Condors celebrate bc_rip I) The Renegade Rip CA asseblyman Rudy with Teddy Bear Toss @bc_rip @bc_rip Salas on BC campus Sports, Page 8 www.therip.com Continued, Page 7 The Renegade Rip

Vol. 89 ∙ No. 7 Bakersfield College Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 'Miracle Mutts' visit BC students

By Lizette Chavez and Megan Fenwick Editor-in-Chief and Social Media Editor

The Bakersfield College Li- brary hosted a Miracle Mutts event, to help students de-stress before finals week on Nov. 27. The dogs were brought in courtesy of Marley’s Mutts and were placed in the library’s lob- by allowing for students coming inside to see the dogs and inter- act with them. BC students Andrew Combs, 24, and Julian Moreno, 21, were entering the library in order to study for finals when they saw the visiting canines and decided they had to stop. Combs and Moreno both said they had adopted dogs and Moreno also shared he had taken LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP in a stray cat, so stopping to pet Andrew Combs pets one of the "Miracle Mutts", Turtle. dogs was something nice for them. When asked if these types of stress relieving events helped Combs said, “I mean, it makes me happy.” Torie Beck, who has worked with Marley’s Mutts for almost two years, was working the event and shared why they participate. “We come in to try to de-stress before finals [week] and break away some of the stress,” said Beck as she held on to Turtle, a brown Labrador, who seemed eager to greet the new students coming in. Beck also shared some history LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP about the dogs present. She said Janine Punelas smiles and claps as she watches Sadie, a gray terrier, perform a trick for a that some of the dogs brought in treat, at the Miracle Mutts event held in the Bakersfield College Library lobby on Nov. 27. were personal pets of the people working the event but others had according to Beck. tricks for treats for BC students. spond to snaps from students and originally been trained as service Other dogs had been rescued Another treat lover was Sully, approach them for a pet. dogs, like Dex, a black Labrador. from abusive homes like Emily, a white Bichon Frise, who would The Miracle Mutts event has Dex had originally been a blonde terrier, who was saved walk to where other dogs were been held in past semesters to trained to be a seeing-eye dog from her situation and reunited given commands in order to re- help students relax for finals. but did not seem to take too well with her sister Sadie, a grey ter- ceive some treats. This Miracle Mutts event was LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP to lessons and found “a better ca- rier mix, who performed some Sully, who is blind, would re- held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Julian Moreno smiles and accepts a hug from Dex the dog. reer change” with Dex’s owner, BC's Holloway performs at CSUB Kern County

By Alexandra Apatiga Reporter fails to treat The Music and Theater De- partment at California State Uni- versity, Bakersfield held a senior recital on Nov. 18, with CSUB student Merritt Holloway per- forming the piano for the audi- eating disorder ence. Holloway, a CSUB student By Paige Atkinson The first two days of treatment pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mu- Reporter passed by slowly. I had to learn sic Education and Bakersfield what was and was not allowed, College alumnis, performed how I could and could not be- classical pieces from famous The psychiatrist asked if I have; each rule more bizarre than composers such as Franz Liszt, was willing to enter a treatment the next. I had little contact with Johann Sebastian Bach, Sergei center for eating disorders. the outside world and limited op- Rachmaninoff, and Sergei Pro- “Yes,” I said. She looked portunities to speak to my fam- kofiev. Following Holloway’s at me, suspicious. ily. When I signed the consent main performance, he finished “There’s an opening at a hos- forms and watched my mother the recital with “Destination pital in Los Angeles,” she leave the hospital, I despaired. I Moon” by Marvin Fisher and said. “Go home and pack, was 16-years-old, living in a hos- Roy Alfred, featuring fellow you’ll be admitted tomorrow.” pital away from everyone who CSUB students like vocalist My mother wept. My brother, loved me. Candace Freeman, Bob Townley only eight years old, held on Though my time in a treatment on bass, and Pat Frase on drums. to the hem of my jacket and center saved my life, the logis- The recital, explained Hollo- buried his face in my side. tics of relocating to another town way, was a requirement for the My mother drove us home, caused detrimental effects that Bachelor of Arts in Music degree each of us crying in silence. rippled through my high school and was needed in order to fulfill She researched the hospital career and my adult life. Since his degree requirements. ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP I would attend, showing me I was no longer in my school “I started at CSUB back in Bakersfield College alumnis, pianist, Merritt Holloway, sits at the piano as he readies himself pictures of the facility on district, I couldn’t attend classes 2008, but had to take a step back to begin another musical piece at the Senior Recital of Merrit Holloway event held in the her laptop. The rooms were remotely, and when I returned and attend BC to fulfill my lower music building located in California State University Bakerfield on Nov. 18. beautiful, full of dark wooden from the hospital, I had missed division courses before I could furniture and deep colors. I weeks of school. I had to enroll continue at CSUB,” said Hol- as a way of self-discipline and you miss two days, your teacher skills throughout the learning packed a bag. in a continuation school in order loway, “It wasn’t until about six self-improvement. will know, but if you miss three process. I was given a list of items to graduate. years ago that I came back to “Not anyone can pursue a de- days, everyone will know.” Holloway, according to Park, I could not bring: shaving ra- My mother had sought help CSUB and really began work- gree in music and expect it to be Among those in the audience has been her student since 2009 zors, mirrors, anything made from every institution she could ing towards my degree in music easy, it takes time, hard work, of the Merritt Holloway Senior and has watched him improve of glass, anything that could find, soliciting teachers, doc- education.” and a lot of dedication in order to Recital was Soo-Yeon Park, the tremendously. be broken. I carefully selected tors, and therapists for resources. According to Holloway, his master your desired path,” said Co-Director of the CSUB Cham- “He’s made huge progress each item I would take with Apart from personal therapy, performance at his senior re- Holloway. ber of Music and the piano in- since I first began teaching him,” me: a picture of my mother, a there were no treatments avail- cital was one of the last things “You just can’t cram music; structor at CSUB. said Park. “To be able to watch blanket from my brother, my able. The only way I could re- he needed in order to graduate it doesn’t work like that,” ex- For Park, the purpose of the your students grow and come to favorite novel, and a treasured ceive treatment would be to CSUB. plained Holloway. “And you music program at CSUB is to a point where they are perform- necklace. I was admitted to an Playing the piano since he was have to be persistent, if you miss help students improve their skills ing in front of an audience, It’s inpatient psychiatric hospital 3 years old, Holloway saw music a day of practice, you’ll know, if technically and develop new very exciting to watch.” the next day. Please see ED Page 7 News Page 2 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 Levan Center’s new director Kern Public will be Reginald Williams Health partners

