The RenegadeBakersfield College Rip

Vol. 85 ∙ No. 7 www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Celebrating 100 years at Garden Fest

Martin chang / The Rip Agricultral Science club member Lauren Summerhays plays a game with Ryelan Hunley.

By Patricia Rocha I just kept saying, ‘we have to Reporter leave something behind for the next 100 years,’ so every meeting Students, faculty, community I went to I think I said, ‘don’t members and their families all forget those trees, don’t forget came out to this year’s Garden those trees, don’t forget those Fest for a day of botany-themed trees,’ so today, to see this one fun. Though there were plenty planted, is a big deal.” of vendors, demonstrations and She says the real big deal is many children’s activities, the how volunteers and organiza- real star of the show was the tions helped make this possible, planting of the 100th tree in and how this act of generosity honor of Bakersfield College’s will be a lasting one. centennial celebration. “Think of all the people that The idea for planting 100 new helped plan the other 99,” she trees on campus was Vice-Pres- said. “It took a lot of people to ident Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg’s get this done. They really stepped initially, and she said she was up from the community to help pleased with the way it finally support us so we could make this phOtOs bY Martin chang / The Rip turned out. happen.” “I didn’t think it would be this The 100th tree; is a live oak, Above: At Garden Fest, the 100th new tree was ceremonially planted on campus to big,” said Gomez-Heitzeberg which is a symbol of strength celebrate the 100th anniversary of BC on April 20. Planting was, left to right, mayor about the celebration. “As we and is usually planted in histori- Harvey Hall, Bakersfield College president Sonya Christian and vice-president Nan were talking about 100 years Please see GARDEN , Page 5 Gomez-Heitzeberg. Left: Retired professor Dale Gradek explains planting technique. New SGA Smoking policy is president left up in the air By Graham C Wheat “I think it will take effect, it is Features Editor just a matter of if it will be in the fall or if it will be delayed revealed The proposed smoking poli- a little bit.” cy at Bakersfield College is still So far, Acosta has presented By Jazmine Montoya in administrative limbo, and the policy to numerous boards Reporter the ultimate fate of the policy that control the outcome of may not be resolved until over campus-wide policies, such as As the spring semester comes the summer break. This policy the Academic Senate, the Fac- to an end, BC welcomes incom- may also become a district- ulty and Department Chairs. ing SGA president Travis Tillis. wide policy if the legislation The final word on the mat- Winning by 228 votes in the approves it. ter, which is appointed to the elections that recently took place According to Nick Acosta, board of trustees and chancel- a couple weeks ago, Tillis has SGA general counsel and spear- lor of BC, has not been handed accepted his duties as the new head behind the tobacco-free down. president, and he will be begin campus policy, the issue may It seems to not to be a lack of his duties during the summer of not be resolved this coming fall effort on Acosta’s part though. 2013. semester as planned. However, Granted he was not able to pres- Tillis said he was happily sur- PRISCILLA DAUVEN / The Rip Acosta is taking steps to further ent the policy at the last board prised when he was told he had Newly elected SGA president Travis Tills greets a fellow Bakersfield College student. the initiative. of trustees meeting, he and BC won. “From what I hear, they [the president Sonya Christian have “I was ecstatic. I was so hap- his will it would be done.” are just a few qualifications that fact that he enjoys organizing. board of trustees] are really broached the subject with the py,” Tillis said. “I have a deep Tillis said his strong leader- make him ready to represent BC He says he wants to help make looking at it positively, the pol- powers that be. faith in God, so I knew if it was ship skills and creative mindset as SGA president along with the Please see TILLIS, Page 5 icy and the idea,” said Acosta. Please see SMOKING, Page 5 Students get information about studying in other countries

By Hannah Breeland guide, felt there was a strong is usually the same or less than For example, a university lo- the guide. guide that is reaching those that Opinions Editor need for students to have infor- here in California.” cated in the Caribbean that has “I worked in Switzerland when don’t really know about it.” mation about studying abroad. Tiettmeyer is determined to 80-degree weather year round I was 20, cleaning rooms and With the first guide out, Tiett- Bakersfield College students “I published the Transfer help students receive this infor- will cost less than $20,000 for washing dishes in a 13th Centu- meyer plans on four additional don’t need to settle for a univer- Abroad Guide because I saw a mation. He has delivered copies one year. ry chateau just north of Geneva,” guides for the next academic sity in California or even in the need for students to finish their to 50 community colleges across In the guide, there are six he said. “I also did independent year. United States. It’s never too late degree abroad in three years and California. pages filled with 300 universi- study with an art teacher from “Nobody has really promoted to rule out studying abroad. in most cases transfer and finish The guide is filled with tips on ties that do and don’t accept Saddleback College, going to direct enrollment to universi- A Transfer Abroad Guide is in 1 to 1.5 years,” he said. “There travel, university requirements, FAFSA, along with several pro- museums around Europe and ties abroad in the past,” he said, available on campus, and it is are all these great opportuni- transferring units and three uni- files on current students studying writing about it when I got back “and there certainly hasn’t been available online at TransferA- ties to study abroad, even for a versities that are located in para- abroad. Tiettmeyer was inspired and getting credit. It really is a a magazine or guide about it. broad.com semester, and use your FAFSA dise where students wouldn’t by his studying abroad experi- life-changing experience to study So it’s exciting to have this first Eric Tiettmeyer, editor of the financial aid. Finally, the cost think to transfer to. ences that motivated him to make abroad, so it’s exciting to have a guide about that.” Fe a t u r e s Page 2 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Two worlds shape a distinctive sound

By Graham C Wheat Features Editor

Making Movies is a band that carries a heavy burden. They are rooted in two different places, musically and culturally. They have one foot in the old and one foot in the new, and they carry the weight of two cultures and two styles of music. Yet it is this grounding in two distinctly different places that ar- mors them and helps them create the sound and personality that makes them so unique. The band, which played in Bakersfield on April 27, blends elements of afro-Cuban rhythms and the old feel of Latin rock with a mixture of modern indie rock. Lead singer and guitar player Enrique Chi, 26, belts out a smooth, melodic voice comple- mented by guitar playing remi- niscent of early ’90s rock. Brother Diego Chi, 21, plays bass and lends a groovy line to every track on their sophomore album “A la Deriva,” which means “adrift.” The majority of the songs on “A la Deriva” are sung in Spanish, yet somehow that has no bearing on the listenable quality of the songs, even for someone who doesn’t speak Spanish. Brothers Enrique and Diego Chi hail from Panama originally, and were young transplants to LUis Garcia / The Rip the band’s hometown of Kansas From left to right: Juan-Carlos Chaurand, Enrique Chi, Brendan Culp, and Diego Chi of Making Movies, jam out using traditional instruments. City, Mo. Both grew up with ties to their origin of birth and devel- in an old van, he said, “When we with the other foreign kids, and I infused sound draws more and “A la Deriva” was a wholly sat- much.” oped roots in the Midwest town. are on the road, there is no big used to hate being weird. All the more non-Latin listeners. isfying experience with producer The band also spoke of the Drummer Brendan Culp, 25, drama. We get on each other’s other kids rode the regular bus. “We were doing a show at Steve Berlin of Los Lobos fame process it self, like using old went to high school with young- nerves every so often, but it’s It took me a while to realize that Summerfest in Kansas City, and at the helm. The band gave noth- microphones for recording and er brother Diego and even started like having your little brother in being weird was a good thing. “ I think most of the audience was ing but praise about the record- playing as an ensemble for the a band with him, although both the car. At the end of the day, we Enrique spoke of how that American as opposed to Latino,” ing process, which took 12 days record. joked that they hoped no one put aside our differences and re- feeling of alienation persisted on said Enrique. in Portland, Ore., saying Berlin The band is positive about would ever hear that music. Per- alize that we are working toward his trips to his home of Panama. The group also has another took time from his already busy their future and believes the mix cussionist and keyboard player the same goal.” That goal is the “When I would go to Panama, I hurdle to overcome; they have schedule to facilitate their cre- of cultures and musical styles Juan-Carlos Chaurand, 26, who dedication to the music that the was the American kid. And when no label and no booking agent, ative process. will be their banner. grew up close to the rest of the group makes. I was here, I was the Panamanian relying solely on themselves to “I was reluctant during some of “We have one foot in Latin band, rounds out the lineup. Enrique spoke of some of kid. It took me a long time to em- spread the sounds of Making the recording process. I thought America, and one foot in Ameri- Diego elaborated on the close- the things that he thought de- brace that, and now as an adult I Movies. I was being too weird, with my ca,” said Enrique. “It is the same knit nature that the group shares. fined the band’s dual nature. realize what a huge asset it is.” The group agrees that it can be playing style or song choice,” with our music. We have one Speaking of the recent touring “When I was growing up, I had It seems that asset translates a double-edged sword. said Enrique. “Steve told me ‘get foot in the old, and one foot in schedule, driving across America to ride the short bus to school into their music as their Latin- The band said that recording weird’ and encouraged me so the new.” Students create chainmail with updated medieval hobby By Jazmine Montoya medieval armor and use it in Chainmail is based back to ing a resurgance im popularity. Reporter more ways than what it is origi- the Middle Ages, when knights Not for it’s defensive purposes, nally intended for. would use the mail, or chainmail, but rather as a hobby for afici- Chainmail is no longer just a Marc Core, who is studying as a suit as a way of defense.If anados of the ringed gear. thing of the past. It also isn’t the to be a math teacher, and Carlos a sword or sharp point were to Today’s chainmail, however, kind of chainmail you’re think- Rubio, computer science major, try to break through the suit, it is made much the same as the ing of. make chainmail wardrobe as would then be turned into a blunt chainmail from old, though today Two Bakersfield College stu- well as jewelry and other knick- instrument to protect the knight it is made from some different dents have taken a hobby and knacks, out of different types of from getting hurt. The tradition materials that weren’t available made a way to bring back the metals. of making chainmail is now see- to craftsmen of the past, such as aluminium and titanium. Core and Rubio connect small metal rings to make patterns, such as vests, bracelets, neck- laces, rings, just to name a few The B.H.S. Quarterback Club and Coach Paul Golla examples. The metals that are accessible invite you to attend the Eighth Annual … to use are aluminum, steel, brass, bronze, copper, titanium, silver, and gold. Driller Football Hall of Fame They also take time to make colorful creations by changing the color of aluminum by anod- izing and sending electrical cur- rents through it. Core said out of all the met- als they’ve used, niobium is his favorite. Friday, May 0, 1 2013 “It’s mostly used in electron- ics,” he said. “It’s a rare earth Marriott 801 Truxtun Hotel Ave. Bakersfield, Ballroom CA metal, pretty expensive, not like 6 p.m. social, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. ceremony gold or silver, but it can also be colored like aluminum.” 2013 Inductees Core said he started his first project about 10 years ago. LUis Garcia / The Rip Jim Kennedy ’52 “I was a freshman in high Carlos Rubio, left, and Marc Core pose in their medieval school and just in the last two inspired chainmail outfits. The duo connects small metal Jerry Tarr ’57 years. rings to make patterns such as: vests, bracelets, necklaces Bill Rankin ’64 “I’ve gotten a lot more into and rings. The chain vest and head gear weigh a total of 20 it and making money off of it,” pounds. John Van Osdel ’65 Core said. He originally began Jim Kunau ’76 because his brother got him into Even if they don’t sell any- dieval type theme, Heralds of the it.” thing, they say they have fun Sword, discovered Core and Ru- Doug Loman ’76 Core and Rubio both graduat- going out and meeting different bio’s work at a First Friday event ed from Liberty High School and people who are interested in their and asked if they could make a Gary Williams ’78 have been friends since then. work. chainmail cap that the band plans Although Rubio hasn’t been “We get tons of people com- on raffling off at the concert. involved in making the chain- ing up to us saying how cool it While showing off their work mail projects as long as Core, is. That’s almost as good as sell- may generate business for them, he’s making up for it now. He ing twenty, thirty bucks of stuff,” Core says it’s not why he does Also being recognized has made a sleeve made of alu- Core said. it. minous black-and-red scales and “Free karma is what it is,” Ru- “I’m not out there to make a Our Valley Championship Teams 3/16 size steel rings. bio said with a grin. business out of this,” he said. $125 per person/$1,250 table sponsor (10 seats) The two have been taking their The money that comes from “It’s fun for me, it’s my hobby. (1937, 1938, 1939) work to First Friday for about the things that they sell helps If I make money off of it, that’s a year now, selling and sharing them in funding their bigger great. I can fund the rest of my For additional information please call: with the public their artistic de- projects, such as a full-on outfit hobby and make sure it’s for my- signs. that is made all out of metal. self.” First Friday is an arts and The materials put into a shirt Core and Rubio encourage 661-­393-­4027 crafts fair held downtown every that Core made was said to be others to come out to First Fri- first Friday of the month. Items about $120 dollars. day to check out their work and range from $10-$40. A local band that carries a Me- enjoy the work of others. Fe a t u r e s Page 3 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Her time facing war By Ruben A. Perez Reporter

