Also with all the new buildings, I think it will im-prove the overall morale of the students (about ARC),” said 21-year-old ARC student Em-ily Rabasto.Once the structure is finished, it will raise the overall parking spots on campus from 4,235 to 5,885.With these additions, the ARC campus will move even further into the future, in hopes of making the campus more suit-able for the current admission totals.

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“I think it is something that can either hurt you or help you or make you really special,” Haflich said. “So far here, it has made us special.”

Take the Cooper brothers. Nic, a gentle giant off the field,

sometimes has to play sheriff when his brother is around.

Trevor, a fiery competitor, has found himself in shoving matches during practices. And despite Trevor (all 275 pounds) being able to hold his own, Nic will almost be in the mix backing up his brother and find himself in the

melee by proxy. For the Patalano broth-

ers, still living at home and being able to be around each other is great for them as brothers and friends, but for mom and dad, too.

“They love seeing us on same team together,” Scott said.

They played one season together in 2009 dur-ing Scott’s senior season, when Frankie was a sophomore.

But when Frankie was a fresh-man at Casa Roble, he was called up to varsity, and one day in prac-

tice, Scott recalls the welcoming gift he gave his younger brother.

“He came across the field on a route and I just smacked him to the ground,” Scott said with a smirk on his face. “His chin

started to bleed. That was me wel-coming him to varsity football.”

Scott and Frankie have yet to have that encounter this season as both battled injuries early on.

For the Red-mond brothers,

the excitement has been on the field as well as off.

Clifford, a returning starter at cornerback for ARC, stood on the sideline as Jovante made his

first collegiate tackle in the fourth quarter in the season opener on Sept. 1.

But still being a big brother, Clifford couldn’t help getting in a little verbal jab on his sibling.

“I was kind of surprised,” Clif-ford said. “I didn’t think he could evolve to the speed, but he has done good.”

Whether the bond of brother-hood is literal or figurative, the brothers are all grateful for this last time to hold on to a bit of their youth.

“It’s the best thing ever that a brother could ask for,” Noe said.

Sports Sept. 19, 2012

BROTHERS: ARC football team sports four sets of siblings

Ithinkitissomethingthatcaneitherhurtyouormakeyoureallyspecial.Sofarhere,ithasmadeusspecial.

JERRYHAFLICH

“

PhotocourtesyofCooperFamily

Top Left: Nic Cooper (58) and older brother Trevor (68) during Trevor’s senior season at Rocklin High School. Top Right: Scott Patalano, far right, walks with his younger brother Frankie (9) prior to the final home high school football game at Casa Roble on Nov. 4, 2011. Bottom Right: Jovante Redmond (20) and Clifford (43) pose for a youth football picture. Bottom Left: Felei Tauave (left) with his older brother Leai after a game during Leai’s freshman season for American River College in 2010.

PhotocourtesyofPatalanoFamily

PhotocourtesyofRedmondFam

ily

PhotocourtesyofTauaveFamily

CONTINUEDFROMPAGE1

SportsSept. 19, 2012

ARC hires new head of sportsGreg Warzecka’s 16 years as director of athletics at UC Davis highlights stellar career

The 2011-12 athletic seasons were eventful for American River College. The Beavers had 13 teams make the playoffs, with four of those teams claiming cham-pionships. The program also saw athletic director Jean Snuggs retire after 33 years.

The current spoke with ARCs ap-pointed interim athletic director Greg Warzecka about his background and goals for the upcoming semester.

The Current: Can you tell us about your background in sports?

Greg Warzecka: I started in the 1970s as an assistant baseball coach at UC Berkeley. I coached there for five years and went on to be the head coach at San Francisco State for three years. I moved to Chicago where I became the head baseball coach and men’s athletic director at the University of Chicago for four and a half years. At that point, my baseball career ended and I took a job at the Uni-versity of Redlands, a beautiful Division III private school where I was the director of physical education and athletics for the next five and a half years before going to UC Davis where I was director of athletics for 16 years.

You retired for a year. How does it feel to be back?

The year off was good. It was one of those situations where I felt that after 34 or 35 years in college athletics, I had just been on a racehorse and needed a break to evaluate were I wanted to go in the last five to seven

years of my career. When this position was posted and brought to my attention, I thought I’ll ex-plore it. It’s seven miles from my house, and the more I learned about American River College, the more interested I became.

What are your goals for this semester?