By Melissa Puryear ment, Bakersfield Museum of Reporter Art, as well as work with Cal State. Professor Reginald (Reggie) Williams said that the plans for the programs will be con- with pastor to Williams was appointed as the new director of the Norman Le- tingent on the budget that is van Center for the Humanities available. at Bakersfield College, and will As director, he will still re- begin his role officially in the main a philosophy professor Fall of 2018. He will replace on campus, but will also be lower STD rates Jack Hernandez, who is retir- meeting, discussing and plan- ing. ning programs for the center As the director next fall, throughout the week, where Williams said, “I want to keep he will be available in his of- By Ambria King a sermon from Pastor Simpson doing what we’re doing, it’s fice located in the Levan Cen- Photo Editor along with an overview on STDs awesome, and I definitely want ter. An average day, according and methods of protection that to preserve all of that.” to Williams will be to line up While being the eleventh most was given by health department Williams said he has a desire speakers, events, attend budget populous county in California, staff, was taken and edited into to launch a few new programs meetings, create advisory com- Kern is currently competing with a series titled “Talk With Your which would include collabo- mittees consisting of faculty on its larger neighbors for the posi- Kids About Sex: A Faith Based ration between other academic campus, and also do plenty of tion of having the highest rates Approach,” which was fea- disciplines and merge it with research. of sexually transmitted diseases tured on the KCDPH website, the field of humanities. Wil- He said he enjoys listening in the state. The less-than-pres- YouTube channel, and Twitter liams used Cal-Tech Science to a great speaker, and said he tigious title is currently held by account. The KCDPH also pur- professors and BC Science has driven long distances just San Francisco County, but with chased billboards that feature the professors, collaborating with to see a professor give a talk. a 40 percent increase in reported pastor ‘s image promoting the Humanities professors, in a Williams has even flown across STDs over the past 5 years, Kern “Know Your Risk” campaign. discussion that is an important country, and traveled to confer- is swiftly catching up. Because “The ultimate goal is to em- public issue, as an example. He ences and has been been the of these troubling rates, the Kern power parents to have these con- said that the program’s purpose speaker at a few conferences County Department of Public versations with their children,” would be “to raise questions around the world. Health (KCDPH) implemented said Corson, “The partnership about human values.” On his free time, he travels to the “Know Your Risk” campaign, with Pastor Eric was just one This multi-disciplinary ap- art museums in places like San which aims to spread awareness way to encourage these actions proach will create bridges not Francisco, keeps his eye out and information on sexual health within families. Wouldn’t it be only within the campus envi- on philosophy engagements in issues to Kern County residents fantastic if all of our faith based ronment but outside the cam- Los Angeles that he can attend, by partnering with community groups were educating them- pus as well. and spends time having engag- organizations – some of which selves on our STD health crisis, He said he will also work to ing in talks with friends. MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP are faith-based. and encouraging parents to hold fuse dialogue between music Williams said that he feels Philosophy teacher Reginald Williams smiles for a picture. A 2016 California Depart- these important discussions with and humanities. He is current- gratitude toward Norman Le- ment of Public Health report their children?” ly discussing ideas with Kris van who has made so much lished through him, through lege, which was established found that one out of every The Faith Based Approach Tiner, who directs the Jazz Pro- possible at BC through his con- his wishes, not just to make us in 2006, in honor of Norman four sexually active teen girls in section on the KCDPH’s web- gram at Bakersfield College, tributions. He said, “Norman better teachers, but to make us Levan, for his generous con- Kern County has an STD. Kern site does not solely advocate for and Josh Ottum, director of Levan loved the core teach- better intellectuals, and better tribution that made the center County ranked fourth highest in abstinence, nor do the sermons BC’s Music Department, about ing mission at the community community members, who had possible, will continue to fea- cases of Gonorrhea and Primary given by Simpson. The web- the program’s design which college, but he absolutely cel- a broad understanding of ideas ture academic events that look and Secondary Syphilis, while site provides a complete list of will focus on music from “a ebrated teaching. He celebrated and issues, and how they con- at how humanities play a role ranking second highest in Chla- various STDs, and information structural performance side,” the idea that a good teacher, a nect interdisciplinarily and so in community, and in the lives mydia. The county also exceeds about various methods of protec- with a humanities perspective. good academic, is someone forth.” of people. These free are open state averages for Congenital tion. It also provides charts and He also said that he plans to who also remained vital in his According to Williams, the to the public, students, staff and Syphilis, a form of Syphilis that graphs showing Kern County’s work with BC’s Art Depart- or her field, and does research. Norman Levan Center for the faculty members, according to is passed from mother to child rapidly increasing STD rates. ment, the Humanities Depart- The Levan Center was estab- Humanities at Bakersfield Col- Williams. during pregnancy, by 344 per- The website links to the series of cent. videos which contain a number Schools in California are not of biblical quotes from the book required to offer comprehensive of Proverbs. sexual education, although, ac- Despite the faith-based ap- Jack Hernandez, director of the Levan Center cording to the California Depart- proach portion of the website ment of Education, more than 96 being medically accurate and not percent do. Parents must sign a focused on an abstinence-only permission slip allowing their protection method, some Ba- children to participate in these kersfield residents find the cam- for the Humanities, is passing on the torch programs. Opting out is always paign unacceptable due to the an option, and one that some close proximity in which a tax- parents in Kern have taken ad- dollar funded county organiza- vantage of. tion is working with a religious Nearly 50 percent of the resi- institution. dents in Bakersfield, Kern Coun- “Faith based means margin- ty’s most populate city, identify alization of people who aren’t as religious. The city has a strong of the faith being promoted Roman Catholic base, with more here,”said local businessman, than 30 percent of residents self- Seven Bates. “If they’re already identifying as such, and 14.9 going to have a program that percent identifying as Baptist, introduces all of these health de- Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecos- partment necessities, why muck tal, Presbyterian, or Other Chris- it up by promoting a faith based tian. Out of 500,173 eligible approach... It doesn’t matter that voters, 65 percent of the popula- they forced a faith-based organi- tion is registered to do so and the zation to actually adhere to prop- majority of registered voters are er principles. It’s still a violation Republicans. of the Establishment Clause.” In the wake of such a dra- said Bates. matic and dangerous increase in Bates’ statement is not inaccu- STD rates among residents of a rate. According to the decision mostly conservative county, the of the 1947 Supreme Court case KCDPH was tasked with the of Everson v. Board of Educa- mission of finding a solution to tion, the Establishment Clause the alarming, yet preventable – which, along with preventing problem. the government from making “Our leadership team came any law respecting a religion, to the realization that Public also forbids government actions Health must do more to address that unduly favor one religion this escalating health crisis,” said over another – not only applies Michelle Corson, a spokesper- to the federal government, but son for KCDPH.“With internal to the state governments as well. brain-storming sessions, meet- With the KCDPH being a county MEGAN FENWICK / THE RIP ings with community agencies, department, the legality of the Jack Hernandez unlocks and opens the door to Norman Levan’s old office in the Levan Center for the Humanities. and thinking outside the box, department’s promotion of a we launched a multi-year action faith-based alternative to Sex By Megan Fenwick to Philosophy when Williams you know, I still want to have ty with the center. “I get ... sug- plan in early 2016 called ‘Know Education that specifically lends Social Media Editor attended Bakersfield College. “ a place on campus,” he said. gestions from faculty because Your Risk,’” said Corson a nod to Christianity is murky, at ... He’s a great friend and he was Hernandez writes fiction, non- I know that the faculty support The “Know Your Risk” best. Jack Hernandez is retiring a great student [and] now a great fiction, poetry, and short stories these people and are excited campaign is one in which the “Our invitation went out to all from the position of director of professor here.” for his young grandchildren. He about them, then they’ll recom- KCDPH extended offers to local faith-based organizations. No the Norman Levan Center for Hernandez has held many also wrote the first faculty collo- mend that to students and other businesses and organizations to other group has accepted our in- the Humanities, which he has jobs at Bakersfield College and quium for the Levan Center and faculty members and there’ll be partner with them in providing vitation yet, but we hope to see held since its inception in the the Kern Community College still plans to be connected with a big turnout. So one of the great county residents with greater ac- more partnerships in the future Spring of 2007. Reginald Wil- District, but he says his favorite the BC archives. things for me has been work- cess to sexual education. with faith-based groups,” said liams, a philosophy professor at position was teaching, which he “I got to know him after he ing with faculty on a