President Search Aided by Hired Firm

The RenegadeBakersfield College Rip

Vol. 84 ∙ No. 8 www.therip.com Thursday, September 6, 2012 President search aided by hired firm

By Patricia Rocha “We’re working with an agency,” said diverse pool.” ful candidate is named. been moving forward. Editor in Chief Gomez-Heitzeberg. “That’s not unusual. From there, she said the candidates Though she could not speak about “There hasn’t been a delay in any of In fact, we’ve done that in the past when are invited to the first level of interviews, any front-runners in the search, she did those things.” Though the search is under way for we’ve done a presidential search.” which will take place on Sept. 5-7. speak on her role as interim president. She hopes the new president will con- Bakersfield College’s new president, the She said the firm is especially impor- “Out of that process, finalists will be “I have primary responsibility for all tinue this progress, as well as make the position left vacant by Greg Chamber- tant in the search right now because there identified,” she said. “Traditionally, we functions of the college, so while ‘in- difficult decisions that will arise in the lain will not be filled until at least De- are so many presidential positions avail- have had a public forum terim’ is in front of my name, future. cember. able at the community college level. held on campus that anyone Inside it doesn’t feel like interim,” “I hope we choose wisely, and I be- Chamberlain resigned from office in “In order to have a focused search, we can attend. Gomez-Heitzeberg she said. “I’ve been here a lieve that we will,” she said. “I believe February of this year and was replaced do national and state advertising and we “We have a process for discusses concerns long time so I know about our they’ll bring a fresh pair of eyes to look by interim president Robert Jensen for develop a brochure,” she said. “Then the our asking applicants ques- Page 4 process. at what we do so that we can make im- the following three months. company we’re working with, which is tions and then they respond “We’re moving ahead on provements. Current interim president Nan Gomez- specific to community college adminis- in the public forum.” our plans for budget reductions, our “We need someone at the helm who Heitzeberg described the on-going pro- tration, they also contact and do some The final steps to this process have plans to increase student success, and has the skills that I mentioned and has cess to fill the vacant position, which recruitment for us, so our pool is a large applicants approved by the chancellor to promote our programs and accredita- the best interest of our students and our includes help from a hired firm. pool of qualified individuals, and also a and the board, and then a final success- tion,” she said. “All of those things have campus community at heart.” Miller ACDV comes program back after to cut winning sections

By Merritt Holloway award Reporter The Academic Develop- By Luis Garcia ment Department is redesign- Reporter ing its curriculum with new and innovative ways to serve Bakersfield College student the almost 2,000 students Dom Miller has returned home scheduled to be displaced from the Drum Corps Interna- from the loss of the depart- tional World Class Champion- ment’s three lowest level ships as percussionist rookie of courses in math, writing and the year. LUis Garcia / The RiP reading, according to depart- In late 2011, Miller auditioned Dom Miller plays a funky groove to fans in attendance at the BC football game on Sept. 1. ment chair Dr. Kimberly Van and was chosen to play drum set Horne. and percussion in the front en- at various intersections around a three-month national summer the show, Miller said the season playing caught the eye of the The administration’s deci- semble for the Bluecoats Drum town in hopes of raising the tour of 13-hour practice days went well. The Bluecoats placed judges and earned him the cov- sion to cut the sections will and Bugle Corps, a competitive $2,500 touring fee cost. Through and grueling competitions. The in the bottom of the top six and eted rookie of the year award, a save several hundred thou- musical organization based out fundraising and two drum line Bluecoats contended at Lucas finished second in the percus- title he was surprised and excited sand dollars but Van Horne of Ohio. teaching jobs at East and, his Oil Stadium in Indianapolis ear- sion section. For Miller, it was to receive. feels these cuts are being tak- Bakersfield motorists might alma mater, West High School, lier this month showcasing their a bittersweet end to the summer, “In drum corps, the percussion en too close to the students. have spotted Miller earlier this Miller exceeded his goal and ac- best 12-minute musical perfor- as he believes they should have player doesn’t get too much cred- “We feel strongly that these year playing his drum kit and cumulated over $4,000. mance. won first place. it,” he said. “Hearing the percus- courses are still needed and singing over roaring engines Since then he has completed For the competitor portion of Miller’s multi-percussionist Please see MILLER, Page 4 are fighting continuously to make sure that the students are still served, and that the cuts do not affect the students to the degree that this is hap- pening right now.” Protesters against circus at Rabobank Academic Development courses are critical to many Bakersfield College students’ By Luis Garcia are forced to endure severe confine- academic success. Reporter ment, physical and social depriva- “About 75 percent of stu- tion, long arduous journeys, brutal dents that enroll, who either Thousands of patrons attended training and control methods, phys- return or are just out of high the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and ical violence and mental suffering,” school, are in need of at least Bailey Circus show, “Dragons,” for said Stacey Augustson, BAA group one or more remedial course,” its four-day show residence at the affiliate. she said. Rabobank Arena in downtown Ba- She adds that the animals’ needs “What’s going to happen is kersfield, but not everyone consid- are not taken into consideration. that if they can’t get a course ered it to be the greatest show on “Tigers and lions are in cages in ACDV, they’re going to earth. that are so small that their only re- find themselves out there in Equipped with signs, some with quirement is that they have to be courses that they’re even less graphic photos of alleged animal able to stand up and turn around. prepared for then they already abuse, activists from the Bakers- The circus has also been cited for are. It’s just critical that we field Alliance for Animals protested forcing ailing arthritic elephants to completely make a decision one hour before each show outside perform.” across campus that we’re go- of the Rabobank Arena and urged Last year, Feld Entertainment, ing to support these student circus goers to take their money which owns the circus, agreed to and not just let them fail.” elsewhere. pay a $275,000 fine to settle alle- “Students are assigned to The group has long opposed gations that it violated federal ani- the Academic Development Ringling’s use of animals in its mal-welfare laws in its handling of program through placement shows, disputing that both the train- elephants, tigers, zebras and other exams, but some students ing methods used by the circus and exotic animals. skip the exams and take the manner wherein animals are Two videographers were on sight courses they’re not prepared housed and transported between documenting the demonstration. LUis Garcia / The RiP for academically to be really shows amount to cruelty. They said they were contracted by Animal activist Stacey Augustson spoke with families in hopes of turning them away “Animals in traveling circuses Please see CIRCUS, Page 4 from attending the circus. Please see ACDV, Page 4 Inside Plans still intact for BC’s 100-year celebration

By Nashay Matthews mittee have been planning these recognize 100 BC Alumni. state funds for parties, which is Reporter events for over a year. “My favorite among every- why we are having fundraising “Some of the events are pre- thing we are working on is the activities.” As the 100th birthday of Ba- existing but will take on a Cen- Centennial Book,” said Chiang. Fundraisers they have had in kersfield College approaches, tennial theme,” said Chiang. “It’s sort of like a yearbook of the past include having a table at faculty members, community “The rest of the events are es- the past 100 years at BC and due the Annual BC Garden Fest, and members and BC alumni are hard pecially planned for the celebra- to the nature of my job, I love to a future fundraiser being planned at work planning the celebration.” read history and see pictures of is a golf tournament that will take tion. Some of these events include BC history, which is very vast place in the spring of 2013. The BC Centennial celebra- a Centennial Ball, a BC Alumni and deep.” “Golf tournaments are the tion will start with a kick-off par- flag football game, the creation With budget cuts pressing hardest fundraisers to plan but Page 9: The Renegades win their first game of the season ty in August of 2013 followed by of a signature centennial rose, down on BC, donations and they make a lot of money, so scheduled events for each month an opening event of the newly fundraising will provide all of we are hoping to have a good Page 4 Page 5 of the school year until spring of remodeled outdoor theater, the the funding necessary for the amount of seed money of funds New internet cafe offers a Stanford Medical School 2014. Amber Chiang, who is the unveiling of a replacement Ren- celebration. when the celebratory year starts,” chair of the Bakersfield College egade Mosaic, which is being de- “We can’t put the school bud- said Chiang. variety of artistic outlets for urges students to apply for Centennial Celebration Commit- signed by the BC art department, get toward this,” said Chiang. “Funding for the rest of the students of all ages programs tee, said that she and the com- and the 100 stars project that will “We just can’t use school and year will just take care of itself.” Fe a t u r e s Page 2 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Thursday, September 6, 2012