One thing I’m working dili-gently on is our apparel and uni-forms, equipment and supplies that are needed for our students who are competing. I sense that over time with budget cuts, it’s been stressful on the students who make the team and want to represent ARC, and there’s a lot of cost associated with that. I’m trying to work hard to find ways to minimize the cost for a student to compete in athletics here at ARC.

How do you plan to reach these goals?

I’ve built relationships over time with apparel companies, and everybody likes to be as-sociated with a certain company

whether it’s Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour. You can build relationships with these companies even at the community college level, which create an opportunity for us to standardize our logo.

By Jessica [email protected]

Sports is often thought to be one of the most popular en-tertainment venues among the world. Lately, it seems to me that there have been a lot more negative issues than positive.

This is an attempt to inform the everyday citizen of the things that are out of bounds with the million dollar athletes we call idols.

With MLB being one of the highest paid professional sports, it should be no question that the integrity of the game would be higher than the rest.

In the month of August, Bay Area baseball saw two players fail drug tests for high levels of testosterone.

First was Melky Cabrera of the San Francisco Giants, who at the time led the national league in hits, and batting aver-age. He still leads the league in batting average, which is now bringing up talks of whether or not he will be given the batting title after this incident.

Second was Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics, who had shown a surprising increase in innings pitched over the past two seasons (‘09,’11), following a 2010 campaign where he was injured all season, as well as a visible increase on his fastball speed.

The use of any human growth hormone is highly prohibited in all professional sports, and these two not only hurt their teams during pen-nant races, but also crushed the dreams of kids who idolized these athletes.

This was also a huge issue last season after Milwaukee Brewers star Ryan Braun also tested high for testosterone, following his MVP acceptance months earlier.

After a long appeals process, he became the first player to have a drug suspension over-turned in MLB history.

I’m not saying these men aren’t great people off the field, but when they are making mil-lions to play a game that has long been called the American pastime, maybe more should be done to reestablish the integrity of the game before it is lost for good.

Integrity of ournation’s pastime is at risk due to cheaters

Photo Courtesy of ARC Athletics

Greg Warzecka began career in college sports at UC Berkeley.

By Steven [email protected]

SPORTSUPDATES

WOMEN’S

SOCCER

WATER POLO

GOLF

WATER POLO

FOOTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

CROSS-COUNTRY

MEN’S

SOCCER

The team took first place at the OCC/SoCal Preview on Sept. 15. They claimed four of the top five spots in the race. The next meet is the Lou Vasquez Invitational on Sept. 20 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco at 4:30 p.m.

Tailback Jakori Ford was released from UC Davis Medical Center on Sept. 13 after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery; his injury will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. The football team will take the field again at home on Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. versus Santa Rosa College.

Freshmen Nicole Hareland and Katie Christener have been spiking machines for the volleyball team this season. The ladies will be at home against division rival Cosumnes River College on Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Freshman forward Daniel Lomeli has scored four goals in five games and has been a key piece for the team, which currently ranks number one in the Big 8 division. Their next home game is Oct. 2 against San Joaquin Delta College at 4 p.m.

The Water Polo team is currently 3 – 6 but beat division rival Modesto on Sept. 12. The team consists of 19 players but only four of them are returning sophomores. The team will be participating in a double header at Sierra College Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.

Alexis Wallace and Ceci Velazquez have been the offensive surge the team needed to start the year. The two have accumulated five goals and an assist in the first four games of the season. Their next home game will be on Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m. against division rival Modesto Junior College.

The defense of freshman utility player Mackenzie Kaplan and the offensive pres-ence of sophomore Mariah Livingston have helped the team make a splash in the divi-sion. The team will be on the road till the middle of October but will be local Sept. 19 against Sacramento City at 3:30 p.m.

The team is currently ranked seventh in the division acquiring 879 points in two matches so far this season. The team will be playing at the Cherry Island Golf Course in Elverta on Sept. 25 at noon.

The team placed seventh at the Fresno In-vitational on Sept. 8. Their next meet will be Sept. 20 at the Lou Vasquez Invita-tional at Hidden Valley Park in Martinez, California at 10 a.m.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Freshman Luis Luna at Fresno Invitational.

Photo courtesy of Rick Anderson

ARC Volleyball team from left, Nicole Hareland, Josie Casillas, Hilary Horton and Katie Christener


Scene Sept. 19, 2012

October will mark my one-year anniversary with my single self. Between the poorly written texts I receive from empty headed men and my self-destructive ways, I’d rather listen to my mom’s iPod than hear another “how you doin’?” pick up line. Realizing I was a little past due for a candle light dinner, I decided to go outside of my normal Midtown bar scene and venture into unknown world of online dating.