lot of our “We asked our community for Corson. BC, will be taking the position “loved most of all.” endowed the center. He was events,” he said regarding how help, including parents, educa- Thus far, STD rates in Kern in June. When Bakersfield derma- very interesting, he had both he likes to find guest speakers tors, medical providers, media, County have increased since “I thought, ‘Well, I’ve done a tologist Norman Levan donated backgrounds in science and the to visit at the center. He also non-profits, and the faith-based the Know Your Risk campaign’s lot, and it’s time now for some- $5.7 million dollars for the for- humanities ... He really loved enjoys meeting with scholars community,” said Corson. start in 2016, but Corson is hope- one else to take over and have mation of the Center in 2006, the humanities and felt they that visit to give lectures and the The first to accept the invita- ful that the county will see im- some new ideas and do some Hernandez said that the current were really important, although book discussion groups held in tion was Pastor Eric Simpson provements in the future. “… new things and continue the facility would not be built until he practiced medicine right the center. of the Bridge Bible Church. increased awareness can cer- programs that I’ve begun,’ … 2010. “Many of our lectures, for up until, almost right until, his “I just hope it continues [and] KCDPH staff joined Simpson at tainly increase people seeking and Reggie’s going to do that example, were held in the fire- death,” said Hernandez of the expands its support of the hu- his church in giving a presenta- services and getting tested. We and he’s going to do a great job,” side room.” center’s namesake, who passed manities here on the campus tion on ways in which parents embarked on a multi-year ap- Hernandez said about passing “I really enjoy writing, so I’ll away at age 98 in 2014. and in the community,” Hernan- should discuss sexual health is- proach and expect that it may on the torch to Williams, who continue writing. I plan to have One of his goals over the dez said regarding his hopes for sues with their children. Video of take some time to turn our high was his student in Introduction an office; I hope… I thought, years has been to involve facul- the future of Center. the presentation, which included rates around.” Features Page 3 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 Reading Cinemas adds new menu Pay to win By Lizette Chavez all available for under $8. Muralles shared that because loses fans Editor-in-Chief The regular combos of pop- she lives in Lamont she does not corn and drinks will still be really go to the movies often but Reading Cinemas Valley Plaza available, but new combos were seemingly taken by surprise with Video Game Culture: implemented a new food menu added as well, like a kid’s com- the new menu, Muralles said she From a veteran’s perspective tasting on Nov. 16. The new bo meal where instead of pop- would probably come back to menu which includes hamburg- corn children have the options the theater and try a new dish. With Electronic Arts re- ers, chicken club sandwiches, of choosing between chicken Something that Loo hopes will leasing “Star Wars Battlefront street-style fries and street tacos tenders, quesadillas and fries, help people try new dishes is to II” was given major backlash was created by Food Network cheese pizza or a classic hot dog, spread the word to the commu- from the gaming community Chef Santos Loo. with a drink and a cookie. nity, and the best way he believes because of the game being Loo said, “[Reading Cinemas Loo said the tasting preview is through word of mouth by the pay-to-win. Valley Plaza] has the only IMAX was a good way to better assess people who come and taste the This term, pay-to-win, is theater in town, it’s huge, we what movie goers would like, dishes. labeled onto video games that want to match that on a culinary to ensure that he and his cooks “Word of mouth, social me- are seen as being able to pay level.” could alter dishes, add new ones dia, this move is pretty popular money in order to get an ad- Loo who has worked with oth- or even remove some. especially with young folk, they vantage over someone who er theaters across the country in “Except for the signature appreciate new things.” does not pay money. creating similar food programs burger, that is staying … a lot Some people that appreciated This is prevalent today in said he decided on a more Latin- of people have said they like it the new menu were Bakersfield mobile games, but now com- based inspiration for some of his and we like it and it seems popu- College students David Hughes, panies have been making dishes because of the theater’s lar,” Loo said laughing while he Daniel Ruiz, Mario Saldana and games pay-to-win. The fight demographic. grilled some burger patties. Joshua Daigle, who were work- against pay-to-win is not easy One of the dishes was the Other plates that seemed ing in the kitchen with Chef Loo. for gamers. street tacos. The plate consisted popular were the green bean Hughes, 19, said he was caught There are two ways to com- of three tacos on small corn tor- fries, street fries and the loaded slightly off guard when he came bat it, either yelling as loud as tillas, each with different meats nachos. One movie goer, Susie in expecting a normal day of you can on the internet about like chorizo, carnitas and adobo Muralles, 20, who was attending work and found himself in the how much you do not want a chicken, all topped with onion- the Justice League movie pre- kitchen instead. game to be pay-to-win, or to cilantro garnish. The dish runs mier opted for loaded nachos be- “I had no idea, it was like boycott it. for $8 and will be available for cause she felt that it added a new whoa. It was unexpected, I just The way that the gaming $6 on Tuesdays. twist on classic nachos. came to work and …,” Hughes community was able to con- Classic American dishes were Muaralles said, “I ordered said while working on a chicken LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP vince EA to remove pay-to- not discounted with the theater loaded nachos, because I thought sandwich before he gestured to Chef Santos Loo adds a final touch to the “Street Tacos.” win aspects from their game now offering cheese, pepperoni they added a kick to regular na- his co-workers Ruiz, who was was by yelling really loud and or bacon pizza, classic hot dogs chos and I didn’t want the pop- taking out some green bean fries to deliver to guests. “It’s pretty ley Plaza new menu officially refunding the game. and gourmet pretzels stuffed corn. The taquitos looked good, and Saldana who was setting cool.” became a part of the theater on “Black with jalapeno cheese or caramel, too.” down finished dishes for Daigle The Reading Cinemas Val- Nov.17. Desert On- line” is the game that I am playing the most right now. BDO is BC ceramic student to host holiday sale in FA20 on Nov. 30 a massive Brandon multiplay- Cowan By Melissa Puryear very large pottery pieces. rial and finish used, according to er online Reporter “It’s a different experience Ekern. role-playing game. It costs to use handmade work, that’s For example, a drinking cup $10, but it has pay-to-win me- Bakersfield College ceramics an original piece,” said Ekern, with a handle ranges from $10 chanics in the game. students will be hosting a holi- whose own cupboards are filled and up, whereas a large beer stein On Nov. 24, North Ameri- day sale at the Fine Arts studio with handmade pottery. He said or large salad bowl can range can players had an in-game in room FA20 on campus Nov 30 at dinner time, everyone in his from $25 or $35 and up. Buy- protest to combat server lag -31. Ceramics will be sold from family has a different plate. “It’s ers can purchase their ceramic and many other aspects about 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first not all matching.” pieces by cash or credit card dur- the game including pay-to- day of the sale and 9:30 a.m. to 1 “The vast majority of pottery ing both days. The money raised win. p.m. the following day. are food grade, dishwasher, oven from the ceramics sale will help BDO has a shop where The Ceramics instructor, Dar- and microwave safe, with better to fund the Ceramics Foundation players can buy in-game rin Ekern, said that the students quality and durability, than what which facilitates visiting art- items with real money. Some created these pottery pieces is typically purchased in the ists and the purchase of special of the items that players can throughout the semester, and store,” said Ekern. equipment for the ceramics class buy are pets that pick up loot they include functional pottery Those ceramics that are for during the year. automatically and inventory that you can expect to eat from, decorative purposes will be fea- “This kind of sale will give the MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP expansion to hold more loot. drink from, and use in every- tured separately and labeled, so students the experience of taking Players who buy these day kitchen food preparation. there isn’t any confusion for the part in not just designing their A ceramics display in Fine Arts room 20 features the work items can then sell them on The sale will include bowls, and buyer who wishes to