Column Richard Martinez, the Car show brings president of Fashion is Aztec Image, poses in his 1971 Buick Rivera. He more than families out to describes his car as “multi- color with flakes and spending patterns.” Kern Fairgrounds martiN ChaNg money The RiP By Martin Chang Opinions and Features editor WORTHWHILE STYLE | The Rip’s editor in chief and resident shoe At the Carnales Unidos car addict discusses the lost art of show, families gathered to have dressing for your own style. fun and admire the cars on dis- play. With 200-250 cars on dis- It’s a sad fact that the fashion play, varying from trucks and world often gets a bad rap. low riders to classic Bel Airs, Any culture that defends there were many cars of all spending hundreds of dollars on shades of color for these families a single pair of sunglasses, or to see. For the organizers and thousands on a participants, there was a feeling single dress, is of community at the show. no doubt go- Every year the Carnales Uni- ing to be called dos car club puts on a show. materialistic This year it was at the Kern and shallow. County Fairgrounds. Every year Just the con- the club helps to raise money for a charity organization, and this notation of the Patricia Rocha word “fashion” year they picked the Sheriff’s brings to mind spoiled celebrities Activities League. and over-paid super models. According to Harvey Reyes, What most people don’t see the president of the Carnales is the artistic side, the creativ- Unidos club, the goal of the ity that comes with creating and club is to bring neighborhoods wearing clothes. together. A lot of people view getting “I’m from Bakersfield, I’ve dressed as a social obligation; lived all my life here,” he said. wearing clothes is just something “We wanted to give back to the you do so you don’t get arrested community. We’re committed for public indecency. to the neighborhoods.” MartiN ChaNg / The RiP To me, though, clothing is an For Javier Gonzalez, a three- year student at College of the Javier Gonzalez, a third year student at College of the Sequoias, shows off his custom paint job of the Virgin Mary in art form. Just as an artist takes the desert on his 1976 Chevrolet Caprice at the Carnales Unidos car show Aug. 26 at the Kern County Fairgrounds. the passion inside him and chan- Sequoias and member of the nels it into a canvas, a designer Wicked Customz car club, does so with fabric and notions. showing his car was a lifelong blue mini-bike and Trinidae, “My car’s a multi-color Ri- The greatest thing about this dream of his and his dad. They 8, competed with a green tri- vera with flakes and patterns,” is that these pieces of art don’t have had a plan for the car as cycle. Monica Alanis, their said Martinez. “That’s how I just hang on walls, they live our long as his dad has had it. mother, said that she wanted her like it. If you see it, you’re go- lives with us. “My dad’s had that car for children to be able to compete ing to remember it. A first-date outfit, the tuxedo 24 years,” Gonzales said. “He in the show. She also wanted “You can go to a car and go for the prom, a girl’s first pair of always envisioned having the Yodhin and Trinidae to have dif- ‘oh, that’s nice.’ I don’t want high heels, a wedding dress. trunk flipped suicide (trunk ferent vehicles so they wouldn’t nice. I had a car with a lot of I’ve known people who sneer turned upside down) with the compete. gold, and this guy say’s ‘that’s at such a viewpoint, and yet still Virgin Mary showing out in the Monica described getting ugly, why’d you do all that?’ find it impossible not to cherish desert. He always liked to have ready for the show as a family I’m getting the expression I their child’s first onesie. that in his car.” effort. want. Because this art plays such an Gonzalez is happy about “The night before, my sons “You’ve been staring at my important role in our everyday where his work-in-progress car washed their bikes and got ev- car for 20 minutes you don’t lives, it often saddens me when has turned out. erything ready and my husband like it, but you can’t help but people don’t embrace it. “It feels good,” he said. “It’s washes cars and they all did it look at it.” They buy what they think will not 100% there, it’s about 50% together,” she said. Other than showing off his impress others, or help them to fit there, which is where my dad Trinidae enjoys competing in car, Martinez enjoyed the com- in, when the best clothes are ac- wants it, but I still want more the show. pany of people at the car show. tually meant to help them stand than he wants. “I like my bike because it’s “I enjoy the people looking “I feel proud because he gave green, and I won one trophy on at my car,” he said. “I enjoy the out and define themselves. MartiN chaNg / The RiP The most influential clothing me the responsibility.” it,” said Trinidae. people taking pictures of my designers in the world never cre- The Alanis family went to Richard Martinez, the presi- car. When I was little, I envied Seven-year-old Yodhin Alanis spruces up his blue mini- ated a collection striving for me- the event and had two of their dent of car club Aztec Image, them, and now I finally have it. bicycle for the Carnales Unidos car show at the Kern diocrity and acceptance, so why children competing in the show. wants his 1971 Rivera to make So now, I want to give it back County Fairgrounds on Aug. 26. He and his brother should that be the way society Yodhin, 7, competed with his an impression on people. to them.” Trinidae compete in car shows with help from his family. views getting dressed? There are so many endless possibilities already out there, and with your own personal spin on it, your wardrobe can be your outlet too. Katherine Hepburn once said, “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” I am a huge believer in break- ing some rules to get the look you want to achieve. There’s no such thing as having to match your shoes to your bag or belt. Red and purple can look great together. You can wear white any day of the year, granted you’re not going to someone else’s wedding. I don’t think anyone should take pieces of clothing at face value either. If you love the bottom of a dress but hate the top, cut the top off. If you love a shirt but hate the buttons, replace them. If you love everything about a certain top but hate the color, then dye it. Besides not wearing tights as pants, there really are no rules you have to follow. You have control over the clothes you wear, not the mall or outlet store you bought it from. If you want to be an active par- ticipant in how you portray yourself non-verbally to the world around you, you should at least be having a little fun while doing it. Yes, the fashion world has been called materialistic and shallow, but every day it gives us a chance to decorate the blank canvas we’ve been given. Take advantage. Get out of the mind set that you can make a fashion mistake. The only real mistake is not wearing what you love when you have the chance. Fe a t u r e s Page 3 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Thursday, September 6, 2012 Student gives first-person account of pageants By Nashay Matthews House, St. Jude’s Children Re- Sclerosis Society, and I have cho- because it is 50 percent of what Reporter search Center, the American sen this organization as my plat- my overall score will be judged Heart Association and countless form because important people in on. In pageant interviews, it is For the past 10 months I have others. my life have been diagnosed with pertinent to maintain balance devoted myself to preparing for Of course, we have gotten to MS. I have been involved with the when answering a question to what will be one of the most do other fun things as well, like MS Society for three years and avoid offending the judge asking important being able to ride on a fire truck have done various things to sup- the question. days of my in the Christmas Parade and we port this platform, including my Pageantry is not all about who life so far, Fi r s t have even gotten the honor to participation in the annual MS is the most beautiful, who is the competing e r s o n meet Mayor Harvey Hall on sev- Walks, running in the L.A. Mara- thinnest and who has the biggest for the Miss P eral occasions. And by we, I mean thon under the Southern Califor- hair. C a l i f o r n i a myself, Miss Teen Bakersfield nia and Nevada chapter of the MS Pageantry is about being dedi- International Madison Swaim and Mrs. Ba- Society, and also hosting a ten- cated to a community service pageant. Areas of competition kersfield Joslynn Jarrett-Skelton. nis tournament and donating the platform, applying good interper- are fun-fashion, interview, fitness Preparing for a pageant almost proceeds to the MS Society. This sonal communication skills, be- wear, on-stage question and eve- feels like a job because it involves aspect of pageantry is the most ing more than comfortable with ning gown. The pageant will take so much work, including social important to me because I am so public speaking, taking good care place Sept. 8 in the Dore Theater networking, being on time for passionate about my platform, of your body and putting others at Cal State University of Bakers- appearances, being dependable, and pageantry gives me a voice to before yourself. field. making sure you are setting a raise awareness, funds, and edu- I have been participating in In November of 2011, I was good example for others, and on cate the public about MS. pageants my entire life, and I crowned Miss Bakersfield 2012. top of that, balancing your own Health and fitness play a huge would never change that because I felt so accomplished consider- personal life. role in pageants, of course. Gen- pageantry has taught me so many ing that prior to the pageant I My balancing act includes erally I eat really healthy and life skills that I wouldn’t have de- had successfully lost 30 pounds, working full time at RJ’s Grill work out really hard, but for the veloped without pageantry. completed my first half mara- and Catering, taking 16 units at past six weeks I have been wak- I really hope I win Miss Cali- thon, was excelling academically, Bakersfield College, being a part ing up at 5 a.m. so I could have fornia considering the hard work and was just proud of the place I of two running groups, playing the time to work out twice a day, I have devoted to it, but if I am was at in my life. Winning Miss soccer for the Bakersfield ACES, and during this time I have not not the lucky girl to be crowned I Bakersfield was just icing on the volunteering, working out, me- eaten bread carbohydrates, sugar, will gracefully and proudly con- cake. dia internships, and of course, dairy, and have consumed very gratulate the girl who is, because The past 10 months have been squeezing in spending time with low sodium as well. pageantry to me is not a competi- filled with various public appear- friends and family. Another aspect that is difficult tion against a group of beautiful omar oseguera / The Rip ances, mostly benefits for chari- My community service plat- to prepare for is the personal in- and talented young women, it’s a Nashay Matthews is the current Miss Bakersfield and is ties such as the Ronald McDonald form is The National Multiple terview portion of the pageant, competition against myself. competing in the upcoming Miss California pageant. Padre Armstrong inspired hotel professors to learn