Holocaust survivor Doro- thy Greenstein was speaking at California State University of Bakersfield as the school was celebrating The Days of Remembrance. The Days of Remembrance are to remember the events of the Holocaust. A room filled from wall to wall to hear her story greeted Greenstein. Her story is an incredible one of Mj iNguito / The Rip perseverance and hope in one Greenstein recalls her time in the ghettos of Warsaw. of the worst tragedies in the world. of the ghetto and was constantly alone’ and he did.” MartiN ChaNg / The Rip Greenstein lived in Warsaw, sent with money to get some food She couldn’t stay with the David Mensch, right, and son Zach pose for a picture at their home in Bakersfield. Poland and clearly recounted for her family to eat. The people woman anymore and needed the invasion of Nazi soldiers. of Poland were not always com- some sort of document that said “Bombs were falling and placent to let the Jews sneak out she is actually Polish and not our house shook,” she said. of the ghettos. Jewish. Her sister had given her “We were lucky our house “They would catch the Jew some money and told her to go Father and son make was not hit.” and say all Jews have money,” to a woman in Krakow, Poland Days after the bombing, she said. “Give me money or I’ll to get the papers. She did as in- Nazi soldiers moved in and take you to the Nazis. If some- structed, and searched the cem- quickly removed the people’s body didn’t have the money they etery for a baby who was born rights. were taken to the Nazis to be and had died in the same year history on their trip “I’m 8 years young, and I killed.” she was born. see the Nazis walking with the Luckily, Greenstein’s looks With this information and the shiny boots and everyone had helped her in not getting caught. little money she had, she was By Martin Chang really doesn’t work, because it Zach felt a very strong sense a gun and they were singing,” “I have dark blue eyes, light able to get her papers saying she Editor in Chief kind of hurts.” of accomplishment as he reached she said. “The first thing they hair, my Polish is perfect to this was a Polish citizen, not a Jew. For David, the most challeng- the end of the run and when the did, they announced Jewish day, and I have a Polish face on She went to find a job. David Mensch traveled with ing part was the first day. They people of Madera cheered on his children were not allowed to top of it.” When she went to the woman’s his son Zach from Bakersfield travelled 170 miles in 22 hours father’s world record. go to school.” Originally, she only brought house she gave the woman an of- to Sacramento in only his wheel- that day. “It’s a sense of accomplish- Unfortunately, the day of back small items like bread and fer she couldn’t refuse. “Keep chair. His son rode with him on Zach Mensch thinks that with- ment inside. Once you get there, the bombings Greenstein was salt, but as she grew older she me a month, you don’t have to his bike. out each other they would not it’s just amazing. When I got supposed to start the third became more able to sneak food give me any money. If I can’t do He went on this amazing jour- have made it to Sacramento. up there, I shed a tear, a tear of grade. Soon after Nazis start- into the ghetto. the work I’ll leave.” ney to prove that anyone disabled “There were a couple of mo- accomplishment,” said Zach ed to place notices around When the time came to empty She was hired and immediate- or not, can achieve what they put ments where we were so tired Mensch. town that people had to turn the ghettos to go to the work ly went to work. Unfortunately, their mind to. we were like trying to push each Throughout their run, the peo- in radios. After that, only camps, her father told her to they caught on and asked if she David Mensch, who has Ce- other away, but we had to be ple of California showed their Jews had to turn in their furs run off and find her older sister was a Jew. Feeling she was in rebral Palsy, did the run to send there for each other. If we didn’t, support. and leathers. and hide with her. On her es- trouble, she left. a message. He wanted people to I don’t think we would have been “[I learned] how much support “The Nazis knew psycho- cape from the ghetto she found a She bought another newspaper know that disabled people can do able to make it as far as we did, if we have up and down this state. logically how to get us lower small fence but didn’t notice the and found a new job working for anything anyone else can. we didn’t push each other.” Even if they barely know you, and lower and we didn’t ex- Nazis at first. a doctor. “I wanted to raise awareness; When David and Zack passed they’ll come out and support pect anything else could fall.” “The Nazis were standing ev- She stayed with the doctor and that people with disabilities are the 170-mile mark in Madera, you,” said Zack Mensch. Greenstein’s father was a ery few feet, but I was oblivious her family a while until the city not stuck in a house. Don’t give they broke the world record for Zack tells a story about how rabbi and also inspected meat because I listened to my father was bombed again and the city up, keep moving forward,” said the most miles travelled in a people from a honey farm to make sure it was kosher. In and he said run to Rachel. The evacuated. During the evacua- David Mensch. motor-powered wheel chair in showed them a lot of kindness. order for him to do his job, Nazi come looks at my face, blue tion she became sick and luckily The run was also done because 24 hours. “We passed through this little she took a knife and went one eyes, light braids and a Polish they found a hospital. When they he wanted to raise money for the This moment was special for honey farm and we stopped way and her father would go face and he thought I’m Polish. got there, the doctor claimed that Kern Assistive Technology Cen- David because he had gradu- there. They came out and said another. The two would meet “The Nazi himself took me Greenstein was her third child ter. He said that he raised over ated high school in Madera. He ‘you’re that guy from the news.’ up and she would give him the over and saved me.” and helped her get seen by a doc- $50,000 for that organization. was the first disabled person to I’m like ‘yeah that’s my dad over knife so he could do his job. When she found where her tor. Because of her sickness, she During their run, the father and graduate from Madera High. He there and we’re going to Sacra- One day, a soldier caught sister was hiding, she waited would have to get a shot every son team took the “back roads” described “the whole town” be- mento. on and she ran to her house with them until Nazis came by week; meanwhile the doctor had of California. ing there. His parents were also “Then they’re like ‘wow, let and. Her mother threw all the to search houses with dogs. She made plans to rent a room in a They both found the beauty of there. me get you some honey.’ It was knives out of the house. The was told she had to leave or else nearby village. the northern part of the state par- Zach Mensch describes break- the nicest thing ever that could soldiers knowing they had the Nazis would find them and After the war, she got another ticularly striking. ing the world record in Madera ever happen.” the right house and wanted punish all of them. This would job as a mother’s helper in her “Pass the farm houses and the as his most memorable moment Their record-breaking run was to arrest her father. As he was be a recurring episode in her hometown of Warsaw. Her sis- river, you can see the pure beau- in the run. chronicled in the film “David not there, they took her two struggle to not be caught. ter found her and took her back ty of the grass and the trees that “[It was amazing] having so and Zach’s Quest to Sac.” brothers as hostages. While hiding in a woman’s home. grow right next to it,” said Zach many people there, supporting It will debut at The Fox The- To get her brothers free, her cornfield, she was found by a For years, Dorothy Greenstein Mensch. him on his world record, having ater on June 8th. Zack hopes that older sister took a suitcase of ranger with a German Shepard. had managed to avoid capture The run was also not without the support of the Madera people people seeing the film will see money to the mayor and had She made a quick prayer to her and being sent to a work camp it’s challenges. Both David and on his run up there.” that anything is possible. to bribe him to let them go. father, something she did often in with only a second grade educa- Zach described the run as “tir- Even as they were leaving, the “Don’t let anything stop you,” Unfortunately, her situa- her time hiding. The woman that tion. Of her family, five of the ten ing.” They also faced challenges town supported them. he said. “You might not make it. tion worsened as her family owned the cornfield went outside had survived the holocaust. like high-speed winds, mud and “You can kind of tell they Keep moving forward, even if was moved into the ghettos. and immediately went to Green- She currently travels and tells flat tires. were rooting for us,” said Zack people are telling you that you Greenstein was small enough stein’s defense and shouted at the her story to universities and also “At one point, we were hitting Mensch. can’t do it. Show the world you to where she was able to fit man, “‘You call yourself a good shares it at the museum of toler- a 30 mph headwind,” said Zach “We were going over a bridge can do something in life. Keep through a hole in the fence Christian. I see you in a church ance in Los Angeles where the Mensch. “Adding dust to that and all you hear is ‘beep beep.’ ” pushing.” every Sunday. Leave the child museum is located. Indie game design is happening in Bakersfield’s backyard

By Robin Shin when using WINE. Online Editor As of this moment the game does not support OSX/Macintosh operating systems. Doan added, Over the last decade, video games evolved in “although we may port to it in the future.” Doan such a rapid pace in graphics and game play that seemed fairly certain that these ports would be the classics have, just as equally in speed, been bur- made in the near future. ied. Doan said that their current plan is trying to mar- Daniel Doan, 23, a psychology major at Cali- ket the game to a wider audience. However, they fornia State University, Bakersfield, and Trent have no concrete plans for the future, as of the time Wiercyski, 21, a student at Orange Coast College, this article was written. began to work on their project “SanctuaryRPG” “We are also in the early planning stages of de- about five to six months ago. proVided by SaNctuaryrpg.com veloping a graphical version,” added Doan, “as the Doan, who mainly manages and works on the Daniel Doan, CSUB student, and Trent Weircyski have created an ASCII indie game. retro style can be a bit niche.” game, stated, “I’m currently working on polishing Doan is responsible for the programming, and Wiercyski for the art of the game. The plan of developing the graphical version is the current version of the game.” currently to keep it 2D, and Wiercyski stated that he Wiercyski manages the art design of the game “I designed silly board games as a kid, and was through context menus. “Each button press corre- had just finished up the characters. and currently the game keeps to its retro ASCII always theory crafting about how I could improve sponds with a skill that a player can use,” stated “If you want the old school gaming feel, but style. “(I’ve) just been wanting to have a chance in on existing games,” he said. Wiercyski. something new and different, ‘SanctuaryRPG’ is some art design,” stated Wiercyski, “and Daniel is “Taking yourself to this epic world and select- “Also, the player uses context menu based ac- right on target,” stated Wiercyski. giving me this chance.” ing heroes that can stand a chance to defend off tions to travel around in the central ‘town hub.’” Doan added to this by saying, “What ‘The Art- When asked how he got into programming and the monster attacks, taking loot and using what’s The “Town Hub” is the area where the player is out ist’ is to the film industry, ‘SanctuaryRPG’ is to the game designing, Doan stated that he always liked best to your preference,” answered Wiercyski when of combat. gaming industry; a look into the past.” game design and ejoyed all facets of the process, asked what their current project was about. “SanctuaryRPG” is a game that is played on You are able to download the current version of including things like coding. The game is played on a keyboard and works Windows. Doan stated that it will also run on Linux the game for free at www.sanctuaryrpg.com. Ne w s Page 4 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Career day showcases job options Sleep