Yeah, it’s a little unnatural that an emoticon can suffice for a real genuine smile, but in an age where we share photos and embarrassing stories with complete strangers via the web, online dating seems less desperate and more realistic.

A few recommendations later and I was downloading and registering for “OkCupid,” a free online dating app with 3.5 million active users. I made my account, completed the questionnaire process and uploaded my most recent picture, one that would only upset my mother. I was well on my way to finding love.

My demand for love was met with an overwhelming amount of supply. My phone had never seen so much action. Where had all these men been hiding? As I scrolled through profiles the same way I shop for shoes online, I wondered – are these men really any better than the self-involved guys I attract at bars?

I had already invested a few days swapping messages with a nice, sane-looking guy, so I decided it was time to put down the Ben & Jerry’s and take the online flirting outside of my bedroom. We made plans to meet up at a restaurant, somewhere public where I had phone services just incase my roommate got “ter-ribly hurt” and needed my help (like we had practiced) and near a bar so I could grab a drink if it was a bust.

The date was a success in the sense that he looked exactly like his photos, no unexpected beard or belly but I realized early on when he wouldn’t shut up about his gym routine that he wasn’t what I had expected. Even though I enjoyed my hot Chinese way more than our cold, forced conversation, it was better than most of my dates I had been on in the past year.

In the end, I had stepped out of my comfort zone and it was fine. All ligaments were intact and I didn’t feel the need to listen to Adele on the ride home. We get caught up in the daily routine of school and work leaving little room for change. But in the words of Ronald Reagan, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”

Looking for love in all the online spaces

When getting elbow deep from the under-side of a car, some wind up covered in dirt. Rob Zomber, however, generally has a coarse layer of salt. He picks it up from the dried alkaline lakebeds and salt flat race tracks.

Zomber, an American River College student, is a volunteer Southern California Timing Association safety tech inspector. He knows vintage cars and motorcycles as well as where to find the fastest ones, and that’s on the salt. Zomber compares the moment arriving on the salt during Speed Week to a spiritual experience.

“It’s hard not to feel emotional about it. It’s hallowed ground as far as hot-rodders are concerned,” said Zomber.

The salt flats are like working on hot snow. The reflecting sun hits “really awk-ward places you didn’t expect,” creating memorable sunburns. Zomber respects the holy salt. This is how he earned his place protecting people against it.

Zomber is tall and skinny. His leg can shake a table the same way a 450 mph blown glass streamliner shakes your body. Maybe that’s why his metabolic rate so high he can get half his body under aerody-namic chassis with ease. At 28 years young, Zomber is destined is to be an old timer. He is one of only two tech inspectors in their

20s that volunteer. Bonneville Speed Week is the last form of

true amateur racing. Unlike the Indy 500 or any NASCAR races, the first week of August about reaching top speeds, not how fast participants finish. They do so with “an ab-solute lack of ego.” More records are broken during speed week than anywhere else in the world. When previous records are shattered, it’s not just the team that gets excited – it’s a win for the entire Bonneville community.

Every rule is written in blood. Statistically speaking, “it’s amazing how many people go hundreds of miles per hour and don’t die,” said Zomber. This is why volunteers like Zomber do what they do.

“I make sure that they’re going to go out

and be safe, or as safe as they can be,” said Zomber.

Zomber encourages everyone to come see at least SCTA event, come camp, watch fast cars and spend less than $50. El Mirage is only five hours south of Sacramento. Wendover, Utah, where Bonneville’s Speed Week is held annually, is a longer drive that’s worth it.

In the future zombie apocalypse, you can find Zomber riding in a big streamliner dubbed “Zomber Challenges Zombies” and listening to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” You can also stop by So Cal Speed Shop at 1715 Del Paso Boulevard in Sacramento and pick through their selection of literature or Zomber’s brain for more information.

Salt, sun and

speedARC student Rob Zomber describes spiritual experience working as a volunteer tech inspector for Speed Week on the salt flatsBy Ashley [email protected]

Today’s popular music blaring through the speakers, feet moving to the beat and bodies sliding across the wooden floors - Intermediate Jazz 310 is the class to take if you’re a dance freak or someone who enjoys watching “Dancing with the Stars.” Their motto is “we don’t steal, we applaud.”