By Omar Oseguera attitude to solving huge prob- Photo and Multimedia Editor lems,” he said. “We didn’t look fixed up for someone else to help us Bakersfield College profes- solve our problems, we solved By Metiqua Eng sors reacted to astronaut Neil them ourselves.” He believes Reporter Armstrong’s death, which oc- that ethics has started to fade curred on Aug. 29. Armstrong away with new generations. The Padre Hotel has recently was an American hero, being Randal Beeman, professor of gone through an $18 million the first man to set foot on the history at BC, also reflected on renovation to not only restore moon and giving America the Armstrong’s legacy and his im- the building architecturally but win in the 1960s space race. pact on America and the world. to instill a new modernized and The impact of Armstrong’s Beeman, 6 at the time of the contemporary look that will landing is very memorable, as moonwalk, had the opportu- take the essence of a luxury recognized by President Bar- nity to meet some of the astro- hotel to the next level. rack Obama in his statement, nauts back in Frankfort, Kan., Robert Bunker, general Teela Walker / The Rip saying, “Neil was among the and have his picture taken with manager of The Padre Hotel, The Padre has undergone $18 million in renovations. The bathrooms, hotel rooms and greatest heroes-not just of his them. has been very involved with outside were renovated. time, but of all time.” “It was a real honor,” said the process of the renovations Nick Strobel, BC astronomy Beeman. by making sure that everything professor and director of the The Apollo program gave that was remodeled, rebuilt or Mike Orozco, 22, who works in the building were state of the William M Thomas Planetar- the world the first sight of the put in was the exact look and in valet parking, has been em- art, and it was more restored to ium, elaborated on the impact Earth from outer space, con- state of mind for the new ap- ployed by The Padre for over be a new and very contempo- that Armstrong made to astron- tributing to the environmen- pearance of the hotel. three years and has seen the rary look that you might find in omy and the world. tal movement and impacting “The first part of the reno- changes in the old hotel com- the Hard Rock Café,” Bunker “Neil Armstrong, Buzz professor Beeman’s life and vation was the demolition and pared to the new renovations. explained. “It’s a boutique- Aldrin, and the rest of the as- career. Beeman considers the taking all of the asbestos out “The rooftop lounge features style hotel, so it’s more of a tronaut crew showed that it is space program to be, “in some of the building,” Bunker said. karaoke nights every Thurs- lifestyle hotel.” possible to solve some ‘impos- respects the epitome of the “Everything was gutted and re- day, and people can eat here Not only are the renovations sible’ problems by devoting Greatest Generation. done and the shell of the build- Saturday and Sunday when we inside the building of impor- time and resources to the task “They believed and acted ing is the only thing existing hold a brunch on the rooftop,” tance to Bunker, but also the and working together,” said like America could do any- that wasn’t part of the renova- Orozco said. “People rent our renovations on the outside of Strobel. Strobel was 4 years thing,” Beeman said. “It is hard tion.” rooms out for meetings, and the building in which the park- old at the time of Armstrong’s to imagine us thinking this big The Padre, which was built we hold weddings here at least ing lot is being reconstructed landing, but he recognized that and bold again as a country.” in 1928, has always been a once every week.” and making space for newer to those older than him, the Beeman also gave Armstrong luxury hotel but with new ren- The Padre also gets regular and more efficient installments landing was extremely inspi- high praise, saying that he will ovations done to the interior, as business from their upscale to further the progress of The rational. eventually be celebrated among well as the building, has made dining rooms, club and roof- Padre. “The Gemini and Apollo Columbus or Magellan. the hotel more lavish than be- top gatherings. The Prospect The renovations have not missions were key to sparking “His words, ‘we came in fore. The hotel features a fine Nightclub located on the first only affected workers and their life-long passion for, and peace for all mankind,’ suggest dining restaurant such as The floor has been renovated and management in the building. careers in science or engineer- a future world that is more uni- Belvedere room and upscale is a posh club with modernized “Bakersfield partnered up ing,” he said. This talk impact- fied and a world that devotes sports bar, The Brimstone. Not interior that accommodates with The Padre and gave us a ed Strobel’s inspirations for to its resources for positive Teela Walker / The Rip only are there places to eat but VIP tables, not only on the first loan for the renovations,” Bun- going into astronomy. Strobel causes, instead of a world ded- there are also places to get cof- floor, but on the second floor ker said. “It has created 140 Yuri Curen, a manager at the admired the ethics of Ameri- icated, as it seems sometimes, fee and sandwiches, which can with a loft-style appearance. jobs and brought tax revenue to Padre Hotel, waits to check in cans in the Apollo days. to self-destruction,” said Bee- be found in the Farmacy Cafe. “The finishes that were put the city of Bakersfield.” new guests. “The U.S. had a real can-do man. BBQ at Bakersfield College coming up with music and entertainment BC BBQ By Hannah Breeland Dessert will be provided by a Reporter Ben and Jerry’s booth. There will September 13 also be beer and wine for those of age. Tickets are $25 for adults, Sports, barbecue, beer and old Cost: $25 for adults friends. It’s that time of year. $15 for students with ID, and $5 for children 12 and younger. Fall sports are starting up, and $15 for students one of the ways to celebrate it is Tickets can be purchased at the through Bakersfield College’s BC Business Office, which is lo- 58th annual barbecue. The bar- performing. Local band Mento cated in the same building as the becue is also the major fundraiser Buro will provide entertainment. bookstore. for the BC Alumni Association. The barbecue is taking place Proceeds for the event benefit Alumni association president on the BC football practice foot- students. Becki Whitson said she is ex- ball field Sept. 13 starting at 5:30 “The majority of the money pecting a big crowd. p.m. The dinner begins at 6 p.m., goes toward scholarships for BC “I am hoping for at least 1,000 and the event will last until 8 students,” said Whitson. “A por- this year in preparation for a p.m. tion of it goes to help athletics larger turnout for next year’s On the menu are steaks and and other events on campus that 100th anniversary,” Whitson chicken prepared by the culinary benefit students, like Women’s said. arts students under the direc- History Month, and Homecom- Athletes and coaches from fall tion of Pat Coyle and food ser- ing. It would help if the students sports teams will be introduced, vices under the direction of Alex of Bakersfield College would get and the BC Cheer Team will be Gomez. involved and attend the BBQ.” Ne w s Page 4 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Thursday, September 6, 2012