By Samantha Briggs work, but it also benefits the successful and it’s a program Reporter companies who go, because we will definitely do in the fu- they find new employees and ture.” In this economy, unemploy- receive publicity. Mayra Rodri- This was the second career before ment is at an all time high. guez, a representative with Of- day for BC student Anthony Things like career days and fice teams and Account Temps, Dankur. “I have not gotten a job fairs are a great way to has never been to a career day, job from a career day but I am help lower our unemployment but is looking forward to meet- hopeful. I am looking for an rates. On Wednesday April 24, ing possible candidates for her employer who is understanding Bakersfield College had their company. and doesn’t think they are above finals annual career day. There were “I know a few of my col- the employees,” Danker said. “I representatives from Target, leagues who have been hired think career day is beneficial Walgreens, to lesser-known through a career day. I have because it gets jobs out there businesses such as non-lethal actually seen a few people I am and gives companies publicity, defense company Damsels in considering for a clerical posi- especially the smaller more lo- Defense. tion,” Rodriguez said. “I think cal companies.” week Karen, a consultant for Dam- this career day is great because BC student Alexander Lung sels in Defense, has been to it gives companies an opportu- works with the job placement many career days but none for nity to get out here to help col- center. By Robin Shin BC. She is a consultant for a lege students who are looking “At job placement, we help Online Editor self-defense merchandising for work but may not have the them with resumes and inter- company geared towards wom- time to go out there.” views. We also have on-campus Instructors at Bakersfield Col- en. Marcus, the store manager of and off-campus jobs. There’s a lege are required to give a final “I am looking for an employee Walgreens, was at the BC ca- variety of students here at BC, at the end of each semester, and that loves our products as much reer day for the first time, but from young to old, and the peo- many of them have mixed emo- as I do,” Karen said. “I have has been to one at Cal State Ba- ple who are here want to have tions and thoughts on the out- hired people through career day kersfield. a future for themselves,” Lung come and even the final itself. in the past and I am hoping we “A good number of our man- said. “Career day is a good Rosa Garza, a Chicano history find someone today. We have agers have been recruited by me place to interact with different professor, stated that to her any Bernie Rejon / The Rip gotten a lot of resumes.” at CSUB,” Marcus said. “We’ve companies face to face, which exams are important. A DeVry University representative, Demetrius Henderson, Career day doesn’t only gotten some great applicants is more beneficial than apply- “It allows you to see how the informs BC students about the school on Career Day. benefit the people looking for and resumes. We think it is very ing online.” students are doing,” said Gar- za. “Mine are usually multiple choice, true and false, fill-ins.” Garza changes her finals every year due to the fact that in the previous years, a student took a copy of the exam and all the Poets share their works students knew the answers be- fore the exams were given. “So By Ruben A. Perez gether. We build community.” ture banding together. What I don’t let them keep the exam Reporter Belardes continued by com- comes out of your mouth are themselves,” she said. menting on the Bakersfield words and not paintings so we, When asked of what he thought “I want to talk about what’s literary scene. “The reality, Ba- would be proud of our valley’s of giving finals, Wayne Cooper, happening in Fresno’s literary kersfield’s literary community poets,” he added. a BC chemistry professor, stated scene and what isn’t happening is small and fragmented. There Michael Luis Medrano read that he had mixed emotions. in Bakersfield enough.” This are pockets here and there. As a selections from his book “Born “How do you really evaluate was the opening remark by collective, it truly has yet to be In The Cavity Of Sunsets.” His what someone gets out of your Fresno poet Nick Belardes at seen.” poems kept reflect his life and class?” stated Cooper. “Now if the Norman Levan Center for He asked, “If you don’t write community in Fresno. you had a good way to look into Humanities. Nick Belardes and your narrative, somebody will He even used his poetry to call an individual’s mind and look- five other Fresno poets came for you. Do you want to be de- out the Bulldogs, a violent gang MJ Inguito / The Rip ing at the gray cells and see what and shared their works and dis- fined by ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ based in Fresno. “My cousin, Lee Herrick reads a poem from his poetry book they have left there when they cussed the literary community forever? he was murdered in a drive by “Gardening Secrets Of the Dead” at the Levan Center. go out of your class, it would in Fresno. “The arts in Bakersfield may shooting in West Fresno. “It be easy, but in a sense then, fi- “What’s interesting about this need to grow in their willing- turns out it was a case of mis- keep tabs on history to give his- in town. Veronica Madrigal and nals are kind of a double-edged group of guest poets isn’t that ness to believe in words just as taken identity. They mistook tory a different tilt and keep it Nicole Biggs, who were at the sword.” they are accomplished Fresn- much as paint, but instead of my cousin for somebody else. honest and truthful. Norman Levan Center for Hu- Cooper then went onto add ans who have been published looking at what’s wrong, lets This is my response to the Bull- If you’re not an honest writer manities, are members and went that it is necessary to give a final in many journals and books and look at what Fresno is doing dog, calling out the Bulldog.” you shouldn’t be doing it,” he to support the writing commu- and that it gives him the feel of who between them have edited right,” he added. Andre Yang, a Hmong poet, said before he recited a poem nity. what his students get out of his more than a few literary jour- “There’s a literary scene you not only uses poetry to express about the bombings at the Bos- “We like to be a part of the poet class, but his real question is: Do nals. can fight for. It’s in Fresno. It’s his feelings about his culture, he ton Marathon. community,” said Madrigal. “We the finals really tell what the stu- They aren’t just writers who in Modesto. It’s in Bakersfield. also uses it to express the world All of the poets continued on were actually both published in dents got out of his class? happen to live in the same lo- It’s the central valley where all around him. with themes of community, and the book ‘(In)Visible Memoirs,’” He also said that he doesn’t cale, they are friends,” said Be- the scenes blend into one re- Poet S. Brian Medina ex- identity as Fresno writers and as said Briggs. “There’s a very expect his students to know ev- lardes on the poets in the Fresno gion. This event this evening, pressed the same feelings, “I writers from the valley. strong community in Fresno and erything about his class, because literary community. “We have a Bakersfield Fresno reading, think it’s our job, as writers, to Belardes encourages the Ba- I think that people in Bakersfield if they did then they would be the fun, we celebrate each others and it isn’t an easy fight or I document what’s going on in kersfield writers to come to- want that community.” ones teaching the class, not him. works, we break bread, we visit, wouldn’t be talking about it. our lives.” gether and even helps by running The Random Writers Work- Cooper’s advice to those who we explore each others cities to- “This area need literary cul- “We are the reporters that the Random Writers Workshops shop can be found on Facebook. struggle with finals is, “start pre- paring the first day of class.” Jack Pierce, a BC geology and earth science professor, stated that he finds finals necessary because it looks at the student’s Boles gives motivational speech at leadership conference comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter over the semester. By Adam Cree somebody. The question is He gives multiple choices Reporter how. To get where you want and essays for his finals, which you have to put your head down doesn’t really have a right an- The Student Government As- and just go,” said Boles. “When swer. sociation held a leadership you have to pedal over, the val- “The essay questions gives conference on campus April 19 ue of a mountain changes.” how they would logically an- Right: Derrick Boles, the highlighted by a motivational After the speech, a break was swer a question,” stated Pierce. keynote speaker at the SGA speech from Derrick Boles and called before the students pres- “There’s a correct answer as to followed by workshops. ent set off to various workshops the logic behind it.” leadership conference, talks “We have a lot of smart stu- to the audience about the Sonya Christian started the being held around campus. event with a speech emphasiz- In the Executive Board Room, dents in Bakersfield College, concept of leadership. ing the values of overcoming Tawntannisha Thompson but there is a portion of them fear. Then a game of bingo, with taught “How to Train Your X- that don’t prepare and so then it squares that held questions, Men,” which teaches you how looks like they don’t know,” said was played as an “icebreaker.” to tap into your “inner super- Pierce of some students who do Sharida REjon / The Rip Boles, founder of Leadership hero,” and get things done. a bad job on finals due to lack of 1st, took the podium. In the Fireside Room, Danitza preparation. “But I think they are Speaking to a crowd of Romo and Erin Robinson pre- bright.” 100 about a lack of the “cur- sented a workshop on “What’s Devlin Kelly, a BC biology rency of trust,” he challenged your Personality Color?” professor and Levan Scholar, the audience to be what is The workshop helps stu- stated that she isn’t sneaky when lacking and become leaders. dents identify their personal- it comes to finals. “It’s pretty “Leaders,” Boles stressed, ity types and enhance their straight forward. They know “have to be authentic. They ability to interact with others. what they need to know, they must have vision, able to see In the Collins Center, Nick know what they need to learn.” the outcome before it happens. Acosta gave a workshop on Kelly has a Twitter, Facebook What is your vision?” “the 3 Day Challenge and and even a podcast for her lec- Boles said loyalty is invalu- Better Grades in Less Time,” tures so that her students could able, as is education, to “make a discussion on ways to im- get all the help they need in order your vision become reality.” prove focus, learn how to im- to pass her class. Boles also emphasized the need prove memory, and how sleep Both Kelly and Pierce’s advice for accountability, discipline, and diet effect focus and how to taking a final is to get a good empowerment, respect, service to be not afraid of failure. night sleep. Pierce shared his ex- honesty, perseverance and in- In the Game Room, Derrick perience as a student. tegrity, adding that they were Kenner taught “Fear to Fire- “I remember when I was do- lacking in our society today. walker: Tools to Transform ing my bachelor’s degree,” he Boles, as part of his “Stand up Your Life.” said. “I would just labor all night America” initiative, rode 1,892 The purpose of that in terms of studying everything miles from San Diego to New workshop was to empow- and anything in order to try and Orleans on an ElliptiGo. er yourself through your perform well on the final exam in An ElliptiGo is a combina- thoughts and experiences San Diego State.” tion elliptical cycle and regu- to propel you to your goals. Pierce went on to say, “then I lar bicycle. Averaging 50-80 The last workshop, in the Vet- became a graduate student at the miles a day, the trip took erans’ Lounge, was “Diversity,” University of Idaho and I had my him a total of three months. and was taught by Rudy Strong finals. I basically studied what I “You have a unique opportuni- and Marshel Blackmon. thought was necessary and had a ty to change the reality you see The purpose was to learn good night sleep, and I did much happening,” said Boles about how to interact produc- better than I did in San Diego the trip. tively and responsibly with State. I think it’s because I had a “You are going to influence people who are different. good night sleep, I really do.” Ca m p u s Page 5 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Speaker reveals details on Area 51’s shady past

By Adam Cree CIA and Air Force teamed up the Area 51 test facility was runway was 85,000 feet long. zone, dropping off the camera Area 51 has had a major con- Reporter with Lockheed Martin’s “Skunk- home to the first U-2 spy planes Support aircraft for the project, and film before self-destructing. troversy in the past 30 years. In works” division to produce a and was their testing ground. chase planes and refueling air- Testing went on through 1971 1989, hundreds of workers at the At Minter Field in Shafter, high-altitude reconnaissance In 1960, Fancis Gary Pow- craft began arriving in 1962. At before being cancelled for two site filed suit against the federal something out of this world plane to spy on the Russians. ers’ U-2 was shot down over the the time, all the security around reasons according to Merlin. government over health concerns was talked about on Saturday They chose a location away from United Soviet States of Russia the base was contracted to pri- A D21 crashed into its launch- about toxic waste being burned in at Minter Field in Shater. About prying eyes. The first airstrip at (USSR). Project Oxcart began in vate security firms. ing A-12, killing the pilots. The pits at the site. In reaction, Presi- 150 people attended a lecture Groom Lake, the eventual site of order to design the A-12 a pre- A fire station to deal with air other reason was that the mili- dent Clinton sealed Area 51 from about the declassified history of Area 51, cost a mere $832,000 cursor to the SR-71. crashes was built and manned at tary could never recover the jet- the Freedom of Information act Area 51. according to Merlin. In 1959, according to Merlin, all times as well as a meteorolog- tisoned camera suit. Not only and other means of gaining in- Speaking at the Minter Field Area 51 is 85 miles outside of EG&G built a radar cross section ical office to study the weather was the plane lost but so was the formation about the site. Air Museum, Peter Merlin gave Las Vegas and right next door to (RCS) to study the radar signa- patterns. information it had gathered. One of the last publically a lecture about the history of the Yucca Flat. In fact, Area 51 ture of mock-up designs for the The A-12, according to Merlin, Area 51 also hosts a very im- known things about Area 51 is a Area 51. His latest book, titled is downwind from the site and next reconnaissance plane. Full- had its first test flight in 1962 at portant project for the military, land seizure. In 1995, the federal “Dreamland: Secrets of Area was under construction and early scale models were tested on a Area 51. In 1967, testing began says Merlin. Since the 1970s, the government seized 5,000 acres 51,” covers thousands of recently use while Yucca Flat was still be- 50-foot pole, built out of welded on the D21 Tagboard. A small, U.S. Air Force has been testing of land. The reason was so that declassified government docu- ing used as a testing ground for together destroyer propeller unmanned aircraft would be the capabilities of Russian and people couldn’t climb a local ments about the site and its his- nuclear weapons. shafts. dropped from a modified A-12. foreign aircraft at Area 51 in peak and look down on the base. tory. Originally dubbed by the From September 1960 to June It would then fly to a prepro- mock dogfights. This continues Actions such as those had caused In the early ‘50s, due to fear workers as “Paradise Ranch” but 1964, a new runway was built at grammed destination, take pho- today. the cancelation of dozens of test of Russian planes and nukes, the officially named “Watertown,” Area 51 for the A-12. This new tographs then fly to a designated Aside from supposed aliens, flights in the previous years. Tillis: Incoming Ladies president hopeful