Sunny Smith is a full time professor of dance. She also teaches a ballet course which is offered at American River Col-lege as well. Intermediate Jazz 310 is her favorite class because she gets to see dancers

improve. Jazz 310 is a technique class that focuses

on areas such as turning, jumping and stretches. Students get to learn these meth-ods for any type of dance such ballet, hip-hop or classical. Jazz dance incorporates all types of dance. Students get to watch other people who are better in hopes of improv-ing themselves. Intermediate Jazz is offered during all semesters.

Students are required to do three to five combinations: one being hip-hop, one lyri-cal, one concert and one musical theatre. They are required to dance solo for a good grade.

TAKETHISCLASS INTERMEDIATEJAZZ

“Intermediate Jazz is a very support-ive class. People are less terrified to get up and present something on their own. The music is a lift in the day and changes your mood.”

SUNNYSMITHprofessor

LEENESPIRITDANCERstudent

By Shelby [email protected]

“You are an athlete as a dancer.”

Photo by Ashley King / The CurrentPhoto by Bryce Fraser / The Current

A vintage car enthusiast, Rob Zomber volunteers as a safety tech inspector in his free time.

Students from the Intermediate Jazz class show off their skills. On the left is Malene Wohlford, on top is Jenna Miller, on the bottom is Hanna Yanni, and on the right is Deatra Shields.

By Mayra [email protected]

CAMPUSPULSE

“An Internet café.”

“A really nice gym.”

-Damon JenkinsElectrical Engineering

With all the construction on campus, what should they build next?

-Julie KiselevNursing

“A childcare service.”

-Laurel HoushFormer ARC student

“A solid, stable place for DSPS students to be dropped off.”

-Dylan AndersonPsychology

“More student meeting space.”

-Ally JoyeESL professor

“A better computer department.”

-Brandon PowersComputer Engineering

SceneSept. 19, 2012

ARC professor unswayed by success of ‘The Infinite Tides’

Dr. Christian Kiefer focuses on art after his debut novel is a critical success

Dr. Christian Kiefer is a busy man.He is an English professor at

American River College, a husband, a father of six – with his sixth hav-ing arrived on Sept. 7 – a Ph.D. in poetry and a musician with work on over eight albums. He also released a critically successful novel titled “The Infinite Tides,” over the summer and is doing a reading of the book at ARC’s College Hour on Sept. 20 in Raef Hall.

Described as, “(a)n astute, im-pressive, and ambitious debut,” by Publishers Weekly, “The Infinite Tides” is about a man by the name of Kieth Corcoran who devoted his life to becoming an astronaut, who then loses his family after a tragedy.

The concept of the book was con-ceived by looking at “the economy imploding and a lot of men being out of work, all at the same time,” said Kiefer. “(T)hinking about, in terms of gender, men defining themselves by work; having a big swath of men unemployed at the same time means that a large swath of men were then unable to define themselves in that way.”

Some might think Kiefer would have an inflated head when seeing all of the positive reviews “The Infinite Tides” is receiving, but he’s a man that goes to the beat of his own drum and the opinions of others matter much less than his own.

“It’s validating,” said Kiefer regard-ing the reviews of his book. “(But) re-ally as an artist you want to be doing the next thing; it’s like a very shiny

distraction in a way.”But for Kiefer, that mindset is less

about being a rebel and more about persuing art in its purest form.

“Commerce and art, in my mind, are seperate entities,” said Kiefer. “As an artist, I cannot get too involved with the commerce side of things. I certainly do my part, I... do readings, I’ll sign whatever book somebody brings, but ultimately there’s a line I can’t cross, because then I become a salesman and not an artist.”

To further illustrate Kiefer’s dedica-tion to his own creative satisfaction, he hasn’t bothered checking how many copies of the book have sold. “I haven’t asked,” said Kiefer, “and I’ve asked my agent not to tell me, because it’s irrelevant to me making the next book.”

On top of that, he wrote 41 drafts of the “The Infinite Tides,” which is shocking because Stephen King only writes 22 drafts before releas-ing a book. There is irony in Kiefer’s writing of “The Infinite Tides”: He chose to write about the topic of men defining themselves by their work, but he himself is constantly buried in it.

“I spent a lot of time this summer working on a book, throwing it out, starting over, getting to a certain point and throwing it out again and starting it over,” said Kiefer. Maybe that’s Kiefer’s infinite tides; a never-ending cycle of work and creation, or perhaps it’s the only way he knows how to define himself.

By Garitt [email protected]

Dos and don’ts of being aF R E S H M A N

• Do make sure you plan ahead and stay organized. This means making a schedule of when different assignments are due, and also what time and day each class is. Not only will this ensure that you will be in class on time ready to learn, it will allow you to schedule your own personal life around your school-ing.