ACDV: Cuts Cafe a in budget effect haven academic for art services Continued from Page 1 successful in their college experience,” she said. “We’re pulling them back over to our area where we can help in- lovers crease the retention and success rates, and not just in our By Nashay Matthews department which is already Reporter strong, but on campus where they’re already struggling.” The nX Caffe Coffee Club Van Horne said the de- and Art House, located on 2995 partment redesign process North Baker St., is an internet involves looking at other suc- café and art house that provides cess models, institutions, and computers, appreciation of vari- college’s strategies to see how ous forms of art, free coffee and, we can be more efficient, innovative, and effective, which according to the owner and op- angEl villEgomEz / ThE Rip erator Lisa Ann Lobasso, it is a will help students be more The nX Caffe is located on 2995 North Baker in Bakersfield. Its owner, Lisa Ann Lobasso, describes the cafe as “a true successful in achieving their no-red tape venue for artists of art community where everyone can come together and really enjoy art.” all genres. academic and occupational nX Caffe was officially opened goals. first Thursday of each month, in February and is commonly re- She explained a campus- Djembe Drumming which takes ferred to as the nX for short. Ac- wide commitment is needed place every Monday, and many cording to Lobasso, she took half ensuring support, not only for ongoing healing arts functions of her house and turned it into the her students, but all the stu- including Guided Meditation, club house that is operated solely dents across campus. Sound Therapy, Reiki Drum- by donations and volunteers and “It’s a big concern for us, ming, Reiki Share, as well as is based off of “Gathering of the and that’s why we feel like other similar events and val- Tribe,” located in New York City Academic Development sup- ues that take place on selected that is owned by Steve Cannon. port is more necessary than days each month. A lot of other A second location in Bakers- ever before,” she said. events also take place that are field will be opening soon, tenta- “I mean, we have students not necessarily regularly sched- tively a month or so from now at coming in unprepared and uled events such as “Jesus Died The Hub, where scheduled events that’s increasing, it’s not de- for All Spiders,” on Sept 8-9. have already begun to take place. creasing.” “We get so many differ- The new location will be called Van Horne is reaching out ent types of people here,” said nX Caffe at The Hub, which is to other disciplines on cam- Lobasso. “Different ages, styles, located at 401 Sumner St. in Old pus including psychology, art interests, but everyone really Town Kern and is owned by Am- culinary arts and welding, gets along.” ber Beason. with not only the Critical Upcoming offerings sched- “We are trying to create a true Academic Skills Workshops uled to be added are plate-break- art community where everyone that are currently online, but ing anger release sessions, other can come together and really en- with new links courses that open mic offerings, open house joy art,” said Lobasso. “Plus, we support and serve students hours and open studio hours. have a really unique bean that we with math, writing, or reading “If anything goes wrong here, use for our coffee, so I truly think needs in new and different the community comes together our coffee is the best in town so type formats. to fix it,” said Lobasso. “But we that makes us unique.” In Spring 2013, new pilot really need volunteers and are The nX is the home to On the programs are due to come on- looking for a few good students Fly Open Mic, ROFL Comedy line, so students should check who are interested in the arts. angEl villEgomEz / ThE Rip Open Mic, and the Speakeasy the catalog, the schedule, and We are close to BC, so it would This is one of the many pieces of artwork displayed in the nX Caffe. The piece was Open Mic, which takes place the their emails, or drop by the be really convenient for them.” created by artist Gita Loyd. Academic Development De- partment to get the latest information on available classes and class support. “I want to let students know what’s coming up and that courses that they’re used to Current college issues concern students seeing on the schedule aren’t going to be on the schedule,” By Patricia Rocha due to budget concerns and un- differences between satisfactory with the new one-day parking though the math would make she said. Editor in Chief certainties about the future. academic progresses for finan- pass cost. sense, to get a monthly pass, “We’re working toward “Now that we’re shifting to cial aid than on BC’s own inter- “The student fees for parking is sometimes that’s harder to wrap fixing the problem of what’s With the school’s budget situ- success, the challenge for us is, nal GPA assessment. that established, semester length your head around when you’re been created through budget ation, financial aid rumors and how can we help [students] be “What we saw this year is that parking pass,” she said. “That is just trying to figure out week by cuts by servicing the students, the rising cost of attendance and more successful in their classes we still had a good turn around the student parking fee.” week by week.” just in a different way.” parking fees, many students are so they’re able to reach their time of 24 hours for the board of Many students use the day She says there are things stu- The Student Success Com- feeling weary of their futures goals?” she said. governor’s waiver, so registration parking pass that’s meant for ev- dents can do to help relieve the puter Lab, Tutoring Center, here at Bakersfield College. “I think it makes it more in- fees were paid,” she said. eryone, but while students use it, stresses of college life, though it and Writing Center are open Interim president Nan Gomez- cumbent upon us to do a better This fall semester also saw it really isn’t designed for a stu- won’t be easy. regular hours, and all BC stu- Heitzeberg said these issues have job of communicating what the over a thousand book vouchers dent parking fee. “I can’t say anything that dents are encouraged to come been addressed to herself and expectations are for students for Pell grant eligible students. “I did the simple math,” she would make them feel a lot bet- in and take advantage of the student government officials, while they are with us.” “In theory, registration fees said. “If I were a student, and I ter,” she said. free services with profes- and she wishes there was a sim- Another factor she believes were paid and book vouchers had to come two times a week, it She then urged students to be sional instructors and tutors. ple solution. impacts students heavily is ex- were paid, but I also recognize would be cheaper to get the park- more involved in what goes on The Critical Academic Skills “Our resources will be limited ternal requirements for financial that a number of students count ing fee. around them. Workshops are also ongoing and we will not be able to serve aid. on their financial aid for living “Then it also occurred to me “Students need to get their pa- with a schedule on the Inside every student who comes to our “They have to have their stu- expenses,” she said. “I think that, for some students it’s an is- perwork in on time and they need BC portal. door,” said Gomez-Heitzeberg. dent [education] plan on file, the those are the ones that have felt sue of, I can get together a dollar to be focused on their place right The Academic Develop- “In the past, that has been our courses that they’re taking have the greatest sense of urgency and on any given day, but to think I’m now in every class and doing the ment Department is located goal. To serve every student was to be on the ed plan,” she said. frustration.” going to come up with 30 dollars best they can and speaking up… on the second and third floors, the most important thing.” She also stresses that students She then addressed the issues is kind of mind boggling. so that [their] voice gets heard on the west end of the Jerry The limitations in place are should understand that there are many students seemed to have “So, I understand that even through that group.” Ludeke Learning Center in Student Services. circus: Protesters miller: Student’s love of hope to end circus music shapes his future Continued from Page 1 ent wooden tool to further his entertainment in town sion judge say something good drumming career: a pencil. about me, that really boosted my A love for Legos and the cre- Continued from Page 1 here to ruin the mood.” confidence. ative process led him to major in by “corporate structure” while Courtney Clerico, an ani- “That made my day.” mechanical engineering. pointing toward Rabobank mal rights activist who helped He also received a plaque “I’ve always been interested Arena. organized the protest, said al- by cymbal manufacturer Zild- in the aspect of designing some- Ringling Bros. Barnum and though she can’t turn everyone jian, which he credits to his own thing and seeing how things Bailey representatives declined away, little victories can make drum rig having a wide array of work,” he said. to comment. a major difference. cymbals suspended atop his kit “When I was a child I used The 20-strong group received “If a kid or adult sees the pic- topped off with wind chimes, to sit with Legos all day seeing a generous amount of support- tures and starts to realize ‘hey, and a thunderous sounding bass what I could build. ive honks and thumbs up from this may not be the best thing,’ drum and gong to match. “It lets me free my mind of passing motorists at the busy then we’re already winning.” Playing for the Bluecoats has whatever I’m thinking about.” intersection of Truxtun Avenue Clerico remains hopeful that allowed Miller to network, and Miller aspires to work in the and N Street. one day Ringling Bros. will he has been offered a position to music industry designing and Alternatively, others didn’t cease to exist. drum for Pulse Percussion, one improving drum equipment. appreciate the signs and graph- “They used to come out here of the top four winter percussion “My major will allow me to ic photographs. every few years and now they programs in the nation. continue drumming so I don’t “Are these people for real?” are having to come back every For the time being, Miller has have to necessarily get a real said Celina Gallardo, while single year, because more and a busy academic schedule, which job,” he said. waiting in line to enter the more communities are banning he admits prevents him from “Music is one of my passions arena. the circus. picking up a pair of drumsticks in life. It’s something that I’m “The circus is a lot of fun, “I hope Bakersfield bans it as much as he would like. good at, and I don’t want to give and these people are just out one day as well,” she said. He now utilizes a differ- it up.” Ca m p u s Page 5 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Thursday, September 6, 2012 Admission Student gets specialists petition passed aid in transfers for disabled By Metiqua Eng “So I put one together and I By Daysi Meza Reporter just went around asking people Reporter to sign.” For disabled students at BC LuJan needed only 400 sig- Cal State Bakersfield held an getting around is quite an issue natures to get the petition to on-site admissions event Aug. in which there are particular pass but she persevered to make 29-30 in the Fireside Room at stipulations on campus trans- sure people knew that this peti- Bakersfield College. portation and whether or not tion was about helping students The main goal was to admit students are allowed to use the on campus first and foremost. BC students interested in trans- services provided. “I had a lot of people dis- ferring to CSUB in the Winter Michele LuJan, 24, is a stu- couraging me to do it because 2012, and Fall/Spring 2013. dent at BC majoring in Human they told me it’s not going to Denise Romero, CSUB Sci- Services who took issue with pass and everything is political, ence Technology Engineering the rules and guidelines that why try?” LuJan said. and Mathematics transfer spe- BC had for transportation on “But as a Christian and some- cialist, coordinated the event and campus. body who believes in helping provided answers to questions LuJan therefore took further those less fortunate, I believe students asked about the require- steps to get a petition passed at it was something I was called ments for transferring. BC to help others with getting to do.” One of the most helpful re- around campus. LuJan ended up getting 800 sources they provided was being “I was struggling to get signatures for her petition and able to notify students whether around campus, and more or when she felt she was finished they were admitted to the four- less I didn’t do it for me,” Lu- and had accomplished her goal, year institution or not, right on Jan said. she took the petition straight to the spot. “I saw I could get around but the BC president. Usually the admission process for somebody who can’t get “I went in with the petition takes about 4-5 weeks to notify around that was going to be an and the president said everyone students, so this event definitely issue.” had been talking about it and provided a practical way to find In order to use the campus he was going to pass it,” Lujan out about their transfer plans. carts for transportation disabled explained. “Many students are unsure students must have a card, must “I said ‘You haven’t even about what they need to do in or- be blind, or in a wheelchair. looked at it’ and he replied ‘I der to transfer, so it is their job Omar oseguera / The Rip “They were asking for medi- don’t have to, enough people to make sure they have all the CSUB Outreach Counselor Merrisa Alaniz, 25, helps students at the On-Site Admission cal information and medical re- are complaining so I’m going necessary information when they cords,” LuJan said. “I was like, to go ahead and pass it.’” leave,” said Romero. event Aug. 30 at the Fireside Room. that’s not correct and that’s a LuJan was extremely excited Some of the information spe- violation of privacy.” to get the petition passed and major. discuss future educational plans. This time, the event was ex- cialists emphasized to the stu- This pushed LuJan towards very happy that she made a dif- During the event, specialists Students who missed the event pected to help an average of 100- dents at the event were being starting a petition because she ference here at BC and as well reviewed students’ transcripts, and are interested in transferring 150 students during both event aware of the educational require- thought that other students with as helping others. but most importantly, provided to CSUB will have the opportu- days. ments they needed to meet in or- different disabilities would “People thank me for it,” Lu- specific information about the nity to apply for admission, as Students who are interested in der to transfer. need assistance as well. Jan explained. steps they needed to take in order CSUB specialists will provide talking to a CSUB specialist are In order to transfer to CSUB, “I knew enough about poli- “But I thank Jesus Christ for to accomplish their goals. the on-site admissions event ev- urged to schedule an appoint- students must have completed 60 tics and I did research on peti- it, because I wasn’t doing it for Students eligible to transfer ery semester two to three times, ment at the Counseling Center semester units of general educa- tions just to see how to put them me, I was doing it for the less were scheduled for an orientation or an average of 4-5 times per with matriculation specialist tion classes, as well as their re- together,” LuJan explained. fortunate.” quired classes for their specific and a meeting with a counselor to year. Marisa Marquez or Romero. Stanford encourages BC students to join program By Graham C. Wheat Reporter

A small slice of Stanford’s Medical School was at the Ba- kersfield College campus Aug. 29. Stanford’s Primary Care As- sociate Program, a section of the school’s General Medicine Dis- ciplines, gave an informative lecture on their Physicians Assistant program and how BC students could enter their curriculum. Approximately 70 students of various medical field majors attended the lecture in the Science and Engineering building. Stanford’s Physicians As- sistant program was founded in SteVeN MartiN / The Rip 1971, one of the first in the coun- Fred Tovar, the director of Student Affairs at Stanford try behind Duke University. It is University, and former BC graduate and current Stanford also the least expensive Physi- student Jennifer Aleman-Ocampo discuss the benefits cians Assistant program in the of attending Stanford School of Medicine’s Physician nation. It is an expedited, 21-month Assistant Program. program that prepares P.A’s to 41 clinical weeks in an “un- have 1.5 years of “direct patient work directly with doctors in un- derserved” community in Ba- care,” such as an EMT or regis- derserved populations. kersfield, working in a mobile tered nurse to even be consid- Representing Stanford was Medical-Surgical-Telemetry unit ered. Fred M. Tovar, director of Stu- as a nurse. “When you get to Stanford, be dent Affairs, assistant director of “I have only good things to say prepared to work,” said Tovar. Admissions, and coordinator of about BC. It helped me a lot to Although technically the the Medical College Admission establish good study techniques course is a satellite through Test Academy. and I met great professors,” she Foothill College located near the Tovar, who has worked for said. Stanford campus, all teaching is Stanford for 12 years and also She also reiterated that al- done at Stanford University and held public office three times, though the course is hard, it is the degree earned is from there, explained the P.A. as being “the definitely “do-able.” too. doctor’s right hand man.” When asked to give a word After 21 weeks of didactic He conveyed the importance to prospective students for the study, students then complete 41 of competitive applicants, and he course, Aleman-Ocampo was weeks of clinical study. Rang- also shared his enthusiasm for encouraging. ing from four weeks of inpatient students from the Kern County “It has taken a lot work, but treatment and four weeks in sur- area and BC scholars. A BC don’t give up. If you have a pas- gery to 1-2 weeks of psychol- graduate was there to help stu- sion for medicine, actively pur- ogy. dents gain a perspective on the sue it.” While in the course, students program. Students considering entering are also encouraged to get a mas- Jennifer Aleman-Ocampo, the program need prerequisites ter’s in Medical Science from who graduated from BC’s regis- in anatomy, physiology, microbi- San Jose State University, which tered nursing program in 2007, is ology and GPA’s must be above Tovar assured is workable. now about to graduate from the 3.0 to be competitive, said Tovar, Students interested in more P.A. program at Stanford. again stressing the need to be an information on the program can “It is a great opportunity,” said aggressive applicant. contact BC professor Joe Saldi- Aleman-Ocampo. As well as high marks in the var in his office at SE 49B or at Aleman-Ocampo spent her prerequisites, students must also 395-4099. Co m m e n t a r y Page 6 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Thursday, September 6, 2012