Continued from Page 1 think, Tillis said that he is proud the student-teacher relationship shine of what he has accomplished and stronger and to make an impact is not planning on prolonging his while serving his term. success anytime soon. After attending Dallas County “I feel good. I feel young. This Community District in Dallas, is the best time of my life actu- Texas, Tillis transferred to BC as ally,” he said. at local an industrial arts major. He also lamented on the chal- He said that he immediately lenges of being a student. loved BC because it pushed him “You will be tested but you and that he prefers the education have to stick with it and gradu- system here in California as op- ate. It’s all about completion,” he posed to in Texas. said. “It’s not where you started. event “The education system here is It’s where you finish.” By Alana Garrett above the system back there,” he One thing Tillis is big on is be- Reporter said. ing alert and doing things to help Tillis has had his share of out the community. Although he Business women and many struggles not only in school but is studying to become a civil en- others alike gathered at the also in other aspects of life. His gineer, he aspires to be a public 2013 Bakersfield Women’s strife has taught him so much, he speaker or preacher for his future Business Conference. said, motivating him to help give career, following the ways of one The Bakersfield Women’s back. of his role models Dr. Martin Lu- Business Conference was “I’m a guy who has experi- ther King Jr. Some of his other April 18, at the Rabobank enced a lot of hardships in life. role models include Bill Clinton, Arena. I grew up very poor and experi- Tony Robbins, Ellen G. White This year’s conference had enced some things a young man and T.D Jakes. the theme “nurturing brighten shouldn’t experience,” he said. In spite of this being Tillis’ first futures.” “My main thing is to try to give time serving as SGA president, The conference started off back to the community and men- the leadership position is not with a continental breakfast tor the young men who are com- all new to him as this semester and a kickoff speech from ing up so they won’t make the he has been serving as president Lynda Resnick, an entrepre- same mistakes I’ve made. of the African American Student neur and billionaire. “Not only young men but the Union. He is also active in the Resnick owns POM Won- young women because the young math club. derful and Fiji water brands. women dictate how the young While in office, he plans on After the speech, the at- men move…whatever they like working with his team members tendees were free to roam the is what the men are gonna like.” and finding out what effective conference and visit with the This is Tillis’s third semes- methods can be useful to help various vendors and business- ter at BC. He began attending students excel and increase the es that were in attendance. school here in the spring of 2012 retention rate. He also plans on Vendors offered information after moving from his hometown continuing the new and old pro- and even some free services in New Orleans to Texas then fi- grams that SGA has implement- such as the Brazilian Wax nally here to Bakersfield. ed at BC that were effective for priscilla dauven / The Rip Boutique that gave out free He started going to college at students. Tillis says he is looking Incoming SGA president Travis Tillis greets current president Danitza Romo. This is eyebrow waxes. the age of 17 and is now 33 years forward to what the future year Kelly 95.3 radio hosts Dan- old. Despite what others may has in store. Travis Tillis’ third semester at BC. He said, “I feel good. I feel young.” ny Hill and Niki Reyes were in attendance at the event in- terviewing a few of the speak- ers and workshop presenters. Garden: Festival gets a The conference also had good turnout for the day workshops that were present- ed by successful business- Continued from Page 1 women like Denise Winston, cal cities. author of the book “Money “I was looking at a little kid who was here Starts Here!” earlier, just a baby, and I thought, you’re go- Winston held a workshop ing to be here at BC [someday] and you’ll see on saving finances. that oak grow,” said Gomez-Heitzeberg. Marian Cadwell, 33, an at- Retired BC professor Dale Gradek, who at- tendee to the event said, “De- tends Garden Fest every year to help attend- nise’s tips were very useful.” ees with their garden and planting questions, Cadwell also went on to say agreed that this live oak is a great tree to rep- that “I’m going to buy her resent BC’s history and future. book, it seemed like it could “The live oak grows very well,” Gradek be very useful.” said of the tree, which can live up to be 200 During the lunch at the years and older. “It’s a native California conference, attendees were tree…it’s an evergreen, and it keeps its leaves entertained by E! News re- all year long.” porter Giuliana Rancic. College president Sonya Christian said it Rancic is a star of the real- was an amazing feeling to be back at BC for ity show “Guiliana and Bill.” it’s centennial, particularly at this event. Rancic told a very inspi- “I met many of my old friends when I was rational and emotional story here as a faculty member, and these individu- about her battle with infertil- als retired, but they came back to BC,” Chris- ity and breast cancer. tian said. “Some are not even living in the Rancic ended her speech by area but they made sure they came here for encouraging the attendees to the Garden Fest.” “Do what you love, but also She said it was her understanding that this do what your good at.” was the largest turnout BC has ever had for sharida rejon / The Rip Perla Veloz, 19, a business this event. Event attendees of all ages browse the various plants for sale during the Garden Fest held on April 20. major at Bakersfield Col- lege, said, “I feel motivated by Guiliana’s speech. I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m glad I was able to learn some- Smoking: Potential policy may be left unresolved as summer break approaches thing.” The conference ended with Continued from Page 1 ward with it, but as a district wide leges] must approve the same “What she [Sonya Christian] forward with BC now. If it goes a closing speech from Robin “I did talk to her [Sonya Chris- policy,” said Acosta about his in- policy.” wants me to do is talk to the well at BC, they can jump on Mangarin-Scott a former tian] and she said she has men- formal talks with the president. Acosta has plans to urge the board of trustees,” Acosta noted board later.’” KGET Channel 17 news an- tioned it to the board of trustees “The only issue seems to be board of trustees and the BC this as being a perspective in- Incoming SGA President Trav- chor and was sponsored by and the chancellor, and said that that, if we do that, we are slow- chancellor to make some type formal meeting. “To give them is Tillis gave a vote of confidence many companies including it is going over well,” said Acos- ing down the progress that we of decision before he leaves his a run through of everything we for confirming the ultimate end State Farm and Chevron. ta referring to his conversations are making now. post with SGA, saying that al- have done with the policy so far, of the policy. The event is held annually. with the BC president. “If that is the case, it might not though he is confident that new put pressure on them and say, ‘it “If it gets caught up, I will per- For more information go to “She says that they like the happen in the fall, because they members will pick up the policy, would be nice if we could get sonally make sure that the policy their website www.bakers- idea and they want to move for- [Porterville and Cerro Coso Col- he wants to see it through. all three, but we want to move sees it to the end,” said Tillis. fieldwomen.org. Co m m e n t a r y Page 6 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Cell phone lives up to name By Graham C Wheat might happen on a daily basis, while recording video. The con- me at once, and played a song Features Editor simply called the spill test. trol would be an old iPhone that called “Breathing Underwater” The beverage of choice for the merely turned on. by Metric. Boost Mobile’s newest An- spill test was, naturally, every The Hydro was completely For six minutes, the little droid powered smart phone may college student’s favorite drink, drenched, my sister exclaiming, phone that could was the Kyo- be the answer to saving a phone beer. “You’re going to have to pay for cera SCUBA. from your drunken college esca- While the phone lay on its that!” It didn’t miss a beat. It contin- pades and general clumsiness. back, it was Even after being under run- ued to buzz at the bottom of the Aptly named, the Kyocera Ph o n e bathed in a ning water for approximately bucket from music and text mes- Hydro will survive the trials of small puddle one minute, the video continued sages while friends and family any bumbling college student Re v i e w of beer on my to record and didn’t miss a beat. took bets on when it would die whose phone seems to be inex- kitchen coun- The iPhone was turned on, out. PRiscilla dauven / The Rip plicably attracted to anything ter for about the water started, phone soaked. With a grin, the phone was The Hydro by Kyocera from Boost Mobile is waterproof. liquid. three minutes. The iPhone struggled for about removed, shaken dry a bit, and The water-resistant device Text messages continued to 10 seconds the circuits frying made a long distance call like it roll in with no apparent prob- and promptly faded to the black had been in my pocket the whole screen and no slide-out key- near the quality of high-end might just save you from the board. Although a full pop-out phones. It too was run-of-the- pain and hassle of a water logged lems, the Hydro all the while screen it started with. time. buzzing away, creating some Everyone gathered around to Although the manufacturer keyboard would defeat a water- mill. personal assistant. resistant device so I won’t count Call quality and messaging is Immediately upon receiving interesting ripple effects in the watch the tests was quite pleased said the phone is capable of with- puddle of amber nectar. and impressed, one remark com- standing 30 mintues of submer- that against the Hydro. shoddy, but those features do in- the phone my only thought was, While the processor stuttered deed work. “This thing is turning into the The only problem was wasting ing from a friend, “Not so cool sion, I thought this was enough a half glass of beer. now, are you iPhone!” to display its capabilities. when running high demand ap- Boost Mobile, who is known Kyocera SCUBA, and he will plications, it moderately per- for their affordability and acces- dive a lot.” After the phone performed so For the final test, submersion The only other test I would admirably in an everyday occur- was necessary to really test its have like to perform is a Slip N’ formed the required tasks of a sibility rather than call quality, is The rigorous life a college stu- college student’s phone in other the culprits for this. dent demanded such a thought rence test, the severity of condi- water resistant capabilities. This Slide test, but that would be more tions needed to be increased. simulated toilet drop was by far for my own benefit. realms. It is not some design flaw in and likewise, some trials that re- Applications like Facebook the phone, so I didn’t count that flected that life. The next test, the deluge, re- the most fun. Looking at the technical and quired an audience and a control A bucket was filled with about performance specifications of and Youtube ran, but there were against it either. Also, who doesn’t want to put small hiccups with loading times Overall, this phone is perfect a phone in water-related items margin. nine inches of water and placed the Hydro, the phone performs This test was proposing hold- on a stool at what I deemed to be as to be expected from a low-end and refresh issues. for college students on a budget and see what happens? The 3.2-megapixel camera has who have a hard time keeping The first test reflected what ing the phone directly under toilet height. I started six applica- smart phone. It is rather small, a running faucet on full blast tions, told all my friends to text with a three-and-a-half-inch video and a flash, but is nowhere their phones dry. Cudi’s inner thoughts provide career best

By Martin Chang It all adds up to an album that Editor in Chief is surprisingly uncompromis- ing. There are no songs like “I make her Say” that Cudi just Kid Cudi is embracing his threw out there for radio play. inner weirdness with his third For almost the entire album, album “Indicud” like he never Cudi expresses the sounds in has before. his head. He doesn’t care that He has created a new sound, those sounds were filled with a slowed down, pot-soaked weird bass lines and vocal sam- groove that ples. He doesn’t care that those t h r o u g h sounds don’t play perfectly next Al b u m bass lines to Top 40 radio songs. and sounds Muertos Kitchen leaves Re v i e w Yet the best song on the al- that seem bum is a song that doesn’t fit the to come mold of the rest of the album, a from outer song that would make sense on space, taps into the dark space people wanting to return the radio. in Cudi’s mind that he’s been “Immortal” is that song, and rapping about his whole career. the backwards sounds and the By Ruben A. Perez ordered our food, we were served All the sounds on “Indicud” screeching guitars are held Reporter chips with an amazing halibut add up to a view of that dark back. He is singing throughout salsa that was made at the restau- space, from the discordance the whole song. It is the most Muertos Kitchen and Lounge rant. I can’t think of another word of the guitars on “Unfuckwit- normal sounding song on the downtown is a great place to get that describes how great the salsa table” and “Young Lady,” to the record. a great meal at a great price. was, but it was amazing. strange, startling synths on “Just mj inGuito / The Rip Yet the way Cudi sings about The first When it comes to food, Muer- What I Am” and “King Wizard” Top left: Muertos halibut salsa with homemade chips. finding hope after darkness is thing to tos offers a great variety of food that fill up your headphones. a new career high for him. The note about e s t a u ra n t including burgers, salads and Right: Ruben Perez gives a thumbs up after being served. The bass sounds though, are R passion in his voice is powerful. Muertos tacos. I went with the Hudson. what really give the album it’s He is not singing like a tradi- is its re- Re v i e w The Hudson is a cheeseburger If it were possible for my mouth disappoint. crazy, mind expanding view tional pop star. He still has kept laxed and with bacon and a fried egg on and that burger to high five each The whole experience, from into Kid Cudi. The bass is his style, but with this song he comfort- top. I ordered a burger because other, that’s what would have arriving to leaving, well exceed- played thick and backwards. It’s found that special something able atmosphere. The lights are that’s really the best way to size happened. ed any expectations. played in fast rapid-fire bleeps. that emerges in musicians, that dimmed to just the right amount up a new restaurant. If a restau- The awesomeness of the burg- It’s a place you’re going want Sometimes it’s played slow and special something that makes of light, and the brick walls are rant can’t make a good burger, er made it more than worth the to go back to because it’s got ev- smooth. them sing their heart out any- covered with magazine covers how can you expect them to nine dollars it’s priced at. An- erything you would want from a These bass lines are given way they know how. and pictures of rock stars that make anything else well. other perk to Muertos is how in- restaurant. even more impact by drum pat- In this song, you feel him in came to Bakersfield. I can’t come close to describ- expensive it is. All of the food is Muertos is located at 1514 terns. a way that anyone can under- Before my companions and I ing how awesome the Hudson is. around ten dollars and it doesn’t Wall Street. The patterns are never too stand. The feeling is universal busy and with every well- in the way all great music is. placed snare hit, the drama in “Immortal” is the only song Cudi’s mind is that much more on “Indicud” that has that feel- in your face. ing. The listener is left wonder- Poor performance from Cruise; ‘Oblivion’ not worth it All those sounds, the guitars, ing if he had other songs where the synths, the bass, give Cudi’s that voice comes out. By Alana Garrett Cruise’s resume’. see is pretty much only Cruise. ing seemed genuine. Kurylenko mumbling, occasionally yelled, Instead the weird sound of Reporter Usually I don’t mind pay- For a while I forgot what the even surprised me as she made vocal and rapping style clarity. the rest of the album dominates. ing $10 to get into a movie, and movie was about and I didn’t her on screen chemistry with As he raps through his verses That sound may be great, but Joseph Kosinski’s “Oblivion” usually I don’t mind sitting two even think of Cruise as Harper Cruise look more legitimate. about madness and acid filled if he has more songs like “Im- is confusing, strange, and left me hours through a movie, but with but as Tom Cruise. Some pros to the movie were darkness, his words make sense mortal” left on the cutting room oblivious. “Oblivion” I was angry. Cruise tried to display emo- the scenes had great graphics like they never have before. floor he should have mixed Kosinski who directed the The first hour of the film is just tions but they didn’t seem real and the destroyed Earth looked His voice wraps around the those in. film “Tron: Cruise, who plays Jack Harper, and he spent most of the movie believable, but those are the only crazy sounds of the record and But that might be missing the Legacy” has Mo v i e narrating the story of how Earth looking confused. pros. it just fits. His esoteric lyrics point. With “Indicud” Kid Cudi tried his di- went through a battle with aliens The real acting came when The film ends with a confus- about the ground and sky com- has made the music he wants to recting skills Re v i e w known as the scavengers. Morgan Freeman and Olga ing ending and twist that had a bining feel right with the mu- make; he is expressing what he at another Harper who is now known as Kurylenko showed up. Freeman lot of unanswered questions. I’m sic. want to express. sci-fi film the clean up crew has stayed on starred as Malcom Beech and guessing that probably went into The meanings of his words By sticking to his guns, he “Oblivion”. The film stars A-list Earth to protect resources need- Kurylenko as Julia. Freeman oblivion as well. don’t seem out there or strange. has expressed the themes of his actor Tom Cruise who is known ed for the new planet where all showed his exceptional acting Not a film I would recom- Behind the backwards bass and career better than he ever has. for his exceptional acting skills, other humans reside. skills. mend to many people, just wait spacey synths his words feel at He just needs to focus on mu- and action movies, but “Oblivi- The first hour is particularly Although he had fewer scenes until it hits DVD and decided if home, like they are right where sic like “Immortal” later in his on” is a disappointment added to boring since the only person you than Cruise in the movie, the act- you want to watch it. they belong. career.