• Do get enough sleep at night and eat healthy. It’s been proven that the brain obtains information better with at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and at least three meals a day. This may not be what some wish to do, but it sure does beat nodding off in class to a noisy stomach.

• Don’t think that college is just a time to rebel against your parents. Partying is a very huge part of the overall college experience, but every single night of the week isn’t going to get you past your first year. Sometimes you have to just put the ping pong ball down and pick up a book and study.

• Don’t over stress about the little, meaningless things. Whether your hair isn’t totally perfect or you forgot to update your Facebook status, students need to be more dedicated to their schoolwork. So next time you find yourself spending more time on social media sites than reading your textbooks, just remember that statuses will come and change but a college degree lasts forever.

By Steven [email protected]

There are many differences between high school and college, and these differences are apparent starting with your first semester in school. With these new ways of learning, there are many things that freshmen need to know about what to do and what not to do to succeed while attending college.

DO DON’T

Photo courtesy of Jessica Egger

Dr. Christian Kiefer, ARC professor and author of “The Infinite Tides,” his debut novel.

“CHRISTIANKIEFER

As an artist you want to be doing the next thing; it’s like a very shiny distraction in a way.

Dr. Christian Kiefer’s book, “The Infinite Tides” can be purchased in the English department. He will also be doing a reading of the book during college hour on Sept. 20 at

Raef Hall at 12:15-1:15 p.m.

You’d have to be incredibly naïve to think that money doesn’t dictate politics in California. This year, corporations outspend unions nearly two-to-one in federal elections (254 million and 164 million respectively ac-cording to the Federal Election Commission). Which is exactly why California voters should vote no on Proposition 32, otherwise known as the “Paycheck Protec-tion Initiative.”

Prop 32 would make it illegal for unions and corporations to take money directly from their member’s paychecks. This money is the cash flow that allows unions to stay alive.

“Defeating this [Prop 32] has got to be the top goal of labor. If they don’t, they could become almost extinct in California politics,” Thad Kousser, political science professor, said on 32.

While the proposition also prevents corporations from giving unchecked money to politicians, the proposition provides plenty of loopholes. It would still let limited liability companies and titans of industry donate huge sums from their personal bank accounts. For example, Kansas based industrialists the Koch brothers; who gave millions to the Gov. Scott Walker led anti-union movement in Wisconsin, have poured $4 million into the Yes on 32 campaign.

Unions are an ever-shrinking entity in America, and certainly in California. While unions are far from perfect, their purpose is to give workers a fighting chance when it comes to fair pay wages

and benefits for themselves and their families.

To pass Prop 32 would take away their fiscal influence in the state legislature, and with it, their representation. Collective bar-

gaining may even become extinct, echoing the recent labor protests in Ohio.

In a post Citizens United (the supreme court decision that allows for unchecked money to enter the world of political

contributions) America, wanting to ban enormous money-based influences in politics is something that all states, and the country as a whole for that matter should endeavor to do.

Society needs corporations to provide jobs for the wheels of so-ciety to work. But left unchecked, they could become a corrupt entity that will toss aside worker’s wages and benefits in pursuit of profits.

America and any democ-racy works because of checks and balances. Just as congress and the U.S. Supreme Court keep checks on the president, so too do unions keep checks on corporations and our elected of-ficials. If society needs corporate leviathans, we must match their size and influence with entities representing the little guy, which is why Prop 32 should be voted down in November.

Opinion Sept. 19, 2012

With the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket on May 22, 2012, the landing of the Mars Curiosity rover on August 6, 2012, and the unfortunate death of Neil Armstrong August 25, 2012, it’s been an eventful summer for the space industry, and the eyes and minds of America are once again on the heavens.

Watching the Falcon 9 launch, or the Mars landing on my computer monitor, I can see

why people used to drive out to sit on the hoods and roofs of their cars to watch space launches. On a screen, it’s just a burst of fire in the blackness, but more, it’s a symbol.

And what a symbol it is for our species. We started as small insectivores running through trees.

The adaptations we’d evolved for this al-lowed us to develop beyond any other species.

We grew and sought new realms. We left the trees and changed. We now stand as masters of the most complex tools in our world.

We built our new era, scratching it from the rough and often unforgiving earth, cobbling together sticks and stones and metal.

Though we grew from tiny animals eating insects we caught with our own hands, we became a species that can reach out and grasp the stars.