Column Life’s joy Book on Paterno can be ignores scandal

By Jason Reed a book about his life, the type of something as small as his sister a simple Reporter things he experienced, and what taking a little piece of food off it took to get where he was, with another’s plate; there is no way I have a very strong opinion his football career. He knew he would he sit back and let Jerry about Joe Pa- what most people would think Sandusky do what he did to those terno and his about him in his final days. boys. Nice try, Posnanski. process role in the Bo o k So Paterno asked Posnanski to Now I understand that what Penn State Re v i e w write this pointless book about I’m saying is not very popular to As my brain explodes | One scandal, but him so that we believe that Pa- a lot of people. I’m not go- terno was this guy who would I have nothing against Posn- man’s take on culture and life. ing to share never let such a horrible thing anski. But it’s very clear to me In the quick day-to-day that. What I will talk about is the happen to destroy everything he what he tried to do while writing pace, it can be easy to forget recently released book, “Pater- worked so many decades for. this book. what is important in life. no,” written by Joe Posnanski. He obviously knew Paterno well Paterno was one of the most I had slept in before my After reading this book, it was enough to trust him with this in- respected men at Penn State. class. I was naturally stressed very clear to me that Posnanski formation. His list of accomplishments just and wor- is trying to preserve the name of If you read this book you blows me away. ried about Joe Paterno. would find it hard to believe that He started at Penn State as an getting to Posnanski, a former senior Paterno would let such things assistant from 1950-1965. He my class on columnist for Sports Illustrated, happen. then became the head coach in time. But as currently writes on his personal You’ll also find in this book 1966 and, of course, that ended I was walk- blog, Joe Blog. that Paterno would get enraged in 2011. ing briskly In the book he talks about how about the smallest things. In the He had a coaching record of Martin ChanG / The Rip to class I Martin Chang Joe Paterno and Jerry Sandusky book it mentions that Paterno 298 wins and 136 lost, 111 of Joe Posnanski’s book “Paterno” fails to ask the tough began to no- didn’t get along and how the two and his family were out eating those wins were vacated due to questions about Joe Paterno’s infamous scandal. tice the stillness of the morn- Penn State coaches “despised dinner one night. his role in the scandal. He won ing. Walking from the library each other”, according to the Joe’s sister took food from 18 bowl games and six of those inducted into the college football If you’re interested in knowing to the classroom for just the new biography of Paterno. someone else’s plate and Paterno were vacated as well. Hall of Fame in 2007. After win- why Joe Paterno did nothing to smallest time there was no I find it very hard to believe lost his temper. He got so upset He also won two national ning and being respected for do- stop Jerry Sandusky, don’t read one around. Posnanski when he says that that he left the restaurant. championships and a Big Ten ing everything he did, he didn’t this book, you won’t find it. But In this fleeting moment “the book is not a defense of Joe Posnanski added these small Conference championship, and want the first thing people would if you want to know about Pater- of stillness, I began to feel Paterno.” details in the book for a reason. his list of personal awards goes remember about him, was that he no’s life and what it took for him a sense of peace. I could It is a defense of Paterno. Pa- He is basically trying to say that, on and on. savored his own legacy and only to make it as a football coach, feel the air around me as the terno had his entire life to write if Paterno would get upset about And last but not least, he was cared about football. this is your book. world was waking up. I noticed the beauty of the trees and the bushes around me. Letter to the Editor Every leaf and every blade of grass seemed like a painting meant for me to appreciate. Todd Akin’s ‘legitimate rape’ In that moment everything felt right. A Bakersfield College The stress of getting to class on time seemed meaningless inside of this moment. I real- comments are ignorant ized that this was a special custodian’s humorous moment and walked slowly. By Metiqua Eng It gave me inner-strength, my Reporter stress slipped away. Months of anger just disappeared. Just when I thought chivalry Songs I had written about take on campus trash wasn’t dead and that America the beauty of nature, the was getting back to “serving magic of sublime moments the people,” another politi- like this, suddenly came back cian comes along with snide to me, songs that I had forgot- remarks and an inconsiderate ten. Not just the words, but attitude toward women. the feeling behind the words, Todd Akin’s remarks on behind the notes. Suddenly abortion and claims that these songs were playing women can’t get pregnant strong in my head. The songs from rape unless it’s “legiti- were as loud as earphones mate rape”, is completely na- in my ear. All at once I re- ïve and beyond ignorant. membered why I had written What’s the difference be- them. As a creative person tween rape and “legitimate and as a human being it was rape?” Any action in which inspiring. somebody is being forced to You don’t have to be a do anything they don’t want writer or painter to appreciate to do sexually is rape. moments like this. It’s mo- His statements are a comments like these that make plete example of a chauvin- life good and worth living. istic mentality and the reason The time that passed for my why women in this day and moment was maybe a minute age still feel halted by the at most. These moments are hand of men, constantly slap- easy to find as long as you ping them down. open your mind to them. So The topic of abortion is al- I encourage people to find ready a fragile subject to be these moments. The stress discussing, let alone throwing and pace of a new school the topic of rape on top of it. proVided by wiKipedia.com year at times seem so busy, so It’s a slap to rape survivors Todd Akin’s statements about sexual assault and full of stress. It can be easy to in which Akin lacks any evi- reproductive issues were oblivious and offensive. lose yourself in it and make Omar OseGUera / The Rip dentiary support to provide yourself miserable. This example of a student picking up and recycling cans reasoning for his malicious Yet these moments can within politics, the shallow- getting pregnant from rape is and bottles would surely make the Dirtminator happy. commentary. minded men of our own govern- low, it still happens and it should make life livable at these It amazes me the amount of hectic times. I only can guess ment continue to be oblivious to completely be a woman’s deci- Editor: your hand before it reaches the ignorance that spews from the what these moments can be women’s rights. sion on how to handle a situation There is a new superhero on wall. So, if I were you, I would mouth of men in politics con- for others. Perhaps it’s a lov- As far as I’m concerned, I be- that deals with her own body. campus, so move over Termina- be aware for the Dirtminator is cerning abortion and the con- ing moment between a child lieve that his comments shouldn’t It sounds like he needs a deeper tor. The Dirtminator is here. on your dirty trail. cept of telling a woman what or a significant other. Per- be accepted. respect for women rape victims, This superhero does not fight So, if you want a clean slate she can and can’t do with her haps you garden or meditate. Not only has he offended and needs to instill within him- crime. Instead, he fights dirt and from the math department, don’t body. Maybe you can find it in the women of this country, but most self some education on a topic he grime. mess around with the Dirtmina- Are we really in a position adrenaline of playing your importantly women of this coun- wants to discuss publicly. So think twice before you tor. to make history repeat itself favorite sport. Wherever you try who have been molested and I’m pretty sure that Akin has a throw that piece of paper on the Help him keep this depart- and suppress the voice of the can find it, find it. Life over- raped. mother who is a female and that ground, for the Dirtminator will ment and all departments clean American woman? flows with these moments but There is no coming back from if his own family were victims snap that paper in the air before and safe, and you will be helping Although it has been you have to search, to look. It such an ignorant comment, espe- of a violent rape he wouldn’t be it hits the ground. yourself to a cleaner and safer about 90 years since the 19th only takes seconds, but these cially when you’re a politician so quick to spill ignorance out of So think twice before you graf- environmental way. Amendment was passed, small moments can make life and in the public eye. his own lips. fiti, for the Dirtminator watches it Ruben Rosales where women gained a right so much richer. Even though it has been prov- Moral of the story: think be- all, and he will snap that pen off Custodian to vote and to have a voice en that the percentage of women fore you speak.