The Renegade Rip Write The Rip Letters should not exceed 300 words, must be Editorial Board Staff accompanied by a signature and the letter writer’s identity must be verified. The Rip reserves the right to edit letters, however, First place general excellence CNPA 2011 Editor in Chief...... Martin Chang Reporters/Photographers: Samantha writers will be given the opportunity to revise lengthy or Briggs, Adam Cree, Priscilla Dauven, Winner of the 2003 and 2008 Photo Editor...... Luis Garcia unacceptable submissions. JACC Pacesetter Award Online Editor...... Robin Shin Mitchelle De Leon, Alana Garrett, Tyler If an organization submits a letter as a group, it must Goucher, MJ Inguito, Mayan Lara, be signed by only one person, either the leader of the The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield College Features Editor...... Graham C Wheat organization or the letter writer. Pen names are not allowed journalism classes, printed by Castle Print Inc. and Opinions Editor...... Hannah Breeland Jazmine Montoya, Robert Mullen, Ruben and anonymous letters will not be published. circulated bi-weekly on Wednesdays. A. Perez, Bernie Rejon, Sharida Rejon, Sports Editor...... Jason Reed The newspaper is published under the auspices of the Patricia Rocha How to reach us Kern Community College District Board of Trustees, but -Address: Bakersfield College, sole responsibility for its content rests with student editors. 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305 The Rip is a member of Journalism Association of -Phone: (661) 395-4324 Community Colleges, California Newspaper Publishers -Website: www.therip.com Association, and Associated Collegiate Press. Adviser...... Danny Edwards -Email: [email protected] Co m m e n t a r y Page 7 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Preventing finals disaster

By Robin Shin Some of the best advice was to get a good the best advice and the only advice I rarely Online Editor night sleep after studying. took, is to get a good night sleep. Well let’s just say that I normally can’t I guess the best way to really put a per- We all know that finals week is coming up, sleep when I am physically stressing over the son in point of view is that, if you don’t get and this being my last semester at Bakers- fact that I must pass a certain final in order to enough sleep, you don’t get your work done field College, I can recall many memories as pass a certain class. right. Have you tried to drive down the I-5 to how some of the people around me would Then there was other advice, such as study freeway half asleep? study for their finals. the review sheet after you get it, don’t push You might have, but that is really life I had friends who did the traditional idea it to the end. Now this, I actually followed threateningly dangerous. Have you tried to of studying alone with the occasional help of and at time, gave me the results I wanted for finish a round of capture the flag on the video their professors. the class. game “Team Fortress 2” at 4 in the morning There were those who created study groups Then there was the advice I got from my with little sleep? in order to somehow get knowledge together younger sister. She would say things such as I tried, and failed not only myself, but also and then there was me, the last minute study gulp down Red Bulls and cram it all up until my entire team miserably. person. four in the morning. That is advice I wouldn’t Now think of both of those and put it into There were those who panicked, like me, want anyone to take. your finals, there’s no way you can take your or there were those who tried to cram it all, I found that if I wanted the best results in final with little sleep. like me, or even create the devious plan of a final, it would be best to study the review So as a student who used to dread finals cheating their way through, not like me. sheets or even go over your tests and quizzes week, cram for finals week and hated finals As I’ve talked to many professors through you got back from the previous weeks and week, I give advice I got from professors to the college classes I’ve taken, I have recieved months. you, please, sleep well, study hard and I hope a lot of advice. Now I may not be a straight A student, but that everyone will do well on their finals. Priscilla dauVen / The Rip

Staff Editorial Vote reveals biased views This whole semester, ev- eryone has been focusing on the pending smoking policy. Bakersfield College Student Government Association held a vote, and the students have spoken. The board is now tak- ing the necessary steps for a tobacco-free campus. Now that’s great. This is what the student body wants. We just hope people didn’t vote that way for the wrong reason. It’s understandable if ProVided by google images people voted for the policy because they dislike walking into a cloud of smoke after getting out of class. We fear people may have Flags for Boston divide opinion voted for the policy not for the cigarette but because of the smoker. It’s something to think about. It is unclear when people started look- PRO CON ing down upon smokers, but it seems that as a society we By Adam Cree stead for how long. For those who say By Mitchelle De Leon that doesn’t mean it should be acceptable. have deemed them inconsid- Reporter differently, I ask, why? Reporter The Boston incident is unique because the erate and an unhealthy group. Why shouldn’t we mourn the loss of perpetrators, as we have learned, had a po- The general thought process Deplorable: the only word to de- innocent American lives? Following the Boston Marathon bomb- litical and ideological agenda that previ- of non-smokers is why does scribe the Boston Marathon Bombing. If we can’t mourn for members of ings, we should treat the past events with ously inflicted our country with immense anyone want to do something Now, one brother responsible is our own nation, does that mean our aid utmost care and respect for everyone. sorrow; hence, we use the word “terrorists” that is obviously unhealthy. dead and the other is in a hospital in around the world in times of disaster is I believe that flying a flag half-mast is to describe them. It’s incomprehensible. People police custody. Having sustained mul- hypocrisy? disrespectful to the victims of other trage- The tragedy at Boston affects us more feel they have a right to voice tiple gunshot wounds, including one to Why is it okay to lower our flags for dies, as if implying that one tragedy is more than the explosion of the Texas fertilizer their concerns when more of- the throat, the last suspect has to write a crack user singer but not a terrorist tragic than the rest. plant or any other recent incident, within ten than not it’s unwanted. to communicate, a small comfort to attack on our own soil? Incidents with much higher casualties oc- or outside our country, because it succeeds We’re not saying we are those who can no longer walk. Lowering the flag to half-mast is curred recently. For example, the explosion in sending the terrorists’ chilling message: pro-smoking or anti-smoking, When Whitney Houston died, the deeply symbolic for our nation. If this of a Texas fertilizer plant received much This can happen to you. we just feel the need to point White House flew the American flag isn’t a situation that deserves it to ex- less attention even though its death toll was For instance, only a week after the Bos- out the difference. That dif- at half-mast, symbolizing that a trag- press our collective sadness and grief, higher. ton bombings, Canadian authorities an- ference is from disapproving edy has occurred. then nothing is. Horrifying and senseless acts of violence nounced that they thwarted a plot to derail a of the product to disapprov- I ask, is it really a national tragedy Like 9/11, this should be an event occur in our country on a daily basis, but train headed to New York City. ing of the user of that prod- when an entertainer dies? No. Sad? that unifies the USA. Instead, it will the victims remain faceless and nameless We will never be truly secure despite all uct. This seems elementary to For some, but when innocent people divide us further, another blow to our because the scale of the violent acts does the preventive measures that we have al- say, but people shouldn’t be are bombed at an international event national identity, another wedge in our not match up to bombings at a famed mara- ready taken and the measures that we will judging other people on their that is a tragedy. politics. Perhaps that is reason enough thon. likely enact in the near future. vices, so to speak. Innocent lives were lost and people to fly the flag at half-mast. Outside the borders of our nation, we Individuals like the Tsarnaev brothers There is an unfair bias here. were maimed. Families were devastat- While the news will forget this event have our armed forces risking their lives. will continue in their attempts to penetrate When someone finds out ed and a peaceful event has been for- in a few months, the families of those Therefore, we should also honor each life our morale and to punctuate the history of someone else is a smoker, the ever stained by bloodshed and horror. hurt never will. lost in those costly wars, but despite our our country. first emotion is disappoint- People who were there for no politi- For them, this event will never end. patriotism, the vast majority of those brave By lowering our flags, we’re allowing ment. cal reason, who were simply cheering They will be reminded of it every time individuals become statistics with many un- these terrorists to propel their message That tune changes when and having a good time, now have to they see their loved ones’ scars. told stories. more than they already have. someone finds out someone’s relearn to walk. Every time they watch a friend trem- When we return our flags back to their Over time, we will forget the names a drinker or pot smoker, the They have to learn how to forget the ble at recalling the event, they will be normal state, we’re signaling the end of Dzokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, instead emotion is passive. What trauma, to try and move past night- reminded. the mourning period, at least for the peo- remembering them with one word that one makes other vices so much mares. In more ways than one, many Hopefully, through them, we can all ple who were not directly affected by the of their uncles famously used to describe better than using tobacco? lives were shattered on that day. remember the tragedy this was. Fly- bombings. them: losers. So as the school board It is also a massive blow to our na- ing our flags at half mast is the sim- We’re signaling our return to apathy to- Unfortunately, we will also forget the mulls over the pending smok- tional pride. How could we let this plest way we, as a nation, have to say, ward victims of any tragedy. names Krystle Campbell, Lu Lingzi, Mar- ing policy, we ask students to happen? Isn’t this what the Depart- “We’re with you, every step of the This apathy is only natural. We shrug off tin Richard and Sean Collier along with the think about why they voted ment of Homeland Security get’s it’s way.” the many terror incidents outside our coun- 298 individuals injured. and if it was for reasons not blank check for? Anything less would be a disgrace try because we believe that we have suc- We should honor all of these victims but contaminated by society’s This isn’t a question of if the flags and show our joke of “unity” as that, cessfully insulated our country from them. not with a ceremony that doesn’t include view of what’s deemed ac- should be flown at half-mast, but in- the farce that it is. Our apathy stems from our culture, but victims of lesser-known tragedies. ceptable.

’Ga d e Fe e d b a c k “What are your plans for the summer?”

Editor’s note: ’Gade Feedback is Annie Dennis Castro, Josh Trampe, Michele Lujon, MoeMo Gentry, a feature that asks students their Theison, Child Psychology: Psychology: Human Services: Undecided: opinion on various topics. Development: “Review my “Just work, I need “I am going to “To get a summer “I have no mathematics for the money for books Colorado.” job and have fun entertaining plans, coming semester.” next semester.” with my friends Compiled by: s or r y.” and family.” Graham C Wheat/ The Rip Perspectives Perspectives on life and what makes us who we are.