purchase work but seeing that their work of Darrin Ekern, the instructor for ceramics courses at BC. the marketplace in BDO in cups with handles in all kinds of only food grade pottery instead. has value from a business per- order to get more money in variety and sizes. There will be The “one-of-a-kind pottery spective,” said Ekern. students can make “amazing ceramics sale will be held, is lo- the game. jars, bottles, teapots, and plates pieces,” will range from $5 to He said the ceramics sale stuff” and also make a living cated on the east end of campus, With in-game currency created by the more advanced $45 depending upon the work, shows students the importance through their art. near the solar-paneled parking from buying items with real students, which can typically be design, size of the piece, mate- of their art work. He also said The FA building, where the lot. money, players can get more gear in the game in order to do more damage and take less damage from players. The main point of the pro- test in “Black Desert Online” Elements Venue and Banquet Centre host 80’s Party was server instability. The servers had been so laggy and causing players to disconnect By Melissa Puryear Manuel G. who hosted the event. mentioned the dress up contest repeatedly. I had been discon- Reporter The $100 cash prize for best and prize money that he eventu- nected from the game every dressed 80s style went to Jan ally agreed to go. minute for four days. I could The Elements Venue & Ban- Jarrett, a Highland alum, grad- She plans to put the money in not play the game. quet Centre at the Historic Ice uating Class of 1991. “That’s the bank because she is renewing There was also a podcast House on Chester hosted its 80s amazing!” she said, when asked her vows in February. “We’ll be hosted on Twitch to discuss Party Vol #4, complete with live about how winning the 80s con- married for 15 years, so I think the issues and what the pro- music and a dress up contest test made her feel. I’m going to put it towards that.” test was about so that the throwback to the 80s on Nov. “I put a little bit of effort Lupe Ybarra, from Mexico developers could get a clear 25. The cover charge was $10 into it, but I didn’t think it was City, had her eye on the prize understanding of what play- per person with the option to up- enough effort to win, so I’m ex- money too. In her fluorescent ers wanted. grade to VIP seating. cited.” tulle skirt, leggings, plastic fash- Although BDO has pay- The party scene was filled Jarrett put together her outfit ion jewelry with dangling ear- to-win aspects in the game, it with a crowd that grooved to up- with an off the shoulder t-shirt, rings from the 80s, a head band, does not have loot boxes. beat 80s pop, and at one point, white chucks, jeans, mesh fluo- gloves, and leg warmers, she EA’s Battlefront II was pay- party goers danced together in rescent gloves from Downtown laughed and said, “I tried to cre- to-win because players could a single file line, in the style of L.A. and fashion jewelry in the ate it like Madonna,” referring to buy loot boxes to unlock he- Soul Train, through the venue’s style of the 80s. She said, she her outfit. roes or to get better weapons. two rooms. The dance party con- used “odds and ends” she put Ana Bernal, of Highland, These loot boxes are a game tinued for 7 hours and momen- together. Class of 1990, also attended and of luck. You have a chance of tarily took a time out, to pick “I had to go to my mom’s she too, had her eye on winning getting cards that are better the crowd’s favorite 80s dressed house to get like different ear- the 80s dress up contest. She than others and people have patrons. rings. I went to the store to get wore a black leather mini skirt, a been calling this gambling. Songs like “Material Girl” by a different ribbon and I just did ruffled sweater with puffy shoul- I could not agree more. Madonna, “Time After Time” it the last minute with like two ders, gloves, and boots. She said, “Overwatch” is another by Cyndi Lauper, and “Liv- hours before I came,” she said. “I’m half Madonna, the elegant MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP game with loot boxes in the ing on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi She had to convince her hus- Madonna.” Lupe Ybarra of Mexico City smiles and strikes a pose game, but there are just cos- were performed by a five-singer band to tag along because he is She said that she attended be- on stage in her 80s inspired outfit with other contestants metics that you can get from band called Members Only, un- not into the club scene. Jarrett cause she is a fan of the 80s and during the Elements Venue and Banquet Centre 80s Party them. These do not give the der spinning lights, with emcee said it was the fact that she had a fan of Madonna’s. Vol #4 event held at the Ice House on Nov. 25. player an edge over other players that do not pay for these loot boxes, but it is still gambling. You have a chance of get- ting something good or some- thing not so good when you BC’s Podcast encourages students to join the program open loot boxes in “Over- watch” or EA’s Battlefront II. By Melissa Puryear guest speakers, and produces Most guest speakers invited into which allows students to pro- sist of field recording, interviews Loot boxes should be con- Reporter mini recordings in its studio, and the studio for an interview con- duce their work. they did, that they had to mix, sidered gambling and should can be heard online. sists of students, staff, faculty of “I wanted them to get a first- alongside of electronic sound coincide with U.S. State laws Bakersfield College’s Rene- The Renegade Minute sound BC or people involved in the BC hand experience with synthesis, that they create on a synthesiz- on the legal ages of gambling. gade Minute is a podcast feature clips average about 10 minutes community. and learning how synthesizers er,” according to Ottum. This would force devel- of the Commercial Music Cer- in length, with an impromptu Dr. Josh Ottum, the director work, with knobs and keys and Ottum also said that part of opers to not put loot boxes tificate of Achievement Program feel, where guest speakers are of the Music Department, said crazy stuff, and that has a lot to the process of sound tracking in their games because they that is recorded each fall, called chosen by the commercial music that he wants students to experi- do with shaping sound from the includes adding background mu- would lose revenue from peo- Sound Design and Synthesis. student who typically is some- ence recording and editing audio ground up, and so all of the epi- sic to give “emotional weight” ple not being able to legally The podcast program features one that is known by the student. during Sound Design, the course sodes students put together con- Please see Podcast, Page 7 play their game. Features Page 4 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 2017 Comic Con sees stellar cast

LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP Actor Keith Coogan, best known for his roles in “Adventure in Babysitting” and “Don’t Tell Mom The LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP Babysitter’s Dead”, smiles LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP A Bakersfield cosplayer walks around in a Xenomorph costume from the movie Alien at as he poses for pictures at Actress Pat Priest takes some of her last photos with a fan the 2017 Bakersfield Comic Con event held at the Kern County Fairgrounds. the 2017 Comic Con. in her final convention appearance ever at Comic Con. The Renegade Pantry holds third turkey draw

By Christina Benavides requirements. To have received That was not the only oppor- Reporter a turkey you must have been en- tunity for assistance with their rolled in 0.5 units, and filled out holiday meals. The pantry dis- a drawing form online through a tributed boxes of side dishes on The Renegade Pantry gave link directed by the pantry on the Nov. 21. Bakersfield College students BC website. This was held on a Tuesday, an opportunity to win a turkey BC students had Nov. 13-16 which is the day fruits and veg- through a turkey drawing con- to enter the drawing. On Nov. 16 gies are also distributed. ducted by the Office of Student the drawing closed at 7:30 a.m. Due to the donations given by Life on Nov. 16. and students were called that the community, the pantry was This is the third turkey draw- morning. able to assist students for the ing, resulting in 529 BC student They had until 3pm to re- holidays. Donations of clothes, participants according to pantry trieve their turkey with their BC food, and hygienic products are LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP coordinators. They also men- ID card otherwise their turkey appreciated and can be brought Karla Garcia stocks some canned food as she explains The Renegade Pantry’s donations, tioned that 93 turkeys were given would be passed on to another to the Office of Student Life lo- away to students who met the student. cated at Campus Center 4. stocking and distribution process for the Thanksgiving Day distribution. Renegade Struggles: Melissa Puryear

We all have a struggle, and every person has a different story. Each issue of The Rip will fea- ture a student overcoming certain struggles to gain an education and better their life.