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...... Patricia Rocha Reporters/Photographers: Hannah writers will be given the opportunity to revise lengthy or Breeland, Metiqua Eng, Nestor Winner of the 2003 and 2008 Photo/Multimedia Editor...Omar Oseguera unacceptable submissions. JACC Pacesetter Award Opinions/Features Editor...... Martin Chang Fernandez, Luis Garcia, Merritt Holloway, If an organization submits a letter as a group, it must Steven Martin, Nashay Matthews, Slina be signed by only one person, either the leader of the The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield College Sports Editor...... Esteban Ramirez organization or the letter writer. Pen names are not allowed journalism classes, printed by Castle Print Inc. and McGregory, Meisha McMurray, Daysi and anonymous letters will not be published. circulated bi-weekly on Wednesdays. Meza, Jason Reed, Angel Villegomez, The newspaper is published under the auspices of the Teela Walker, Graham C. Wheat 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 -Web site: 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 Thursday, September 6, 2012

Staff editorial Students unhappy with unsettling times

In the process of creating this field College. programs’ classes have been cut. parking spot. classes will be cut and more edu- How can this happen effec- newspaper, our staff generally The average student here at Helping others to help our- With administration and stu- cators will be laid off. tively if the members we’ve vot- asks, “What’s going on around BC has to put so much trust in selves, however, isn’t the simple dents each trying to rely on each When the college itself seems ed in have been replaced by the campus?” the administration to help them solution we all wish it could be. other, our campus is in somewhat to be stretching itself too thin time school begins? Now it seems that this ques- improve their educational suc- With over 16,000 students all of an awkward, blindfolded, with multiple vacant and interim Too much effort is put into tion has spread campus-wide as cess, but what many don’t real- trying to fit their schedules into three-legged race, with overall positions, it’s an extremely un- these elections by the candidates students wonder about the state ize is that the school relies just as one semester, the administra- success being the finish line. comfortable time trying to in- as well as students for the results of this new semester. much on us students. If students tion acknowledges it cannot ac- A large factor in how this race dividually plan an educational not to matter. Parking fees and cafeteria can keep programs’ classes full commodate everyone’s requests. proceeds is the Governor’s tax future here at BC. Then again, the administration food prices have risen, our stu- and graduate or transfer with a Getting into necessary classes re- initiative, proposition 30. If it As students, we’re urged to can’t be putting too much impor- dent government officials have major in that program, it only cently seemed like an impossible passes, BC can continue to make make our voices heard by voting tance on leadership roles such as changed, and talks of budget helps keep that program alive. challenge, and those of us who due with what we currently have. in student government elections SGA president, if the college it- cuts leave many wondering what In the past, when programs have did manage to get into classes However, if the proposition fails, and being a part of our campus self, after six months, still cannot their future holds here at Bakers- seen little to no graduates, those are lucky to find an affordable it is projected that many more community. find its own. RNC should focus on ideas not insults

By Martin Chang ing their entire convention on? Opinions and Features Editor They were attacking him again and again for one quote? This Watching the Republican is what makes Obama anti- National Convention was the American? I was incredulous. first time I ever turned off the Then my incredulity turned television in anger. to anger as I heard Kelly Ay- I started watching on the first otte tell the same story of “the full day on Aug. 28. At first it sleepless nights” of the “hard seemed OK, Mia Love com- work and sacrifice” of owning passionately spoke about the a small business. It was clear American Dream, about how that the Republicans wanted her parents grew up as im- to tell this story, but how many migrants and “didn’t look to times do you have to hear it? Washington, but looked with- Then Jack Gilchrist and in.” Mary Fallin told their nearly A great way to state the small identical story of small busi- government versus big govern- ness and how Obama doesn’t ment conflict that is at the core believe in it. provided by steam.com of the fight between the two Their accusations just made Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the first Counter-Strike game in six years. It features new weapons and improved parties. me more and more angry, as matchmaking. It was released on Aug. 21 and is available on the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and personal computer. But Reince Priebus before now I knew that their insults her, and almost all the speakers were based on nothing more after her, started saying some- than a misplaced word and the thing odd, something insulting simple difference between Re- to all democrats and especially publicans and Democrats and CS: GO adds graphics and guns Barack Obama. their views. They insinuated both subtlety Then, I saw a second ad that and in plain words that Obama featured the same quote and the By Robin Shin the changes, which I noticed in which many of us anticipa- rorists’ mission is to set the bomb didn’t believe in the American same, now cliché, story about Photographer from the start. Valve has yet to tors were waiting for: updates and prevent the counter-terrorists Dream. small business. That’s when I disappoint me with their graph- in guns. The current game has, from defusing it. In the “Arms I didn’t know about the “you turned off the television in dis- It has been almost eight years ics when it came to their games’ from what I see, is a good 25% Race,” your mission is to kill the didn’t build that” quote so gust. since the sequels, such as “Half-Life 2”, increase in different guns. enemy with all the level of weap- whenever a speaker would hurl It’s too bad because when release of Ga m e “Team Fortress 2”, and “Left 4 Another thing that changed ons you are given. Each time that insult I was confused. The they focused on the actual ideas “Counter- Dead 2”. and is welcomed by many “CS” you kill, your weapon changes, serious accusation of not be- of being a conservative and Re- S t r i k e : Re v i e w So the jump within the graphic players out there are the fast and and the last weapon you have to lieving in America seemed to publican, they actually were Source” in change was a huge difference, accurate matchmaking serv- use is a knife. The catch of the come out of nowhere. quite effective. November unlike “CS:Source”, where the ers. Previously in their copy of “Arms Race” is that if you are After Love, the speakers Chris Christie told the com- of 2004. players were rather edgy and not “CS:Source”, the players would killed with a regular knife and started to blend, each one had pelling story of how Repub- Valve Corporation on Aug. 21 smooth to look at. “CS:GO” was have to match and hope to get the not the leveled up knife, you will the same story of building a lican ideas turned the state of brought it back with “Counter- able to come back with much server they want, and one way or go back to the previous weapon small business, not relying on New Jersey around. Strike: Global Offensive.” more realistic and smoother another be happy or disappoint- you were wielding, which tech- the government, and then sug- When Paul Ryan tells out-of- PC players, who are a fan of looking graphics. ed. “CS:GO” on the other hand, nically means that you have been gesting that this story of mak- work college graduates that the first-person shooters, have been Now don’t get me wrong, you allows you to specifically pick set back to the previous level you ing something out of yourself is Republican way can get them expecting this game for quite a can still change the level of your which types of game you want, were on. somehow exclusively Republi- a job, it could speak to that while, and a lucky few had the graphics through the option set- which narrows the search down It may be a more difficult and can. famously liberal group. When chance to test out the beta version ting, but with an old graphics from, as an example, 100 to 30. more realistic game to play than After hearing things like Romney and others speak of after they were able to receive the card in your PC, you won’t get A feature of change that I the “Call of Duty” franchise, “an all-out assault on free en- the sky-high debt and worsen- online keys at the Penny Arcade far into a mission. You’ll most liked was that campers now can but added content to “CS:GO” terprise,” I figured there was a ing economy, they make a sen- Expo, Eurogamer Expo or by do- likely die without getting a kill. be forced to get moving with an is far greater then Call of Duty, good reason behind this attack. sible argument of using their ing a survey. With the addition to their incendiary grenade (to the ter- and for budget minded gam- “Why are all the speakers conservative ideas of deregula- I wasn’t able to get the Beta update on graphics, they also rorists it would be the molotov ers “CS:GO’s” $15 price point saying this?” I wondered to tion and tax cuts to tackle these until I pre-ordered the official updated their environmental out- cocktail). The flame burns the is much more attractive then myself. Then I saw the political problems. copy on Steam, not that I gave fits. In “CS:Source”, there were camper or the enemy and keeps “CoD’s” $60 price. Overall, my ad that explained it. But every time the right says the Beta a go. I waited until less environmental outfits, such burning for a while. thoughts are that if you already It showed, once again, anoth- that Obama doesn’t believe in the week of the release and got as being in a cold environment The last of the updates ends have “CS:Source” and have the er small business owner telling America, they are focusing on my chance to get an insight on and the players were wearing with two official additions to the cash to spend $14.99 on a graph- his rags to riches story while anger and hate not ideas. what had changed in the game. short sleeve shirts and shorts. In gameplay family: “Demolition” ic boosted and slightly upgraded playing the ‘you didn’t build To me, that is what currently Let me tell you right now that “CS:GO”, Valve changed this so and “Arms Race.” In “Demoli- game. Then I say that it is worth that’ quote. I could even tell in defines the Republican party, there wasn’t much change in the that the outfits will now match tion,” Counter-Terrorists’ mis- it. “CS:GO” is available online the ad that the quote was taken and they proved to me in Flori- game. the settings the players are on. sion is to defuse the bomb that through Steam, X-Box 360, and wildly out of context. da that is still a big part of what The list will start off with There was also the upgrade the terrorists set up, and the ter- PS3. This is what they were bas- they are going to be. ‘Our House’ showcases lyrical talents, impressive featured artists and good beats