Page 8 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Acceptance comes with loss I fell

­By Ruben A. Perez he was very supportive which we were no longer friends. tend to be pretty chill with most I was shocked that someone Reporter was great. This struck me straight out of things you tell them. I’ve been would say that like it’s nothing. He encouraged me to come out left field. When I talked to him fortunate enough that my family Meanwhile the woman driving a lot I feel that I’m a very fortunate to my family as soon as possible, he seemed absolutely fine. I supports me and my friends don’t looked absolutely mortified. We person. As a gay person in a con- and I figured he was on my side thought about what happened in really care who I sleep with. seem to have both been taken servative town, for the most part, so I wasn’t that worried. They the last few days that made him I’ve actually never gotten any way off guard by what he said. I’ve never really felt that uncom- were cool with it and I was so ex- not want to be friends with me. flack about being gay until a few I really didn’t understand what fortable being who I am. cited I texted John and told him The last time we talked ended months ago at my job. had happened because I wasn’t as a There are only two times that what happened. I typically expecting to be told that I sound I’ve really felt weird being gay, I heard nothing work the back too gay. and that all began with me com- in response, which “He encouraged me to come out to my family as drive through Not knowing how to react re- ing out. I thought was window at a ally, I told my coworker what The first person I came out to weird because he soon as possible, and I figured he was on my side so food restaurant happened. Apparently the whole kid ended up doing me wrong. For usually responded I wasn’t that worried. They were cool with it and I and take peo- store heard and was immediately all intents and purposes we’ll right away. I told ple’s orders. upset. By Samantha Briggs call this person John, because more people, and was so excited that I texted John and told him what Sometimes All my coworkers told me how Reporter I don’t actually know anyone as my confidence happened.” I’ll say dumb messed up that was and how if it named John and I don’t really rose I kept wonder- things like ever happened again to let them Scars tell a story, they are want people to judge him, even ing why he hadn’t –Ruben A. Perez, “you’re the boss know. like battle wounds. I have so though what he did was a dick texted me back. Reporter applesauce” and From both scenarios I learned many scars and bruises from move. He didn’t answer other fun things two very important lessons. my childhood, not from abuse We had been friends through- my calls and un- in high pitched There are people that are just or neglect, but from pure out high school and became friended me from both Facebook with me coming out. or other ridiculous voices to cus- dicks. That’s it. clumsiness. closer friends during senior year. and MySpace. At the time, most He was the black cloud on my tomers as they order their food. It The second is that there are As a child my nickname That was the summer I came out. of my friends were in that transi- day. After that, I was afraid to keeps me, and whoever is within much more people that will sup- was the klutzy queen. It’s not I was nervous and I thought, tion phase where we used both. tell more people. I decided I listening distance, entertained. port you. More people than not a very creative name but it “Well if I’m going to tell anyone When I came out to one of our wouldn’t tell people unless they One night when this woman are going to stand up for you, was fitting. I was the girl who he seems like a great person to mutual friends, he told me some- asked. Luckily the people I end- pulled up to the window the man help you, and not care who you fell on stage during a recital start with.” thing I couldn’t believe. ed up telling were all pretty cool in the passenger seat shouted, sleep with. or graduation. We had hung out all night and John had told him that he had with the whole gay thing. “You need to stop sounding so Try to surround yourself with In the fifth grade I was in then, right before I went into my to choose which one of us he My high school friends were gay. We can’t be having that fag- these people and your life will be my first school play called the house, I told him. John acted like wanted to hang out with because actually very indifferent. Stoners got shit.” much better. “Just So Stories.” I played a dingo and I was supposed to chase my cast mate who was playing a kangaroo around the stage. Everything went great in re- hearsal. Surprisingly I didn’t Finding relief through music trip or anything. Then came opening night, I walked on stage to do my big By Martin Chang thinking about the very common because my best songs usually opening line “As I walk the trials myself felt in tune with creativ- scene, I saw my family in the Editor in Chief theme in my music, the theme of happen all at once, music and of my life/ I feel it in my soul” I ity. audience proudly looking up the world in my head. It’s some- words. had gone as far “I’ll use my notes I was feeling the shocking at the stage. When I decided to write about thing I’ve been writing about for Once I got the music down, and my words.” It’s a very com- power of music in my bones. I began to chase the kan- my songwriting process for this years. I wasn’t expecting much. I mon sentiment in my songs. So I This shocking feeling opened garoo around the stage when page, I originally was going to What I’m trying to capture in thought to myself “it might not need something to complete the up my mind. It made my room I was supposed to catch her, tell you, the audience, that writ- those songs is something about turn out that good, but it’s good thought. Usually, I fill that last wildly clear like I could see the I fell face first on the stage ing songs is not that big of a me. I find myself absorbed and practice.” part with some kind of meta- energy in the air. It may be cliché floor. I was mortified. All I deal. inspired by things that may not Then those words and the phor or example. to say the feeling was indescrib- could hear were the gasps of That it’s really just putting a be a big deal to other people. forcefulness that I was singing able, but it was. the audience members and few chords together and singing Things the words with started to surprise As I was writing the song, I the faint sound of my older a melody on top. l i k e me. I was singing about the trials was summarizing my life, all brother’s laughter. That still is true, and it’s how t h e of my life, my heart and soul my feelings, so it felt like a long My brother used to joke that I write songs, but sometimes in a way that made more time. I could trip over air. I would the stars align and those simple sense to me than it ever Yet the whole song writing trip in the grocery store while chords and melody can mean so had. I was singing with process took only about 30 holding my mother’s hand. much more. a confidence that Tegan minutes. I then sang a rough Due to my constant clumsi- What changed was I wrote and Sara and fun. had version of the song into my ness, my family and friends a song that I feel is special and taught me. iPhone. got used to seeing me fall or means the whole world to me. When I played it back I knew drop things randomly but no It’s a song that defines what I I had written something that one was prepared for what was going through emotionally at meant a lot to me. happened at my 11th birthday the time. It defined the thoughts I had finally defined something party. I was thinking. It put into words I’ve been chasing for years. I had My cousin and I were hav- and music something I’ve been The a document of my life over the ing a joint birthday party be- struggling to define for years. t r e e s last few weeks. cause our birthdays are 2 days “Some Nights” by fun., and and sky The feeling of accomplish- apart. Tegan and Sara’s “Heartthrob” w a y are some of my ment as I played the song back Our parents worked hard to were inspiring me at a time when t h e favorites. is the most accomplished I ever surprise us with a beautifully I really needed it. c l o u d s As I was search- felt. set up party. The music on those albums look in the ing for an example or I had started maybe an hour The theme was Hercules, recognizes the pain and hardships sky or the way metaphor that fit, the line ago, just fooling around on gui- my favorite Disney movie. of life but also have a message of a woman’s voice “to make my world whole” tar and now I had something I The tablecloths had Hercules overcoming those obstacles. soars in a pop song. flashed in my mind and escaped could always have. and Megara on it; the cake They tell the story of how I must have written at least 25 I was em- bracing my lips. Something I could share with had Hercules on it as well as much more brilliant life can feel songs with that theme and it’s my inner world like Susan The moment I sang those people and maybe make a dif- the balloons and streamers. when you overcome it. some of my favorite music that Cain said that I should. words an excited chill ran over ference in their life. I had turned I was so excited to see my I had a lot of nervous energy I write. When the word freedom my body. It was an out-of-body the feelings of the past, both entire family there to cele- going into the semester about But this song defined that feel- popped into my mind as the focus experience where I thought, “Oh good and bad, into something brate my birthday with me. being editor in chief and it mani- ing better my previous ever did. of the chorus, it made sense. my god that’s perfect,” like I was concrete, something anyone can I remember doing a happy fested as a sort of frozen feeling, I wrote the song on a Sunday I knew I was taking that fro- criticizing the song for the pa- hear. dance and then feeling my but those two albums melted afternoon. I had not played guitar zen feeling and making some- per. I know I sound like a jerk call- self lose my balance so I those feelings away. in months so I wasn’t expecting thing special with it, something It felt good. It felt right. My ing my own song perfect, brag- grabbed onto something to So those two albums were much. After some time I started of value. entire body was filled with an ging about how creative I am, but stop me from falling, unfor- in my head, and it manifested strumming a chord progression I Then I went back to develop emotional feeling so strong that I just wanted to share with you, tunately I grabbed the table- in the song. I had also seen Su- liked, many of my songs start out the verses some more, and a it was almost overwhelming. the audience, how significant cloth that was covering the san Cain’s TED talk about the that way. Often though, magical moment happened. I could feel it in my heart, on and life affirming song writing table that had the chips, dip, power of introverts and it got me I struggle with those songs, I needed a line to match the my skin, all over. The entirety of can be. and my cake on it. As I yanked the tablecloth the chips flew in the air and the cake hit the floor. I cried for what felt like hours. My mom told me it was OK but Sharing the dark past to help others I couldn’t help but think I ru- ined everything. By Hannah Breeland my mind. fault there’s The moment when I found out I still have a scar on my leg Opinions Editor Realizing what nothing I could he had been arrested and then from playing football with I said next would “At this point, I gave up trying to control my hand. I have done to telling my aunt, who had been my brothers and cousins on I slowly started to shake, my tear my family stop it. there for the arrest, why he was summer break. hand being the main culprit. My apart to the point of looked at my mother then my brother, I knew this I can’t change arrested was truly a defining mo- I didn’t hurt myself from mouth was open, but I had forgot- no return. was my moment I had to tell her. For a second, I the past so ment. the actual game but, because I ten how to speak. So I continued With as much there’s no point To know that it was truly final- am deathly afraid of bees and to open and close my mouth. courage I could almost changed my mind. Realizing what I said thinking about ly over was truly indescribable while I was waiting for my The lump in my throat was sum up, I mumbled next would tear my family apart to the point of no what I could feeling. That’s why it was such brother to pass me the ball, making it impossible to talk. the truth. have done. an important moment. a bee spotted me so I turned With every second that pasted “He sexually return.” I no longer I feel that people who have and ran into a fence. in silence, my heart beat faster. assaulted me.” I –Hannah Breeland, want to be the been sexually assaulted shouldn’t I have no idea how I for- “He’s been arrested,” I repeated. repeated that sen- victim. feel ashamed or embarrassed, got there was a fence behind “Yes Hannah I know, but why, tence until my hand Opinions Editor I want to be and especially not scared to tell me. My mother came running outside to see if I was ok and what happened,” my aunt asked stopped shaking such a dark secret. the inspiration someone. yet again. and I listened and waited for a for someone else to come out I can’t prevent sexual assault once again I heard my brother The simplest answer is I spent laughing at my despair. My hesitation scared her even response. Silence. too much time keeping it a secret and tell his or her story. but I can help by sharing my more for she repeated the ques- I’m writing about a moment in After eight years of sexual story even if only one person I wish I could say I am no that it was starting to eat away. longer this clumsy girl, but tion to the point where she was my life that stands out. I feel that Just recently I realized that abuse from my father I finally comes forward then this would almost shouting. this is the moment that shapes all told someone. be worth it. I still fall when I attempt to this isn’t something I should be dance, drop food and trip over At this point, I gave up trying others. ashamed of. It started at such a young age It’s easier knowing you’re not to control my hand. I looked at I’m not saying this is a happy that it didn’t seem wrong until I alone, even in a messed up situ- air. I realized the self-hatred that I used to be ashamed of my mother, then my brother, I moment or a sad moment but it’s I was holding on to would do got older. ation. knew this was my moment I had an important moment in my life. Now I’m not going into detail I want other victims to one day being clumsy but now I’ve nothing beneficial to me. come to appreciate it as one to tell her. I’m sure some people are won- What happened wasn’t my because that’s not why I’m writ- feel that indescribable feeling For a second I almost changed dering why on earth I’m sharing ing this. when it truly ends for them. of my many quirks. Sp o r t s Page 9 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Bernardin to play volleyball at Alabama