By Melissa Puryear It was pretty devastating to of 2018, but they said that my Reporter hear the word cancer. I felt be- cancer was too aggressive to ig- trayed by my body. What do nore. If I waited until even the I decided to return to Bakers- you do when you have been following summer, in all likeli- field College to finish my jour- diagnosed? You think of all hood I would be a cancer statis- nalism degree in the summer of of the worst pictures in your tic, not a cancer survivor. 2015. I had only a year to use mind. I did. I thought about dy- It was a long road that I my GI benefits from having ing. Maybe because the doctor walked down that month. I had served in the Army, before they didn’t detail the exact the stage a lot of planning to do. I had expired, and at the insistence I was in, but that I needed to go to plan to live. I had to plan to of a former college advisor, to surgery as soon as they could die. I had to plan for surgery, I returned to college to finish schedule it. recovery and in the midst of what I had started years ago. I I began to look at all of the all of that, I had to plan to also was confident about my future, hard work I had done as a stu- succeed, in order to remain on and knew that I was passionate dent at BC since the previous track for graduation. It was a about news and writing. I could fall. I was angry that I had put tough summer and a tough win- see myself doing this for the all of those hours and months ter that I would face. rest of my life. I didn’t realize in. I was angry for the countless The surgery was scheduled at the time that that it wouldn’t millions of people who get the one week prior to the begin- mean 55 years from now. My same diagnosis as me. I blamed ning of the fall semester. A few life was defined by only a few God because I could. I blamed days after major surgery I was months and a few years at best, myself. Maybe it was because walking into my public speak- AMBRIA KING / THE RIP depending upon the choices that I didn’t eat well enough. I ing class and felt that everyone Bakersfield College student Melissa Puryear smiles as she poses for her struggle photo. I made within those next few drank too much coffee and must know that I was not well, weeks to save it. soda. That’s a challenge to face and maybe they could see evi- room after emergency room for in me to live and to thrive. I is in the day-to-day things, the I received the news by phone. something devastating without dence of my drain tubes. It was complications, and rushed into am now a journalist at the Ren- climbing over obstacles and the It was in June 2016. I was sit- blaming yourself for the rea- not a beautiful experience. I felt emergency surgery after my last egade Rip. I will be part of the stick-to-it spirit I have, even if I ting in my Argumentation and son it happened. It’s also false, incomplete, powerless, less of final exam for public speaking, editorial staff next semester, don’t know what tomorrow will Rhetoric Class on campus when something I would find out in a woman, my femininity was I had maintained As. pursuing a summer internship look like. I can choose to give I received the call. So I stepped my road to recovery. gone, and I did not know if what I went through six months of next summer and graduating up or keep going. I am willing out of the classroom. My doc- The doctors wanted to sched- I had worked for would be lost, recovery and by June 2017, I in the fall of next year. After to have bad days, that are be- tor said, “The tests came back ule an operation. They were if I would be lost in all of this. was walking over a mile a day everything that I have gone yond my control, and then I just positive for breast cancer. We talking about mastectomy. I But I persisted anyway. to and from campus to get my through as a student, as a cancer let it go. I am willing to fight for need to schedule an operation wanted to wait until gradua- Although I was in and out cardiovascular system condi- survivor, I know that I’m much life because life is a pretty noble as soon as we can.” tion, which would be in the fall of the hospital in emergency tioned again. I had more fight stronger. I realize that success thing to fight for and win. Campus Page 5 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 Orwell’s dystopian society ‘1984’ Keep your comes to life inside the Black Box head up to

opened at 7 p.m. and audience Oceania. Words are destroyed Smith is starved, deprived of keep the members seated themselves. to destroy thoughts. sleep, and is seen looking de- As the audience waited for the To ensure residents of Ocea- feated. Smith is even tortured 7:30 p.m. show, there were four nia do not have second thoughts with rats by O’Brien. He has TV screens hanging from the about Big Brother, they have a a breakdown when O’Brien Ibs down middle of the room displaying a “2-minute hate” every morning. denies that “2+2=4.” Smith is phrase that would later be heard During the performance, seen throwing blocks given to numerous times from the Inner comrades shouted “Swine” and him to make “2+2=5” and is in Practical tips for Party. ‘Liar” at the TV screen of a tears. His emotional breakdown Health Advice: staying healthy “Ignorance Is Strength. War video of Goldstein. In the video leads him to eventually crack, Is Peace. Freedom Is Slavery.” Goldstein says, “Down with and he says “2+2=5.” He even The story takes place in Oce- Big Brother,” and comrades expressed how much he loves ania, a totalitarian state, where reply with “Down with Gold- Big Brother. If you walk around campus, it is split into three classes: the stein.” In the last scene Smith, Par- you are likely to find a vending Inner Party, Outer party, and the Emmanuel Goldstein and sons (Nicole Nieto), and Julia machine filled with snacks in Proles. The Inner Party is privi- Big Brother are never shown are seen at the Chesnutt Café. virtually every building. Even in leged. Their living conditions in person; however, Goldstein Smith, especially is pleased to the bookstore, you can purchase are significantly better than the leads those who are against Big hear the good news, Big Broth- anything you crave. You can see other classes. They are groomed Brother. er has won the war for them. people eating in the most random at a young age and are selected Comrade Winston Smith Everyone was joyful. places, such as the restroom. Yes, for leadership. In return, they (Andrew Beard) and Comrade Andrew Beard who was in I am talking about the ones near are treated luxuriously in com- Julia (Carlie Wood) are young two previous productions at the cafeteria. parison to the others. Comrade lovers, who are a part of the BC, mentioned that he and There is food that tempts us O’Brien (Chris Nisbett) had a Outer Party. Julia was the first Winston Smith were very alike. everywhere we go, but that is villainous mannerism towards to have doubts about Big Broth- He did not find it hard to get okay. I believe that one of the anyone who went against Big er, then Smith started to as well. into character because of this reasons why many of us strug- Brother (Brian Purcell). Smith and Julia began to ques- very reason. gle with weight loss or gain is that we think that only certain KARLA GUTIERREZ / THE RIP In Oceania, everything is tion what life was like before “It didn’t take that much monitored, there is government Big Brother. work to have an emotional types of food are allowed. For Winston Smith (Andrew Beard) performs a monologue surveillance always watch- Julia and Smith decide to breakdown in front of others example, we ing. The purpose for this is wed, and stay with Landlady because I could relate to the believe that By Christina Benavides Nov. 17. The play was based on to minimize “thought crime” (Joy Wheat) but are shocked character and feel the fear and we should Reporter English author George Orwell’s which is thinking against Big when the Landlady turns them frustration that I allowed it all never have “1984” novel that was published Brother. Comrade Syme (Issac in to O’Brien. They confess to to just come out,” Beard said. carbs if we The theatrical performance of in 1949. Satawake) who works in The him that they stand against Big He also included that he could want to lose George Orwell’s “1984” took The reenactment by Bakers- Ministry of Truth, translates ev- Brother. feel the injustice that was hap- weight. Here place in The Black Box The- field College students occurred erything to newspeak, whereas Their confession lands Smith pening to Smith and it is what is the issue: atre at Bakersfield College on for over two hours. Doors old speak is not allowed in in Room 101. This is where resonated with him the most. Things that are forbidden Jenny Brito are ten times more inter- esting, and we know it. Every single diet I have tried is based on the same idea. If you deprive yourself of X, then BC students gather in the Fireside Room you will lose weight. As I have mentioned in the past, those diets work, but the results are not sus- tainable. Even if they are, they make people miss out on many things. People should not feel as to remember those who lost their lives if they are a huge failure because By Christina Benavides ence members to ask themselves. they had a cookie. Reporter “What is the first thing you I cannot tell you how many think about when you wake up in times I have said no to things be- the morning?” Smith said. cause of the belief that they were Bakersfield College students Audience members pondered forbidden. On my last birthday, gathered for Transgender Day as she gave examples of what I chose not to have a piece of of Remembrance (TDOR) in the we normally think about such as, cake and watched as my fam- Fireside Room on Nov. 20. taking our kids to school, or pay- ily devoured my favorite cake. The SAGA (Sexuality and ing bills. Smith responded with Everybody was so proud of my Gender Acceptance) club hosted what she thinks about. self-discipline. Me? I could not the event from 12-1 p.m. to re- “The first thing I think about wait for them to leave so I could member those who have been when I wake up in the morning sneak a taste! killed with malicious intent. every day, ‘Is today going to be Living with so many restric- President of SAGA, Juan Con- the day that I die? Am I going to tions is no fun, and it puts people treras, spoke about the history of be murdered today? Is my fiancé