In the history of space exploration, 562 brave men and women have left the embrace of earth. 12 men have set foot on our closest celestial neighbor.

These awe-inspiring people have blazed the trailhead and bade us follow.

Their bravery brought us such things we take for granted as satellite television and navigation, laptops, portable power tools, long distance health monitoring devices, even software which learns its users’ preferences.

Without the Apollo program, we wouldn’t even have the modern microchip as Texas Instruments first designed its ancestor, the integrated circuit, for NASA.

Even modern infant formula comes from NASA research involving algae, which discovered a protein previously only found in human milk.

When the last rocket of NASA’s shuttle program launched July 8, 2011, many of my generation thought our country had decided space was a lost cause, a waste of time.

Others told us this wasn’t true, that it was only decided we should change how we go into space.

When we do get out there, we may find nothing. We may find other sentient space travelers. But what we will find, with absolute certainty? I know we’ll find our feet, and we will find our place. We’ll find it because we’ll make one, damn it. It’s what we do.

Humans venture into every ecology, every realm, even when it could, and has killed some.

We have no lack for courageous youths to carve a broad path through the danger and lead us on. We will always have these great people. We will always strive. We will always reach. It’s our nature, not just as humans, but living beings. To quote an author whose works have touched on many subjects and never failed to inspire, at least this writer, “All things strive.” It is the nature of nature.

I’ll see you in the galaxy. Let’s go.

CURRENTEDITORIAL

Pardon me if I seem a little woozy; I just finished watching two weeks of theatre otherwise known as the 2012 political con-ventions. Even though it is theatre, not all theatre is created equally. I think we can all agree Death of a Salesman is better than Cats (with apologies to Mr. Mistofolees). And the Democratic National Conven-tion was better than the Repub-lican equivalent because of one crucial aspect: ex-presidents.

I can go into how earth shatter-ingly amazing President Bill Clin-ton’s speech was. In fact, I will. Clinton took apart the Romney/Ryan platform piece by nasty piece with (the now famous) arithmetic and the cool, calming drawl only an Arkansan can deliver. It was long, don’t get me wrong. But it was long in the way Billy Joel’s “Scenes From an Italian Restau-rant” (substitute your own favorite 8 minute long song here) is long. It will drag on, but you’re going to cling to every line and cry when it’s over. And what do the fact checkers have to say? Very little, actually. With a few exceptions, the speech was bona fide. We can’t say the same for Congressman Paul Ryan, who lies in his speeches about marathon times and prob-ably what he had for breakfast this morning.

Anyone catch President George W. Bush’s speech? If you answered yes, then you’re probably living in some parallel universe where the Republican Party hasn’t made Bush persona non grata at their shindigs. It’s a very calculated move. I mean, have you seen the Romney economic plan? It’s nearly identical to Bush’s.

The same plan that cuts taxes for the wealthy, the same de-regu-lating (Clinton is no saint in this regard either), the same set of steps that made all of our money catch fire in September of 2008 is being sold to us again.

If it worked, not only would Bush have been at the convention, they would have made him speak every night and bejeweled a statue in his honor.

Bush is going to be a big part of this election whether Obama and Romney want him to be or not. There isn’t a more trite argu-ment than, “quit blaming Bush!” The man ruled as an autocrat for 8 years, got us into two wars, passed massive tax cuts (which add more to the deficits than any entitlement ever could) and for-ever changed the politics of fear in America. Fixing that kind of mess is going to take at least two terms, and I Oughta Know.

Waiting for Dubya

The past, present and future of spaceNeil Armstrong’s death reminds us that the future lies in the stars By Korbl Klimecki

[email protected]

‘Paycheck Protection Initiative’ will prove deadly for unions’ voice in California

[email protected]

By Jaime [email protected]

Defeating [Prop 32] has got to be the top goal of labor. If they don’t, they could become almost extinct in California politics.

THADKOUSSER

“

Expressions

Art, music, independent vendors, protests, live theater and people. It sounds like some-thing that can only be found in major cities, but it also happens monthly in Sacramento. Every second Saturday in the Midtown area, an art walk is held that showcases the city’s creative community.

Right: People drew their personal chalk art on 20th St. between J St. and K St. on Sept. 8 in the Midtown area in Sacramento. Left: A theater troupe hands out flyers on Sept. 8 in the Midtown area in Sacra-mento.

MidtownFlavor

Left: A man amidst a crowd on Sept. 8 in the Midtown area in Sacramento.

Photos by Daniel Romandia

vol.64 editon 1_fall 2012 american river current

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