By Jason Reed Sports Editor

Caitlin Bernardin already knows what it is like to be at a four-year school, this fall she will once again get that opportunity. After a successful year at Ba- kersfield College, Bernardin will be headed to the Southeastern Conference and will be attend- ing the University of Alabama. Back on April 17, she signed a letter of intent and made it offi- cial. “I’m getting more nervous as the time comes on,” Bernardin said when asked how she feels on joining the Crimson Tide. The road to Alabama wasn’t easy for Bernardin. After graduating from Garces High School in 2011, Bernardin Luis Garcia / The Rip Luis Garcia / The Rip started attending Point Loma While BC coach Carl Ferreira watches, Caitlin Bernardin signs her letter of intent to play Jacque Bernardin photographs Caitlin as she signs her University and played volleyball volleyball at the University of Alabama. letter of intent. there for one semester before transferring to Grossmont Col- Bernardin then talked about Area Girls Basketball selections In Bernardin’s first game as a lege head coach Jamie Ivers after bama, Ed Allen, Bernardin said, lege in the spring of 2012. her past experience in high in the 2010-2011 season. Renegade last fall, she led BC the game. “He’s very energetic. He’s really “Point Loma is awesome, San school. “We were raised doing Among the other sports Ber- with 18 points on 14 kills, four Bernardin said she is really looking to build their program up Diego is awesome, and I really all different types of sports grow- nardin played growing up were service aces and added 22 digs excited to be going to Alabama and is really pumped for what’s liked it. The people that I met ing up,” she said. softball and soccer. She chose to to cap it all off. She also helped and wants to see what the expe- to come. He’s just very down to there, the experiences I went In four years of playing vol- only play volleyball and basket- the Renegades post 15-6 record, rience is like being in a college earth.” Bernardin said she was through were definitely awe- leyball at Garces High School, ball in high school. clinching a playoff berth, but fell town. She said while on her visit glad she made the decision to some.” When asked why she left Bernardin helped her team post a “My sister played volleyball; in the third round of the So Cal to Alabama, she went into a mini come to BC. She said that she San Diego, she [Bernardin] said 110-42 record. Bernardin aver- I was raised going to volleyball Regional’s to Golden West Col- culture shock because it was her developed close friendships with it had a lot to do with her family. aged 264.5 kills and 347.5 digs tournaments and stuff. I didn’t lege. Before that, BC was able first time being in the south of the other girls on the team and “It was a choice I had to make per season with the Rams. Ber- actually start playing club vol- to complete a three game sweep the United States. is really glad she stuck with her for them. Overall I wasn’t hap- nardin also led Garces to two leyball until I was 12,” over Mt. San Antonio College. “I’m pretty much a country choice to come back to Bakers- py, and that was a major impact. straight Valley Championships Bernardin explained about her Bernardin ran into her former girl myself and the people there field and start over. If you’re not going to do some- in her freshman and sophomore introduction to the sport of vol- school, Grossmont, in the team’s were so welcoming and comfort- Bernardin said she enjoys fish- thing that’s going to make you year. She then won SEYL Rook- leyball. When asked why she second game of the season last ing and they were really nice,” ing and hunting with her friends happy, then why are you there?” ie of the Year, SEYL First Team, chose volleyball over basketball fall in the San Diego Mesa Tour- she said. when away from volleyball. she said. Bernardin said because All Area First and Second Team going into college, Bernardin nament, with BC sweeping the Bernardin said she hopes to When asked what BC has done of family struggles, and also not and was a four year Jockey Club said she like it [volleyball] a lot set 3-0. help raise the level of volleyball education wise, she believes the wanting to hurt those she cared recipient. better. “From the beginning, I knew it at Alabama and be a model for school has done a great job of about, her decision to come back In 2010, she placed third in Bernardin went on to talk would be a competitive match,” the other girls there because they challenging her and making her home was not based on the vol- the Junior Olympics American about how much of an impact she said when asked what it was have a young team. earn her grades. She also said she leyball aspect of things. Division in club volleyball. In and influence her coaches have like playing Grossmont. Bernar- Bernardin then talked about appreciated the works of Athletic “I didn’t want to hurt those I 2011, she was voted second by made on her as she prepares for din was then asked if there was how much her mom and dad Director Ryan Beckwith and the cared for in San Diego and in Ba- the American Volleyball Coach- the next step. a time she felt as if she should meant to her, leading up to where rest of the athletic department. kersfield. I didn’t want them to es Association for BC and was “I think I owe a lot of credit have been on the other side of she is now. “They’ve sacrificed “The whole community here be affected by my decision, and ranked second in state with 4.89 to them. They always inspired the net, playing with Grossmont a lot for me and they’ve never is very supportive and inspiring. my decision was solely based kills per game. She also played me and pushed me to my limits. instead of BC. been too pushy. They have al- I think that really helps athletes on my family and happiness,” basketball for Garces. In her They taught me stuff, on and off “I felt like I was where I needed ways wanted what was best for look forward to coming to school she said. “If I had the choice to senior year she averaged 17.2 the court, which will translate to be, and that was with my team me. My mom, dad and sister and going to practice,” she said. stay there [Point Loma] all four points, 3.9 assists, 8.2 rebounds, later in life. I would say, more di- here at BC. My team wanted to have been like my rock for lying Bernardin said when she ar- years, I would have, but it just and 4.4 steals per game, and was recting towards Carl [Ferreira], beat them just as bad as I did, to back on and being there through rives to Alabama, she will be didn’t work out that way. I just part of a 26-2 record. Those sta- he probably had the most impact show that we are at such a high the hard times,” she said. looking forward to training and had to make the choice for my tistics were good enough to earn on me because he’s such a good level of volleyball.” She said she When asked about her thoughts building relationships with her family to leave.” her a spot on the first team All- person, coach and role model.” did speak with Grossmont Col- on head volleyball coach of Ala- new teammates. Golf team ends season ranked fifth

By Robert Mullen “They maintained a very ics of our community, there Reporter steady pace in terms of their play, aren’t a lot of country club kids,” their leadership qualities, and he said. “Our courses are still Bakersfield College men’s golf their ability to understand what extremely nice courses and still has wrapped up its 2013 season it took to be successful,” said challenging enough, but the dif- without putting any players into Kalivas referring to sophomores ference here is that land is not as the final round of the state play- Bautista, Millwee, and Kevin much as a premium as it is in Los offs. The team has been ranked Antongiovanni. Bautista had an Angeles, or in Ventura, or Santa fifth in their conference, moving average of 76, Millwee had a 77, Barbara. up from the seventh spot from and Antongiovanni had an 86. “Consequently the golf cours- last season. Freshman players Paul Cooper es in those areas are much nar- Neil Bautista and Travis Mill- shot an 82, Jake Jocobus an 80, rower, much more challenging wee both nearly made it to the and P.J. Carmichael an 89. While and much more unforgiving, so final round, with Millwee los- Kalivas says the season was un- if you’re offline on any of those ing due to one stroke. “Overall, derwhelming he notes that a big courses you pay a heavy price in we made some improvement part of it is helping the athletes terms of penalty strokes. Here, over last year,” said head coach out for the future. even though there is some diffi- Bill Kalivas. “Last year’s team “I think our most important culty, you can scramble and es- was extremely young, almost all focus is allowing our athletes to cape and still score well enough freshmen, and I think they had a extend their athletic career, and to be respectable.” difficult time adjusting to college guide them so that academically Other junior colleges in the golf, with the type of competi- they can transfer,” Kalivas said. south have much more diffi- tions and venues that were more All three sophomore players cult courses, says Kalivas, and difficult than they were used to will be transferring to four-year this puts BC at a distinct disad- playing. Of the majority of last universities to continue their golf vantage within the conference year’s freshmen only three re- careers. Part of the reason the because BC players don’t read- turned, and they seemed to be team has struggled both this sea- ily have access to these types of our stabilizing factor this year.” son and the last is due to the na- courses. “We can’t just run down Kalivas credits some of the ture of the environment the golf there and practice,” says Kalivas. improvement to his returning team plays in, says Kalivas. “Everything is two or three hours players. “If you look at the demograph- away.”

Opinion Lakers in need of new head coach By Jason Reed they hired him after Phil Jack- coach Greg Popovich teaches Sports Editor son left, I knew that he (Brown) their teams to play defense. wasn’t the man for the job. The Spurs and the Dallas Mav- Now that the Los Angeles Just like D’antoni, Brown just ericks showed D’antoni that up- Lakers have been swept out of doesn’t fit the Lakers system. tempo basketball doesn’t work the playoffs and are done playing Now I’m not saying D’antoni is in the playoffs. At some point the most disappointing season in not a good coach, but that’s the in time, you’re going to have to franchise history; I’ve come up problem, he’s good, not great. play defense. with the best offseason move for Check D’antoni’s track record, The Lakers averaged 102 this summer. when he was in Phoenix coach- points per game this season un- The Lakers should fire head ing the Suns, they won 50 plus der D’antoni. The down side to coach Mike D’antoni. It clearly games in four of the five years he that great offensive statistic is didn’t work. With all the hype was there. They did that because that they allowed opponents to that was built up last summer D’antoni’s system seems as if it score 101 points per game. when the team acquired Dwight is just trading baskets with op- If I had it my way and it was Howard (being the center piece) ponents. up to me to hire a new coach for and Steve Nash, things went Every time he took the Suns the Lakers, I would listen to what wrong from the start. into the postseason, they came Jackson has to say and would Now I understand, D’antoni up short. The reason they weren’t give him the position back. wasn’t the head coach in the successful in the playoffs, (in The only guy I would consider beginning of the season, Mike terms of winning a champion- if Jackson wasn’t interested, is Brown was. I don’t want to get ship) is because teams like the former Utah Jazz head coach into Brown, but from the moment San Antonio Spurs and their head and Hall of Famer, Jerry Sloan. Sp o r t s Page 10 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Softball team ends rough season Renegade

By Robert Mullen Brooke Charles. Reporter Fullerton scored all eight of swimmers its runs in the second inning Bakersfield College softball and led until the fifth when BC has wrapped up this season put up four more. with a season record of 7-31, BC lost the second game of set school and a Western State Confer- the day 14-6, but held Fullerton ence record of 5-13. two within one run up until the Coach Sandi Taylor has also eighth inning wherein Fuller- celebrated her 500 career win ton scored seven runs. this season, achieving this on BC put up nine hits, and an- records April 20, against Fullerton. other home run by Ward. On April 18, BC hosted San- “I’m real pleased, we did By Jason Reed ta Monica in a doubleheader, a lot of good things, made a beating them both times. couple of double plays in that Sports Editor The first game was 14-1 and game. There was a lot of posi- With 22 other schools against the second 5-3. tive things to end the year,” said them, the Bakersfield College BC took a quick lead in the Taylor. women’s swim team was able first game, scoring six runs BC hosted Citrus College for to finish in 15th place, scoring in the first inning thanks to a the final game of the season on 61 points, and the men took 27th grand slam by Kassidi Ward. April 23. Citrus won 8-2, but place, competing against 33 oth- BC collected 12 hits and gave Taylor was pleased with the er teams, at the California Com- up one run in the third inning. team’s performance, remarking munity College State Meet on In the second game, BC on the improvement from when April 25-27. made eight hits, but struggled they played Citrus at the begin- “It went pretty well,” BC coach along for the first five innings ning of the year. Matt Moon said on his thoughts before scoring all five in the “Compared to where we of how things went at the state sixth inning, including a home were the first round . . . we meet. “[We didn’t swim] as well run by Katie Hoffman, and an- didn’t even really compete in as we had hoped, but we swam other home run by Ward. those first two [Citrus] games, really fast the weekend before. BC scored another win and yesterday I thought we It was just a tough turnaround. against Fullerton College on matched them. They went out there and com- April 20, as part of a double- We had 10 hits, they had 10 peted and did their best, that’s all header, which was a makeup hits. We had a couple more er- you can really ask for.” game after being rained out in rors, and then they got some Priscilla dauven / The Rip Catherine Lugo, Shelby the beginning of the season. timely hits so it was a little bit Bayne, Clarissa Gardella and Kassidi Ward hits a foul ball over the back fence. Bakersfield College lost the game to BC won the first game 9-8 different there, but for the most Elizabeth Hargis took seventh in Citrus College 8-2. BC finished the season 6-15 at home and 1-15 on the road. with 10 hits and a home run by part we matched them.” the women’s 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1 minute, 40.40 seconds. BC would then improve in the women 400-yard medley relay. Taylor earns her Gardella, Bayne, Hargis and Lugo took 11th and finished at 4:10.56. In the 200-yard men’s free- style relay, Matthew Prasser, Josh DelaRosa, Zach Foster and 500th victory Tracey Warren finished in 17th place with time of 1:28.57. Dela- Rosa then finished with the time By Robert Mullen BC softball, not of me but of our of 1:58.46 in the 200 yard IM, Reporter program.” earning him the 15th place. Even with the season, and this Before going off to the State With the end of the 2013 soft- milestone, under her belt, Taylor Championships. BC first com- ball season, Coach Sandi Taylor says she has still learned a lot peted in the Western State Con- is reflecting on the season and from this year. ference Championships at L.A. her 500th career win. Taylor has “I think that this team has Valley College on April 18-20. been the softball coach at BC for taught me a lot and reminded The BC women finished third 23 years, with eight years before me a lot about, what we stand overall and had five top finishes that coaching high school. for. Our integrity, our work for the Renegades. Gardella took “It is a big milestone, and I ethic; winning takes care of a second in the 50 freestyle and al- was really happy for this team to lot of things but when you don’t second in the 50 backstroke. be able to get there, so that they feel that for a while you kind of Hargis finished second place could celebrate in it. Sometimes forget, but [the team] reminded in the 200 IM and fourth in the I think we only put our successes me of all the reasons why we do 1,650. Lugo set a school record on wins and losses, when the re- the things the way we do things, in the 50 butterfly, finishing in ality is that that’s not what it’s all and they’ve shown me that they third place. She then went on to about,” said Taylor. have a lot of character because take third in the 100 butterfly. Taylor notes that this achieve- it would have been real easy to The men’s team took fourth ment is not really hers, and in just throw in the hat and go ‘you overall in the WSC meets and fact is only possible because of know I wish we could just get also had five top five finishes. the help she has had over the through this, I’m not going to try The men set a school record in years. that hard, I’m not going to work the 200 medley relay and fin- “This milestone is a reflection that hard’ and they never did that. ished in third place. They also of all of the kids that have come They played harder in the last set a school record in the 200 through here and their time com- three weeks of the season than freestyle relays and finished in mitment, and my coaching staff. we played all year long. To play Robin Shin / The Rip fourth place. None of this is possible with- like that, with a win-loss record Sandi Taylor reflects on 500th career win. Taylor has been the head coach at BC for 23 John Cunningham took first in out them here, and it sounds like like we had, it says a lot for them years. Taylor’s softball team finished the season 7-31 and 5-13 in the WSC for the year. the 400 IM. Delarosa set a school a cliché, but I’m just one tiny as people.” record in the 200 freestyle and little part of this whole thing. While Taylor is waiting for on the season, she says she’s “There are a couple of [fresh- crazy.” finished in fourth place. Prasser It was just fun because we some of the players to have a lit- already gearing up for the next man] key players who are re- Softball will begin training set a WSC and school record in could celebrate the success of tle time to look back and reflect one. turning, and I’m recruiting like again in August. the 100 breaststroke. Former Renegade athletes will be honored at BHS hall of fame dinner