on an endless, guilt-ridden cycle. the day. going to die today? Is one of my We eat healthy, slip up, feel bad, Contreras mentioned that friends going to die today? Is one then start again. That is no way TDOR was established in 1999 of the kids I mentor going to be to live, and the all-or-nothing ap- by a transgender woman named killed today?’,” Smith said. proach to good health should no Gwendolyn Ann Smith to memo- She added that “The last longer be the norm. rialize the murder of a transgen- year before today, at least three To me, things began to change der woman named Rita Hester in people did, three people I had once I realized that I did not have Allston, Massachusetts. known have passed away due to to eliminate my favorite foods He also mentioned that typi- suicide.” from my diet forever. What I cally a TDOR memorial may Smith explained that 27 trans- needed was to have them in include candlelight vigils, art gender people in the United moderation. It was that simple, shows, food drives, film screen- States were murdered between yet it took me years and many ings, and marches. Adding, the January and the beginning of failed diets to learn that lesson. memorial also includes the read- November of this year. She adds Achieving good health does ing of those who have lost their that she believes the number is a not have to feel like a chore. lives the previous year. lot higher, but they can only con- We should eat healthy because Shani December Smith, a lo- firm 27 due to the system relying it makes us feel good, and we cal transgender activist spoke on self-reporting and accurate ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP should know that it is okay to about her experience with the reporting by families and police. Shani December Smith speaking at the Transgender Day of Remembrance event at BC, in have a treat occasionally. We community. She mentioned that Smith mentioned that the police honor of transgender individuals who’ve lost their lives. should exercise for energy and her experience here at BC has and families will sometimes mis- relaxation, and not only because been really positive. Smith is an report someone’s gender. ta, Advisor of SAGA, voiced always accept someone for the The SAGA club welcomes we want to lose weight. It is okay automotive technology student, Soon after, the reading of the some advice to those who might name they give,” Acosta said. everyone, and next semester if we skip the gym one day be- who did not expect to be warmly names began, followed with their not know much about the trans- She included that if someone will be having their first sup- cause our body feels tired. It is welcomed due to the normal rep- pictures as audience and SAGA gender community. tells you their pronouns, you port group for anyone to join, not the end of the world. utation of the automotive tech- club members read about them. “When someone tells you should use them, and do not according to Contreras. SAGA Instead of making mega- nology industry. After the reading people went their name, don’t ask if it’s their make a big deal out of it if you meets every other week on changes, we should tackle a few She began her speech by ask- up to the podium to speak up real name, it’s their name. Any- make a mistake. Adding, just to Wednesdays in the FA building changes at a time. Taking small, ing a rhetorical question for audi- about how they felt. Helen Acos- one can change their name, so correct yourself if it happens. in room 47 at 4:10 p.m. positive steps feels more like an accomplishment and less like torture. That is what becoming healthier is about. How to start? There are many ways. You could add more grams of fiber to your diet, add an extra Dynamic Earth talks constellations, climate and CO2 serving of veggies at lunch and dinner, drink more water, take 10-minute walks, and get more By Megan Fenwick Nick Strobel used a laser pointer mountains, then you would see the film explained how Earth’s from the ocean increases the sleep. Will these result in rapid Social Media Editor to point out constellations like a lot more stars,” said Strobel. magnetic field helps deflect so- speed of hurricane winds. The changes? No, but they will lead Taurus, Cassiopeia, and Per- Lastly, he showed the audience lar winds, preventing it from be- visuals then moved into the to habits that last and make you A showing of “Dynam- seus, which were projected onto what the Milky Way looked like coming like Venus, which was ocean to demonstrate how ocean feel better about yourself. ic Earth: Exploring Earth›s the 36-foot dome using a Chro- on the dome. described as being a, “witch’s life, like phytoplankton, contrib- If you slip up and overindulge, Climate Engine,” a produc- nos star projector. The projec- “Dynamic Earth” was then brew of noxious chemicals, in- utes to the carbon cycle and re- drink too much, or fail to exer- tion made by Spitz Creative tor was rotated multiple times played on the dome using a cluding thick sulfurous clouds,” duces carbon dioxide. cise, you will not feel as guilty Media and NASA’s Scientific to allow the audience to gaze at SciDome all-dome video sys- with surface temperatures of “... Earth has kept CO2 lev- because you know that you are Visualization Studio, among the stars from different cardinal tem. The presentation, which almost 500 degrees Celsius due els in balance by absorbing and making changes that will last a others, was held in the William directions. Strobel also showed is narrated by actor Liam Nee- to the high amounts of carbon releasing it in roughly equal lifetime. When you make a mis- M Thomas Planetarium at Ba- the audience how few stars son, began by explaining how dioxide trapping the Sun’s heat. amounts. Lately, that balance take, forgive yourself and get kersfield College on Nov. 16. were visible in Bakersfield due the Sun shields the planets in The film then showed a com- has been shifting. The amount back on track the next day. And The show, which began at 7:30 to light pollution. “If you were its orbit from dangerous cosmic puter simulation of how wind of carbon dioxide from human hey, if you prefer a strict diet, p.m., was prefaced by an explo- to get on outside of the city, go waves, yet releases its own haz- currents affect surface ocean activities, including cars, power more power to you. The point is ration of the constellations vis- out in the country or even, bet- ard in the form of coronal mass currents and how tropical heat plants, and factories, now ex- that we should all focus less on ible in the night sky at this time ter yet, would be to get up out of ejections, all while showing vi- extremes result in storms and ceeds volcanoes by over 200 blaming ourselves, and start liv- of year. BC astronomy professor the valley and go camping in the suals of these solar winds. Then, hurricanes and how heat drawn times,” said Neeson. ing more. Commentary Page 6 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017

Restaurant Review Renegade Events Sushi bar has good service and News

Bakersfield College is now smoke-free, and people are atmosphere, despite bland food no longer allowed to smoke tobacco on campus. Campus Events By Jenny Brito Reporter Nov. 29: Open web registration begins for spring 2018. Nov. 29: Open Enrollment of Medi-Cal and Covered Cali- Located on Coffee Road, Bo- cado’s Sushi Bar seems like the fornia in the Campus Center Quad from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. perfect illustration of the melt- Nov. 29: De-Stress Fest Week: Desk Yoga at L217 from ing pot metaphor. Two cultures, 2-3 p.m. Mexican and Japanese, blending Nov. 29: BCSGA Workhop: How to Run an Effective their traditions and flavors as one Meeting in CC5 at 3 p.m. is what this world needs, and I Nov. 29: Individual “Drop-in” Application Review in CSS could not wait to experience it. 45 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. I went in for lunch with two Nov. 29: 3D Printing Workshop at L160 at 3-5 p.m. friends and was pleasantly sur- Nov. 30: Writing Center: Revision Strategies at CSS 151 prised by the atmosphere of the from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. restaurant. The place is beauti- Nov. 30: De-Stress Fest at the Renegade Commons from fully decorated with Japanese paintings, yet there are small 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. things that remind you of His- Nov. 30: Individual “Drop-in” Application Review in CSS panic culture. For example, they 45 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. play a lot of music in Spanish. Nov. 30: Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Listening to Nicky Jam at a Japa- Appeal Orientation in CSS 151 from 10-11 a.m. nese restaurant was a unique ex- JENNY BRITO / THE RIP Nov. 30: Season of Light holiday show at the William M perience by itself. The El Chapo Roll from Bocado’s Sushi Bar contains a blend of Japanese and Mexican Thomas Planetarium at 7:30-8:45 p.m. Tickets are $8 fro Bocado’s menu does not look flavors, such as spicy crab meat, cream cheese, red onions, jalepeno and sriracha sauce. adults and $6 for seniors and children. much different from other plac- Nov. 30: Homecoming: An Event with Gerald Haslam at es. However, a couple of dishes their food. The plates were col- it felt slightly bland. It was not either. It lacked seasoning. I felt the Levan Center from 7-9 p.m. certainly stand out. They have a orful and inviting, and the food spicy, and the cream cheese was that adding just a pinch of salt Dec. 01: Brian’s Beard Improv Troupe at the Black Box Ceviche Roll, Netflix and Chill, was abundant. At $14 per meal, a bit too much. would have made it much better. Levanta Muertos, and El Chapo they do give you more than I was not ready to give up, so Overall, the place is gorgeous, Theatre from 7-9 p.m. Roll. enough. I tasted my friends’ food as well. and the concept is unique. The Dec. 01: Sounds of the Season by the BC Concert Band I ordered El Chapo, and my El Chapo Roll was big. In fact, By the look on their faces, how- service was excellent, and the and Orchestra at the BC Indoor Theater from 7-10 p.m. friends got the Baked Salmon it was so big that it was hard to ever, they were not loving it. The atmosphere was nice. Nonethe- Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for stu- Roll and Beef Teriyaki dishes. eat it. I am used to small sushi Baked Salmon Roll