By Esteban Ramirez bum to come out, especially were beats picked by Eminem. I Sports Editor when they came out with a really also liked that they had good fea- good mixtape a week before. I tured artists. The very anticipated, “Wel- was actually pleasantly satisfied Some of the artists are Skylar come to: Our House,” second al- with this album, aside from the Grey, Busta Rhymes, Eminem, bum of rap group Slaughterhouse song “Throw That” which had Swizz Beatz, Ceelo Green and is finally Eminem as the featured artist B.O.B. out. It was who is also the executive pro- Some of the songs that had officially Al b u m ducer of the album. me listening over and over again r e l e a s e d e v i e w I just hated that the song was were “Our Way,” “Frat House,” on Aug. R such a dumb mainstream song, “Rescue Me,” and “Goodbye.” 28 through and a song that was so beneath On these songs, I just loved the Shady Re- Slaughterhouse. I expected that combination of a good beat with cords. they would have at least one good lyrics, not just having one For all those who don’t know song like this when they signed or the other. who Slaughterhouse is, they are with Shady Records. I really liked the lyrics in “Res- rap group that consists of Joe Other than that song, I thought cue Me” especially Joe Budden’s Budden, Royce da 5’9”, Joell it was another good album by verse when he says, “To you it’s Ortiz and Crooked I. They joined Slaughterhouse, and they kept a dream, and to me it’s labor. Omar osegUera / The Rip together to make this supergroup that killer rap style that they’re These aren’t monsters, these are Slaughterhouse’s first major label release “Welcome to: Our House” features the talents of about four years ago, and re- known for. I loved that they still my neighbors, and we watch Joe Budden, Royce da 5’9” and others. It showcases the strong lyrics of the group. leased their first album in 2009. showcased the thing that no other each other’s back. I guess it’s a The success of their first album group can match. That’s that lyric favor for a favor. Sometimes they “I’m here for the duration, and bum that only has one mistake year. and being featured on other for lyric no group is better. They even save me when my wrist is you’re here for reputation. Slide in it, and that was a horribly bad I definitely recommend get- songs led to them being signed had some nice metaphors. The to that razor.” them ‘Dre’s’ over your shit; pre- mainstream song, but other than ting this album because it is a to Shady Records in 2011. album also had good beats even I also liked Joell Ortiz’s verse pare your ears for devastation.” that it has to be one of the best must get for any rap fan or just a I’ve been waiting for this although they sounded like they on “Our Way” when he says, This is definitely a good al- rap albums to have come out this music fan in general. Sp o r t s Page 8 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Thursday, September 6, 2012 BC quarterback comes back after injury By Esteban Ramirez couldn’t do it because when you in there, and then I had to wait team. Sports Editor break your collarbone you can’t for that to heal,” he said. “Then “We’re better as a team, it’s not lift your arm, so they just eventu- I started to do some rehab like just me. We’re all good friends Last year, Bakersfield Col- ally cut my shoulder pads off.” build muscle around it. It was out there and love playing to- lege’s starting quarterback, Brian Burrell graduated from Ba- tough having to sit out the whole gether, and we’re really focused Burrell, was named the starter, kersfield High School in 2010 season especially when we strug- this year.” but broke his collarbone during and after deciding to go to BC, gled last year. BC football coach Jeff Chudy a week 3 game against Antelope he then won the starting quar- “It just motivated me and made commented on Burrell’s progres- Valley College. terback position and threw for me realize how much I want to sion, and what his return means That made him sit out for the 525 yards and three touchdowns play football and do well in foot- to the team. rest of the season, but now that in his first two games, but in the ball. I’m so anxious to get back “Brian has worked extremely he is 100 percent he wants to beginning of the game against out there. hard, and he is right back on track help the team bounce back from Antelope Valley, Burrell hurt his “I’ve wanted to get back out to be as good as we have had,” a 4-6 season. collarbone when he was sacked. there ever since my collarbone said Chudy. “He is the catalyst of “I remember hearing it crack After Burrell was hurt, BC went healed up, so it has been like our football team. I think Brian when I hurt it, and that it was so 2-5 for the rest of the year. eight months that I’ve waited to is blessed to have very good ath- painful,” said Burrell. “I also re- He added that what he was get back out there. letic skills combined with a great OMaR OsEGUERa / ThE RiP member when I was on the side- most upset about was not getting “I just want to get back out work ethic that you need to be Brian Burrell returns as the starting quarterback for BC. lines, they were trying to take to play. there and help the team to prove a successful quarterback. Brian Last year he had 525 passing yards in two games. the shoulder pads off, but they “They put a plate and four pins that we’re better than a 4-6 has a bright future.”

Column Changes Fans worried for change in BC tradition By Esteban Ramirez stupid and poor policy.” Sports Editor Barbie Hobbs, 59, who is a re- tired BC athletics secretary and are best After hearing about the chang- has been going to games for over ing of the football stadium’s 45 years, gave her thoughts about home side and the parking the changes that were made. changes, some people weren’t “I’m not really excited,” Hobbs happy about it and some afraid said. “You’re changing the home for BC to see tradition changed. side as a traditional side to an- Dave Manning, 61, who has other side.” been going to BC games for over “I think it will work in the end, 50 years, commented on what but I prefer the home side to be Renegade pass | Taking on he thought about the stadium the side closer to the school and I every issue with BC athletics changes. think that should go back.” A lot of people at the Ba- “I have no problem with them Beckwith explained the rea- kersfield College season switching sides, but I have a sons behind all the changes be- o p e n i n g problem if the administration ginning with the side change. f o o t b a l l did it for any unknown reason “I sat down with the coaches game were and didn’t consult the coaching and it was a logistical thing for against all staff,” said Manning. He add- our team number one, and be- the changes ed that he thought the parking ing in proximity to the coaches that were changes and the tailgating were in the press box,” said Beckwith. made at a bigger problem. “That was a big issue for us, be- “I’ve been tailgating here for ing so far away that our coaches M e m o r i a l Esteban Ramirez Stadium. 30 years and the way they got couldn’t get down and because Some didn’t like messing this parking set up, I mean, they in the stadium our headphones with the tradition by switch- got this section roped off and we would give out when we were ing sides and others didn’t couldn’t actually park in so we over there. like all the parking and tail- have to use two parking spots,” “Also, we film from the top of gating changes, but when I he said. the press box and we’re giving first heard about it, the park- “They got 40 feet for people away all of our signals when we ing wasn’t that big of a deal, to just turn into the parking area, send people our game tape. it’s just ridiculous. They put “After analyzing all these LUis GaRcia / ThE RiP and them switching sides The home side switching was one of the changes made to Memorial Stadium. to where the press box is at these barricades five feet inside things, the coaches wanted to is just better because now I then we get too deep. They tried change them and even coaches really they were just changed 10 ing, so we just set it up that they Beckwith also added that they don’t have to go all the way to put regulations on tailgating before them wanted to change feet back so there’s still plenty would have a little area up here are looking to make more chang- on the other side of the field eight years ago and people quit sides.” of room out there,” he said. “As that guarantees you a spot if you es to the stadium, like working to talk to the coaches. coming. They quit coming be- He added that tailgating wasn’t far as VIP parking, a lot of times pay for it. I think as soon as ev- on the landscape, putting a new I still wondered though, cause they were saying ‘this is changed that much and also ex- people were coming up and com- eryone sees the functionality of surface on the track and the field why the change now? But af- ridiculous.’ plained the reason behind the plaining that there was no room how everything goes, I think in that allows better function, but ter hearing that it was to bene- “Are you going to cater to 30 VIP parking. for parking and they were afraid the long run people will see that also that will allow more events fit the coaches in the press box people here and then get 300- “It actually wasn’t changed at they weren’t going to have park- it’s a better thing for us.” to come into the stadium. to communicate better and to 500 people ticked off? That’s all really for the tailgating, and not give away their signals, I knew that it was a good reason behind the change. Sure, you’ll have some tradition- alists that don’t want to see BC volleyball sweeps first home match Wrestling ready anything change because they like it how it is, but if it helps the team in anyway shape or By Nestor Fernandez form we should welcome the Reporter for new season change. Change is going to happen In the opening match of the By Jason Reed and if it helps us, why be in volleyball season, Bakersfield Reporter denial about it? Just accept it. College served up a crushing, And really, how many peo- three-set home victory over Ven- After a rough season filled with injuries and ple really were watching the tura on Aug. 29. wrestlers unable to perform due to ineligibility, game and saying ‘I don’t care The final numbers read 25-10, coach Bill Kalivas and the BC wrestling team if we’re winning I want it to 25-17 and 25-11. The Renegades are back this year to redeem themselves and be back how it used to be,’ I ended up with an outstanding have bigger goals in mind. know I wasn’t. .464 percent kill rate, while win- After finishing 10th in the state last season Call me crazy, but when ning in convincing fashion. shorthanded on wrestlers, Kalivas believes his I go to a game I’m usually Leading them in scoring was team can surpass what they accomplished last paying attention to the game Caitlin Bernardin, with 18 points season and he has his mind set on achieving not complaining about which on 14 kills and four service aces. more this season. side I’m on. To showcase her overall game, “I’d like to think we can challenge for the As far as the parking, it’s she also had 22 digs. conference this year and have a winning over- not something that should be Samantha Whittington led the all dual meet record,” said Kalivas. a big annoyance, but after the team with 38 set assists. “For the state, we finished 10th last year, and first couple of games, I think BC coach Carl Ferreira was I’d like to crack the top five this year.” people will get used to it and very pleased with the way his If they are going to be a top-five state team just act like it’s always been squad performed in the season this year and want to get back to their winning that way. opener. ways, they’re going to have to make sure what Getting VIP parking is ac- “In the beginning, it’s just tak- happens academically in the classroom doesn’t tually not a bad idea. It’s not ing care of everything you’ve affect what the coach believes the team can do something they needed, but been working on, just doing the this season. it’s a cool idea to give people things you do,” he said. “Well, I think we kind of covered that with who paid a little extra a park- “I was really pleased from that our work studies,” Kalivas said when asked ing spot closer to the stadi- perspective, to be able to not re- if there was anything he can do to make sure um. ally worry about the opponent. wrestlers grades don’t affect the team. All these changes can So it’s actually kind of good at The wrestling season hasn’t kicked off yet, make it a little bit of a hassle the beginning of the year to just but there is excitement around the team with especially on the first home focus on everything you’ve been this year’s wrestlers at full strength. “We’ve games, but these changes are working on and not be distracted only had a couple of losing seasons since I’ve for the better. by who you play against.” been here,” Kalivas also added. So far, I think BC’s athlet- BC is scheduled to play at “I say, we have a balanced lineup, with a ics director Ryan Beckwith Grossmont College in the Gross- good mix of youth and experience.” has done a good job accessing mont Quad on Sept. 8. Kalivas also mentioned four key players what needed to be changed when asked about players fans should watch for the better of BC sports. Volleyball Schedule for this year. When change comes to BC “Lance Castaneda, returning All American, I think we can live with these Opponent Date Location Quinn Moore, who was ineligible last year, changes, and I don’t think Grossmont Quad Sept. 8 Grossmont College Max Ramirez, who was a state high school these changes harm our tradi- San Diego Mesa Sept. 14-15 San Diego Mesa placement at Bakersfield High School, and tion in any way. MaRtiN ChaNG / ThE RiP Santa Barbara City Sept.19 Santa Barbara City Ryan Steiber who was a state qualifier two If anything, these changes L.A. Pierce Sept. 21-22 L.A. Pierce Editza Urias hits the ball over the net during the season opener of the years ago,” he said. are going to benefit the coach- Cuesta College Sept. 26 Bakersfield Bakersfield College volleyball season against Ventura College on Aug. 29. The Renegades will start their season on es, and that means the players West L.A. College Sept. 28 Bakersfield BC won the match by taking all three sets. Sept. 22 at the Mt. SAC duals. will also benefit from it. Sp o r t s Page 9 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Thursday, September 6, 2012 Renegades win season opener 36-19