By Leanne Cave special ties and memories of defense for the Drillers for two Denver Broncos before returning was one of the most complete Drillers and earned All-City hon- Special to the Rip playing for the Bakersfield Col- years and in’56 (his junior year), to Bakersfield. and spirited players while at- ors his junior and senior years. lege Renegades after their high he helped lead BHS to another Bill Rankin attended Bakers- tending BHS and received sev- In ’76, he was selected as The Eighth Annual Driller school years as Drillers. Valley title. field High from’61-’64. eral awards including All-City. “Player of the Year.” Football Hall of Fame Banquet At one time in history, Ba- He also participated in track He played varsity football as a Van Osdel received a scholar- Loman attended BC in ’76-’77 and Induction Ceremony will kersfield High and BC shared for three years while at BHS. right tackle on offense and a left ship to play for the University and played baseball for the Ren- take place May 10 at the Marriott the BHS Campus on California After high school, Tarr at- tackle on defense. of Colorado Buffaloes where he egades. In ’78, he was drafted by Ballroom at 801 Truxtun Ave. Avenue. tended BC where he participated He also participated in track played for a year. the Milwaukee Brewers in the Several of the inductees also Jim Kennedy attended Ba- in football and track. Tarr won for three years while at BHS. He then returned home to play second round. He played for the played sports at Bakersfield Col- kersfield High from 1948-52. He numerous awards while partici- Rankin received several pres- for BC where he earned All-Met- Brewers’ organization for eight lege. played both offense and defense, pating in track and football for tigious awards, including the ro Tight End. He graduated from years. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., but primarily right tackle for the Renegades and has been in- Harry Coffee Most Inspiration- Fresno State in 1972. Gary “Sugar Bear” Williams dinner is at 7 p.m. with the In- BHS his junior and senior years. ducted into the BC Sports Hall al Player Award and the Gold Jim Kunau attended BHS from attended BHS from ’74-’78. He duction Ceremony capping off In ’51, Kennedy helped lead the of Fame. Championship Football that his ’72-’76. Kunau played football played varsity football all four the evening at 8 p.m. Drillers to a 27th Valley Cham- He transferred to the Universi- dad received in the 1920’s. all four years, starring as a de- years. Williams played lineback- Seven more Driller greats and pionship. ty of Oregon where he competed Rankin also wrestled his soph- fensive back and quarterback for er for the Drillers and accumu- three more Valley Championship He recalls there was not much in football and track and in ’61 omore year and participated in the Drillers. lated several prestigious awards. teams, 1937-39, will light up the of a transformation from high won the NCAA High Hurdles track and field. He was chosen as Most Dedi- In ’76, he was named the Driller Hall on this evening. school to college. Not only did Championship. John Van Osdel attended BHS cated Player in the ’74-’75 sea- Frank Gifford Most Inspirational The Inductees are: Jim Kenne- BHS and BC have classes on He is in the University of Or- from ’61-65. While at BHS, Van son. He also played basketball Player, in ’77, the Harry Coffee dy, Jerry Tarr, Bill Rankin, John the same campus, they shared egon’s Hall of Fame and was in- Osdel competed in football, bas- and baseball while at BHS. Most Valuable Player; All-City Van Osdel, Jim Kunau, Doug the same playing field (Griffith ducted in the Bob Elias Hall of ketball and baseball. Doug Loman attended BHS and All-League in ’76 and ’77. Loman and Gary Williams. Field) and locker room. Fame in ’76. For the football Drillers he from ’72-’76. Loman played Bakersfield Californian Line- What is unique about this Jerry Tarr attended BHS from Tarr played a short time in the played at the tight end and de- football all four years as quar- man-of-the Year in ’77 and he year’s class of inductees are the ’53-’57. He played offensive and National Football League for the fensive end positions. Van Osdel terback and/or linebacker for the was also team captain in ’77.

’Ga d e Fe e d b a c k “Who do you think will win the NBA championship?”

Editor’s note: ’Gade Feedback is Johnisha Jose Padilla, Richard Howard, Valdimir Bonilla, Zack Pittman, a feature that asks students their Washington, Computer Science: Registered Nursing: Biology: Criminal Justice: opinion on various sports topics. Human Services: “I want the Spurs “I want the Celtics “I have no idea. I “Honestly, I think “I think Miami, to win.” to win.” am getting ready the Heat because of probably.” for finals.” their roster.” Compiled by: Graham C Wheat / The Rip Sp o r t s Page 11 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013 BC stumbles but still makes the playoffs

By Jason Reed West L.A. tied the Manarino took the mound Sports Editor score at 2-2 and never for their schools in the meet- trailed in the game again. ing and didn’t disappoint. After a 17-4 start to the season, Infielder Cole Hallum hit a one- Nunn pitched seven innings, and the Bakersfield College Ren- run homer in his first appearance gave up only one earned run and egades baseball team finished at the plate. He finished the game struck out four batters. the regular season 7-8 in its final 3-for-4 batting. Manarino pitched a com- 15 games of the season and will Hallum grounded out in the plete game for the Gaucho’s; be headed to the postseason on a ninth inning with one out and he struck out five batters and four-game losing streak. two runners on base, with West surrendered only one hit. BC will enter the play- L.A. leading 6-3. Painton expressed on the dif- offs as the 14th seed out of Pitcher Justin Kelly took the ference a three-game series will 18 teams that will be in the mound in his final game at BC. make this time around against Southern California playoffs. He pitched seven innings allow- Saddleback. “It certainly will BC (24-12, 16-8) finished in ing seven hits, three strikeouts be different over a three-game third place in the Western State and two earned runs. series,” Painton said. Conference, despite controlling Kelly finished 5-5 on the sea- “The pitcher they threw that first place throughout most of son and will be playing baseball day [Manarino] is probably the the season. at Virginia Tech University in the best guy in the state from the win Glendale College (25-11, 19- fall of this year. lost record, the ERA and those 5) clinched its third straight WSC BC will take on No. 3 types of things. In a three game championship after completing a seed Saddleback College in series he can throw one game.” two-game sweep over the Ren- a three game playoff series. Painton said he is looking for- egades April 16 and April 18. “I feel like we deserve to be ward to taking on Saddleback. With the losses, BC was where we’re at,” coach Tim Pain- He said he believes his team still in control of second place, ton said on his team making the matches up well with them. before losing two straight playoffs. He also added that in the game games to last place West “Every time you have the op- against them earlier in the sea- L.A. College (8-25, 6-18). portunity to get in the postseason, son, both teams had their number In the latest game between BC it’s a brand new season and what one starting pitcher. and West L.A., the Wildcats you have to do is get hot for about He believes it will be interesting defeated the Renegades 6-3 on two weeks to get to the final four.” to see what the number two and April 26 at Bakersfield College. Saddleback defeated BC 1-0 three guys can do in the series. BC jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but back on March 28, in a game that The teams will start the series the Wildcats wouldn’t go down Painton described as “playoff at- May 3, at Saddleback, game two MJ InguitO / The Rip easy as they played spoiler for mosphere.” will be held May 4. Painton said BC’s Justin Martinez takes his second swing in a loss to West LA College on April 26. the second straight game against BC pitcher Darion Nunn he is not sure on the pitching ro- Martinez finished the game with one hit and struck out twice. BC. and Saddleback pitcher Evan tation.

MJ InguitO / The Rip MJ InguitO / The Rip BC’s Rolando Martinez tags out a West L.A. player on second base in the sixth inning. The Wildcats beat the Renegades BC pitcher Justin Kelly beats a West L.A. player to first 6-3. BC will travel to Saddleback College May 3, to start a three game series. base resulting in an out April 26.

Baseball scores By Jason Reed Sports Editor

April 16 Glendale 5, BC 1 The Bakersfield College base- ball team’s six game winning streak came to an end and so did their hopes of winning the West- ern State Conference champion- ship. Glendale’s pitcher Angel Rodriquez pitched six solid in- nings and struck out six batters in the process. BC pitcher Justin Kelly had seven strikeouts over five innings.

April 18 Glendale 6, BC 3 First baseman Blayne Ontive- ros had two RBI’s and catcher Justin Martinez added one. Sec- ond baseman Sergio Plasencia for Glendale led his team with four RBI’s and right fielder Ed- gar Montes added three runs. Glendale’s pitcher Gary Acuna struck out four batters in nine innings and gave up only two earned runs. With the win , Glen- dale won its third consecutive WSC championship.

April 25 West L.A. 11, BC 6 Darion Nunn pitched only three innings giving up four earned runs. Second basemen Erik Williams had three RBI’s. Shortstop Quinn Barbini and third baseman Rey Sanchez each had three RBI’s for West L.A. College Infielder Johnny Davis scored three runs for West L.A. College. The loss dropped BC into third place in the WSC. of the Canyons finished in second place. West L.A. was swept in an earlier season meeting by BC. Sp o t l i g h t Page 12 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Photos by Mayan Lara / The Rip When the sun sets, Central Park at Mill Creek lights up in ways many Bakersfield locals haven’t seen before. The park will host these Third Thursday events monthly until July 18. Third Thursday livens up downtown By Mayan Lara nesses such as Bike Bakersfield, Photographer Bakersfield Magazine and the California Water Service Com- For anyone looking for some- pany were set up along the edges thing to do around Bakersfield of the park giving out informa- on a Thursday afternoon, look tion and business cards to any- no further. Starting April 18, the one interested. Not only were Downtown Business Association their informational booths, but hosted the first of many Third there were also booths from lo- Thursdays to come. cal boutiques and stories selling Third Thursday is a pub- jewelry and handbags for ladies lic event that takes place in the of all ages. downtown area in Central Park For people not interested in along Mill Creek. The event talking to local businesses, there starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8 were also a variety of activities p.m. It will be held monthly un- set up all around Central Park. til July 18. Each Third Thursday Inflatable slides, bounce houses, will have a theme to it, the first arts and crafts, games, dancing being Arts Alive. and a horse drawn wagon were The DBA is hosting this in all available for people of all hopes of livening up the down- ages to enjoy. town area and bringing aware- With the help of Bright House ness to the city of Bakersfield Networks providing music at about local businesses and art- Central Park, Budweiser provid- ists. Families from around Kern ing beverages, and local restau- County are welcome to come rants providing booths of food, and enjoy live music, art, food, the park was filled with hundreds and fun activities. of people enjoying themselves Upon arrival at the very first and the activities provided. Third Thursday of this year, one According to Bright House would find resident artists dis- Networks Sales Manager Keven playing their paintings and other Clifton, this was Bright House’s art along Mill Creek between first time actually attending an 19th and 18th streets while lo- event they sponsor. He felt it cal band Stella and the Steel Cats was good seeing the community performed a mixture of vintage come together at an event like blues, jazz, and swing style mu- this one. sic. This event was called The “I personally haven’t seen the YOUNGER Art Walk. park at night… it’s very nice and Jaqueline Holtz, mother of very beautiful,” Clifton said. He three, enjoyed looking at the lo- enjoyed seeing downtown Ba- cal artwork throughout the park. kersfield vibrant and alive. “It’s nice that they put their art Bright House Networks pro- on display for all of Bakersfield vided the park with a live concert to see, it’s a great way for them done by local band Thee Deval. to get known,” said Holtz. As Thee Deval played a vari- The art displayed along 19th ety of covers as well as original and 18th streets was done by art- songs, people gathered around to ists of all ages. The styles and dance and sing along, enjoying types varied from paintings to their live performance. RockCrylic, which was art done Local Candice Romo said she on blocks of stone. The art was loved the idea of there being a not only on display, but it was carnival type event every third also up for people to purchase. Thursday because it gave her and Once finished admiring the her family something to do and art, a short walk down the Mill look forward to. Creek bridges led to the heart “I will most likely be attend- of the event; a lively scene of ing the next Third Thursday and booths, more music, and chil- so should other families because dren running around having a it’s a great way to support local good time. business and get together with Booths held by local busi- the community,” Romo said. There were many children’s activities, and kids of all ages enjoyed riding on the mechanical bull during the event.

Above: Families gathered around to dance to Thee Deval playing covers of popular songs and dedications like “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra.

Left: Local cartoon artist Chris Borbon sketches a couple during the event as many others lined up to get their cartoons done as well. Borbon draws cartoons at many events in town, including First Friday and Garden Fest.