was not bad, less, the food was not as good dents, staff, seniors and children. Contrary to what reviewers on rolls like those served in most but it was not great either. It was or special as they advertised. I Dec. 02-08: Final Exams Yelp said, the service was not restaurants, but this was not it. similar to what you would have wanted to love this restaurant, Dec. 02: Culinary Caroling Dinner at the Fireside Room slow, and staff were very friend- Despite the generous portion, anywhere else, which was disap- but I doubt I will visit again. and Cafeteria from 5:30-8:30 p.m. ly, which made me regret not en- El Chapo was nothing special. pointing for a place that claims Dec. 04: Latinos Unidos Por Educacion StudOrg Meeting joying the food. It had spicy crab meat, avocado, to offer unique flavors. in CC5 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You see, all the dishes looked and cream cheese. What made it My last hope was the Beef Dec. 04: Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress marvelous. I must congratulate different was the red onions, ja- Teriyaki, which looked amaz- the Chefs on the presentation of lapeno, and sriracha. However, ing. Sadly, it was not my favorite Appeal Orientation in CSS 151 from 4-5 p.m. Dec. 04-06: BCSGA Student Services Discount Day at the BC Bookstore from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 05: Outreach Orientation at Forum 101 from 5-7 Book Review p.m. Dec. 07: Season of Light holiday show at the William M Thomas Planetarium at 7:30-8:45 p.m. Tickets are $8 fro Experience an intimate connection with the adults and $6 for seniors and children. Dec. 09: Registration Rocks: Spring 2018 Edition from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check in at the Welcome Center. Dec. 9: Fall session ends. Dec. 11: Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress author of poetry collection ‘The Universe of Us’ Appeal Orientation in CSS 151 from 4-5 p.m. Dec. 15: Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress By Christina Benavides der to sound “creative” and those Appeal Orientation in CSS 151 from 10-11 p.m. were the pieces I found hard to Reporter Dec. 18: Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress connect with. I think the simpler pieces she had were stronger in Appeal Orientation in CSS 151 from 4-5 p.m. If you use Tumblr, you might meaning to me, mostly because Dec. 21: Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress recognize some of the poems she made me feel more when she Appeal Orientation in CSS 151 from 4-5 p.m. from “The Universe of Us” by got to the point, even with less Jan. 13: Spring 2018 intruction begins. Lang Leav. The international words. best-selling author has pieces in When I said she felt like a this book that will either make friend reading to me, I truly Off Campus Events your heart ache, or you may have meant that. There were some po- a slight distaste for it if free- ems that were hopeful and em- Nov. 14-Jan. 5: Kern Medical Children’s Book Drive verse is not your style. powering. She is like that friend Nov. 29: Grand Opening of Cafe Rio Mexican Grill’s The name of the collection you confide in, and she tells you new location at 200 Coffee Road at 10:30 a.m. First 300 gives away the inspiration, how- everything will be alright, and people recieve a free meal. ever, the universe and our con- that you got this. Leav leaves you Nov. 29: Comedy Open Mic Night at the Temblor Brewing stellations feeds into some of her hopeful. Company at 7 p.m. poems. In the introduction, Leav Overall, she might have let us describes each book she writes, into a universe of vulnerability, Nov. 30: Cam in Concert at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in a way, as “a tiny universe.” sadness, heartbreak, and hurt, from 7-9:30 p.m. I was given this book by a but nonetheless, she provided Nov. 30: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at Rabobank loved one who knows I love po- hope. It was noticeable that she Arena from 7:30-9:30 p.m. etry. This was my first time read- carefully crafted her words with Dec. 01-Jan. 06: Holiday Lights at the California Living ing one of Leav’s books, and I time and care for her readers. Museum. Closed Christmas. was afraid I would not like her This was her fourth book in her Dec. 02: Free Women’s Self Defense Seminar in Delano work entirely because she was collection of poetry, and it was from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. new to me. Something I did like released in October of 2016. It Dec. 02: The 2nd Annual Michelada Festival at Amestoy’s about this author was how her was her final book of the collec- On The Hill from 1-5 p.m. poems made you feel connected tion, and this year she published Dec. 21: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at to her. It kind of felt like a friend the novel “Sad Girls,” where we was reading to me, sharing with see another side of Leav and her the Fox Theater from 7-9:30 p.m. me all her secrets. writing. All her books are avail- Dec. 27: Ontario Reign at Bakersfield Condors at Rabo- There were many moments able in book stores worldwide bank Arena from 6:30-9:30 p.m. while reading Leav’s work where and online. Dec. 28: John Berry in Concert with special guest Jade I stopped and was in awe. It was I definitely will be reading the Jackson at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace from 7:30-10 like she was grabbing memories other three books in her poetry p.m. from my life and selecting them collection. If an author provides Jan. 20: Pizza & Beer Festival at the Kern County Mu- for her book. That was impres- a connection with their reader, I seum from 1-4 p.m. sionable, I must admit. am always impressed. Leav left GOOGLE IMAGES We have all experienced love an impression on me. I hope she and loss. Leav expresses these jected on you, and you ache with me. There were some poems that does the same for you. Compiled by Megan Fenwick feelings in a way where it is pro- her. At least it was that way for I felt were more complex in or- Social Media Editor

The Renegade Rip Write The Rip Letters should not exceed 300 words, EDITORIAL BOARD STAFF must be accompanied by a signature and the letter writer’s identity must be verified. First place for newspaper in 2011, third place in The Rip reserves the right to edit 2013, 2014, 2015 for CNPA General Excellence Editor-in-Chief...... Lizette Chavez Reporters/photographers: Alexandra letters, however, writers will be given the opportunity to revise lengthy or Ninth place for newspaper in 2016 for national Web Editor...... Brandon Cowan Apatiga, Christina Benavides, Jenny unacceptable submissions. Best of Show contest by Associated Collegiate Press Social Media Editor...... Megan Fenwick Brito, Karla Gutierrez, Melissa Puryear, If an organization submits a letter as a group, it must be signed by only one person, Second place nationally in 2016 for website Photo Editor...... Ambria King Paige Atkinson either the leader of the organization or the publication by Associated Collegiate Press letter writer. Anonymous letters will not be The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield published. College journalism classes and is circulated on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters. How to reach us The newspaper is published under the auspices -Address: Bakersfield College, of the Kern Community College District Board 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA of Trustees, but sole responsibility for its content 93305 rests with student editors. The Rip is a member of -Phone: (661) 395-4324 the California Newspaper Publishers Association, Adviser...... Erin Auerbach -Email: [email protected] Associated Collegiate Press, and California -Website: therip.com Colleges Media Association. Continued Page 7 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 CA State Recognize Assembly the signs Mental Health: For mental wellness and awareness

Suicide is a controversial top- ic. Even those who have never member experienced it have a heavy opin- ion on the topic. I speak from my own experience of having sui- cidal thoughts due to depression, and will be discussing the signs you should be looking for within Rudy Salas your peers to guide you toward suicide prevention. You might assume a person is doing fine because they appear so. People who are dealing with a mental illness will not always attends BC look sad; however, there are times when it is obvious that they are not doing well. By Ambria King ‘you got to go talk to your city Please do not be afraid to ap- Photo Editor councilman. You got to go talk to proach someone and ask how the mayor.’ So I said, ‘if I have to they are doing. A person who The Bakersfield College Stu- go talk to all these people, how is considering suicide will be- dent Government Association do I get to be that person?’” have differently. They might hosted a Power Lunch with Cali- Salas chronicled how he went even speak differently around fornia State Assembly member, on to graduate from UCLA and others, making comments about Rudy Salas, at 11 a.m. on Nov. work for the White House. He how they are better off not being 27 in the Fireside Room. stressed the importance of edu- around, or lose interest in things The event provided BC stu- cation in achieving his goals, they are passionate about. dents with the opportunity to which is why Salas authors and I strongly believe that men- pose questions to Salas, while pushes for assembly bills which tal illness is enjoying a lunch that consisted increase access to education for a huge fac- of grilled chicken, potatoes, rolls California residents. Salas spoke tor that leads and salad. at great length about AB19, to suicide. -~; '\ Salas began with sharing sto- which makes the first year of Anyone deal- ries of growing up near South community college tuition free ing with 11···~­_..,, Union Avenue in Bakersfield, for full-time students in Califor- depression I and went on to detail how and nia. who behaves why he became a California state Salas encouraged attendees to similarly to assembly member. get involved in their community the signs I “I grew up asking the ques- and to work toward improving am giving Christina tion ‘why?’” said Salas, “Why the issues they see. He stressed you may not Benavides is it when I see the helicopter the fact that voter turn outs for have suicidal