By Esteban Ramirez touchdown and Adams had five Sports Editor receptions, 126 yards and two touchdowns. After a first half that went back BC started the game off fast and forth, the Bakersfield College with a fumble recovery on the football team was able to take a very first play for the Dons of- touchdown lead into halftime. fense, and that led to a BC field The Renegades managed to pull goal. After a quick three-and-out away thanks to a big third quarter by Santa Ana, BC got the ball and the performance by starting back and took it in for a touch- quarterback Brian Burrell as BC down. Santa Ana was able to beat Santa Ana 36-19 on Sept. 1 respond by scoring 10 straight at Memorial Stadium. points of their own. The Renegades came up big in BC broke the tie with a 48- the third quarter when they out- yard touchdown pass from Bur- scored the Dons 14-0 and also rell to Martin that capped off a held their offense without a first 75-yard drive. down for the whole quarter. With 2:41 left, Santa Ana tried BC also outgained the Dons to score to tie the game before 500-395 yards for the game. the half, but on third-and-goal BC head coach Jeff Chudy Santa Ana quarterback Hayden STEVEN MARTIN / THE RIP commented on the game. Gavett’s throw was tipped and Bakersfield College linebacker Josh Ringer gets his helmet knocked off during the win over Santa Ana on Sept. 1. BC “I thought we did outstanding then intercepted by BC lineback- won 36-19 in the season opener. and did great for our first game,” er Ozzy Sombo. he said. “We have a lot of fresh- That defensive stop helped the time they chose to do it the con- team after the first half to just men running around like deer Renegades get some momentum ventional way with a 64-yard keep its composure and to just in the head lights and I thought going into the half, and they took touchdown pass from Burrell to to take a step back to make Burrell did a nice job managing advantage in the third quarter. Adams. That touchdown gave some adjustments. the game. His poise gives us a lot In the second play of the second the Renegades the cushion they “They did some things we of confidence. half, BC running back Curtis needed. didn’t see off film,” he said. “I thought defensively we McGregor broke a tackle at the Burrell commented on his “They did some things defen- were a little on our heels the first scrimmage line and then reversed first game since injuring his sively that we were surprised half, but we did a great job and the field and took it for 48 yards collarbone last year and on how by and offensively they play I thought our coaches did a nice to the Santa Ana 14-yard line to the team did. in a hurry-up offense and we job making some adjustments, set up another score for BC. “It went good,” said Burrell. hadn’t played them since 1973, and most importantly the play- BC scored that touchdown on “We got the win so I’m happy so we had to make some adjust- ers executed those adjustments. an unusual play, and this time it about that. It’s fun to be back ments. I was proud how our guys re- was Burrell’s pass being tipped out there and I think everyone “We just took a step back sponded because Santa Ana is a in the air by his own receiver, else was enjoying it as much and had the guys be in the good football team, so it’s a good and into the hands of a wide- me. right spots, and that helped us win.” open BC receiver, Adams, in the “I thought we did good, but in those first two drives in the BC got a big performance back of the end zone. we still have a lot of improve- third quarter.” from Burrell, who threw for 370 “We got some lucky plays, but ments to make. We got to start He added that he still wants yards on 26 of 38 and also had you know it works and they still the first half better, and I’ll put the team to improve on every four touchdowns. The Renegades count the same,” said Burrell. that on me. I didn’t do very well area specifically on returning OmAR osEgUERA / THE RIP also got good performances from The Renegades defense was in the beginning, but we got a the ball and doing a better job wide receivers Brock Martin and able to get another quick three- lot of room to improve on all blocking during field goals. BC wide receiver Brock Martin runs after catching the ball Chaz Adams. Martin had eight and-out, and it led to another areas of the game.” BC is scheduled to play at during the game against Santa Ana. Martin compiled eight receptions, 120 yards and one Burrell touchdown. Only this Chudy added that he told the Mt. SAC on Sept. 8. receptions, 120 yards and a touchdown for the game. Sp o t l i g h t Page 10 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Thursday, September 6, 2012 Bike Bakersfield promotes the benefits of cycling

By Merritt Holloway to kind of point out areas that Reporter we’d like to see more bike lanes and more bicycle infrastructure. Bike Bakersfield’s mission is “The belief is, the more in- to promote bicycling as a safe, frastructure you have, if you fun and environmentally friendly have places for people to park means of everyday transporta- and lock their bike, if you have tion. They also advocate for bicy- places for them to store, if you clist and pedestrian rights at the have the right bike lanes, if you local, state and national level. have all of that in place, the more Since 2006, they have been people will ride their bike.” raising the awareness of bicy- “When Bike Bakersfield cling as a transportation choice opened, I was downtown, on my to Kern County. bike,” said Bakersfield native With the new school year in Aaron Eaton. I passed by there, process, advocates are actively at and I turned around and went work educating Bakersfield ele- back in.” Although it took Eaton mentary and junior high schools a while to become really in- about bicycle and pedestrian volved, he’s been involved with safety. In addition, they started the group for some time now, bike clubs at Bakersfield and In- and on countless occasions he dependence high schools. has brought in one or more of his “Our mission is try and get over 20 custom Schwinn bikes to that particular age group of stu- custom build or “flavor up.” Oth- dents to form bike clubs in the er times, he’ll just volunteer and high schools, so that they can help out wherever he’s needed. start looking at transportation A bike mechanic himself, he differently,” said Tina Chapa, enjoys the atmosphere and advo- executive director of Bike Ba- cacy that Bike Bakersfield is. kersfield. “It’s a choice that you “I could work on my bikes make; instead of being in a car, at home, but I like going down you get on a bike. Of course the there, because there’s more peo- younger that you can teach that, ple there to communicate with PHotos By Omar osegUera / THe Rip and you can get those younger that have bikes also,” he said. Membership and Communications Coordinator, Brad Swanlund, prepares for the Bike Bakersfield Full Moon Ride on kids to start practicing that, the Olivia Snider is majoring in more likely they’re going to keep business administration and eco- Aug. 31 at Beach Park. that.” nomics at Bakersfield College Their regular membership is and is a dedicated cyclist, some- $25. A $10 membership was times riding a hundred miles started this year to introduce the in a week. She is also the great community to who Bike Bakers- granddaughter of George Snider, field is. who founded Snider’s Cyclery in “It says ‘I ride a bike. I want to 1904. be a part of someone who’s mak- “I love riding,” said Snider. ing a difference in the commu- “I work around bicycles all the nity,’” she said. “People always time.” say, ‘What do you get for that?’ She first heard of Bike Bakers- You get representation. You get field while in high school, and the representation of Bike Ba- on numerous occasions has been kersfield’s staff going to the city a part of the full moon rides, and council meetings, and the super- other events. visor meetings, and advocating “It’s cool,” she said. “It’s get- for the fact that, here in the city ting everyone involved. It’s a real of Bakersfield, we need more easy ride. Anyone can come, and bike lanes, more bike paths, safer you don’t have to be a serious streets for people who walk, like rider.” sidewalks and street lights.You She said Snider’s has, through know, in any community, the the years, ordered parts and re- power is in the number of people ferred numerous clients to BB. Richard Guerrero stands A group of cyclists prepare for the Bike Bakersfield Full Moon Ride at Beach Park. Bike who are working toward a par- Diane Ellison had known next to his bike Aug. 31 at Bakersfield promoted cycling as a safe and environmentally friendly means of everyday ticular goal. about the BB Full Moon rides for transportation. “And the more members that some time, but being apprehen- Beach Park. we have is just more power as sive about keeping up, she was an organization to go to the city hesitant to go. They only recently joined the council meetings and say ‘You On Aug. 1 she finally attended club, though they’ve been hear- know I have 500 constituents the ride where she met Century ing about them for some time who are saying to us, we need Mile Cyclist, Thomas Lemay. and wanted to do something to this or this.’ That’s what the “It was my first time, and I get involved. membership brings you. Repre- loved it, and I kept up,” said El- “The way they presented it, sentation.” lison. just about anybody who has any “It’s always in our future to get “It was so wonderful, and I interest in it [bicycling], can do more involved with the people met Thomas, and I’ve been bik- it,” Partan said. in our government who make ing everyday ever since.” One of the best ways to find decisions, who make the policy Former BC history professor out what Bike Bakersfield is changes happen,” she said. “We Rich Partain and his wife Mimi about is to visit their website at work very diligently with them, were first-time full moon riders. bikebakersfield.org. Riverbend brings cyclists new gear

Riverbend Bikes, Boards & Bites is a new store located on 2437 Oak St. The shop celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 30. The Riverbend employees include mechanic George Maragrrell and BMX specialist Matt Splat. The shop is known for The Roadrunner Solar Powered Multi- person Bicycle, which is a bike designed and manufactured in the Bakersfield location. Riverbend sells bicycles of various kinds, skateboards, longboards, safety and maintenance equipment, and a small selection of food items. The new shop is located right off the bike trail, which gives opportunity for local cyclists on the trail to stop by and visit.

Omar osegUera / THe Rip