overhead, they’re always look- young people are far lower in AMBRIA KING / THE RIP thoughts, ing for somebody? Why is it that comparison to older voters. Salas California State Assembly Member Rudy Salas answers questions posed by Bakersfield however these signs may lead to there are no street lights? Why is stated that if people want their College students at an open question and answer session during the Power Lunch, suicide if they are. It is impor- it when there are potholes, they needs to be addressed, they need which was held by the Bakersfield College Student Government Association in the tant to always be safe rather than don’t get filled… You ask those to participate in local politics by Fireside Room at 11 a.m. on Nov. 27. sorry. Reach out to people who questions and everyone tells you, voting. need it. I have moments where I will not reach out simply because I do not know who to go to. Not everyone is understanding of ED: Kern County fails to aid residents that struggle with eating disorders those dealing with mental illness due to stigma surrounding it. We will not openly cry in your arms, forcing them to leave in order to recieve help and causing those fighting with and confess how bad we have been doing. An incident like this the illness to fall behind in school or leaving them with no alternatives may occur, but often we will mostly keep it hidden. Continued from Page 1 This is a reason why most peo- ple who do commit suicide are leave my family and educa- options allowed my eating dis- weeks, causing her to miss a one of them were much help,” pitalized two, three hours away, people no one would have ever tion to stay in a treatment cen- order to fester, becoming a vir- considerable amount of school. said Lacey. The only referral you come back to a community guessed. Sometimes the signs ter hours away. For my family, ulent part of my being. I spent Since there are no treatment she was given was to a nutri- that is totally disconnected from are not recognizable. visiting me in the hospital and each day ruminating on my dis- centers in Kern County, she had tionist, something that seems a the support system you devel- When I was in high school, a participating in my treatment order and planning how I would to drive to LA once a week for common occurrence, a bandage oped during treatment. All of the friend of mine committed sui- became increasingly difficult purge, self-harm and abstain outpatient treatment after she placed over a wound. connections you made in treat- cide. I remember her battling and due to the cost of transporta- from food. By the time I was was discharged. The weeks following my ment disappear when you come mental illness, and some people tion, my mother could only visit formally diagnosed, I had been “The transition to coming discharge from the hospital re- home, you come home cold.” thought she was “attention seek- me once during my month in the struggling with anorexia and bu- home was very difficult, es- vealed to me the depth of the Coming home from treat- ing” because they saw self-harm hospital. limia for years. At the height of pecially having to leave every lack of medical care in Kern ment to an environment with marks on her skin. Instead of Though taboo, eating disor- my illness, I went without eating Wednesday. Sometimes I was County for those with eating no resources is the fate of each people criticizing her, they could ders are not uncommon. Over and digesting food for over six so exhausted I would take the disorders. When I left treatment person in Kern County who have helped her in any way they 30 million people in the U.S. months. It was only when I be- entire week off (from school). and returned to Bakersfield, I needs inpatient eating disorder could. will experience an eating dis- gan speaking about my own ex- It was stressful, for my whole felt as if I were drowning. There treatment. Eating disorders have Although people knew she order during their lifetime, ac- periences that I discovered how family,” said Hamisch. were no support groups avail- the highest mortality rate of all was dealing with mental illness, cording to the National Eating many other men and women had Lacey, another Kern County able, and I couldn’t commute mental illnesses, according to her death came unexpectedly to Disorder Association. For those fought similar battles. resident, who declined to give to LA each day for further treat- the National Association of An- many of us. I recall seeing her of us suffering from eating dis- Bakersfield resident Ari- her last name due to the sensi- ment. I went from being moni- orexia Nervosa and Associated a week before she passed away. orders in Kern County, there ana Hamisch, 20, experienced tivity of the issue, sought help tored and cared for at all times Disorders. The lack of treatment She was the happiest I had ever are no options for hospitaliza- similar circumstances when she through a general practitioner, to returning to the environment availability in Kern County is a seen her. I thought she was fi- tion. The nearest treatment cen- sought treatment for an eating psychiatrist, and therapist. None that allowed my illness to thrive. grave medical failure. The ex- nally doing better, but the result ter available to Kern residents disorder in high school. could give her the adequate “That’s precisely why I’m an pectation to relocate for treat- proved us all wrong. is over two hours away. The “The only treatment my fam- treatment. advocate for treating things lo- ment is unjustly placed upon She cannot be brought back, closest available treatment op- ily could find for me was a nutri- “I sought treatment for my cally,” said Amy Richardson, a people with eating disorders. It however, I have learned a few tion for my family was in LA tionist. I had to go to a hospital eating disorder through my marriage and family counselor leaves just two options: pursue things. If someone is harming County. in LA,” said Hamisch. general practitioner, and then who has experience in treating treatment in another city or suf- themselves, each time they do, The absence of treatment Hamisch was hospitalized for my first psychiatrist. Neither eating disorders. “If you’re hos- fer in silence. they are already in danger. The signs are there, in their school performance, behaviors and per- sonalities. I am not asking you to analyze every person you meet. I am say- PODCAST: Bakersfield College’s Renegade Minute encourages students to join ing that you should try to recog- nize these signs. If you want to Continued from Page 3 approach a person about it, you may, in a non-judgmental way. If to the content. From “funny to which you can finish it in three He said that he’s open to ideas seven students from the music program. someone appears to be doing ter- scary sound tracking, as well as semesters. We offer courses in though. For example, he said certificate program will gradu- Arevalo said, “I have always rible, be a good person and offer whimsical.” music technology, music busi- that if he had a group of jour- ate in one week. He wants his had a passion for music, so this them a hand. The students create the theme ness, live sound, recording tech- nalism students that were inter- students to head out into the is kind of something to revamp You are not a mental health song on the soundtrack that niques, song writing and then ested in his podcast program, he world confident. that passion that I’ve had.” counselor, so please be careful gets featured on every episode sound design synthesis. In order would be willing to accommo- Ottum’s background as a Arevalo said he plans to go when giving advice, unless you for the season, which is chosen to do podcast specifically, a stu- date that. musician touring and writing into business and will be tak- have experience with what they from a theme song contest at the dent would have to take intro- He also said his goal for his music, putting out albums and ing the Music Business course are going through. Mostly you beginning of the semester. The duction to technology because students is to equip them with writing his own songs gives him so that he knows not only the should direct them to a mental introduction song that can be that’s a prerequisite for any of the skills that will allow them to an appreciation for students’ music aspect of his desired trade health professional. If someone heard from the most recent sea- the other classes,” said Ottum. go into the field when they are hard work. but also the business side to mu- confides in you, and tells you son, was chosen from 12 songs He also said, “this is the only finished with their certificate Gerardo Carrasco and Sinuhe sic. “I want to represent people they have attempted suicide, it that were submitted. Every year program like this within a hun- program. “They will be given Arevalo are both Commercial eventually,” he said. is not wrong if you seek help for will give students a chance to dred miles or so, so we’re pretty the skills to thrive in this gig Music students pursuing their Both Commercial Music stu- them. It is better to not take risks. have their work featured as the unique.” economy we live in, meaning if Commercial Music certificates. dents plan to learn how to do Again, I speak from my own new theme song for the podcast In this class students will it’s for a musician or for audio They both will take part in the podcast recording and look for- experience dealing with mental program. learn the basics about recording technician, or a sound engineer, Renegade Minute podcast pro- ward to this feature of the music illness and suicidal thoughts. In order to learn how to cre- and computer audio, a “general we prepare them with basic gram during their enrollment. program. Not all signs are visible, but ate podcasts, and use all of the buffet style” introductory class, skills to run live sound at venues Carrasco said that after fin- For information on how to en- they can be recognizable if you equipment that comes with pro- where students produce projects from a church, to a local club to ishing his certificate he would roll in the music certificate pro- know them. If you or someone ducing in the field of recording, and learn how to use the equip- a bigger venue in town. We give like to move to San Luis Obispo gram students can email Josh. you know is considering suicide, he recommends students take ment. The podcast is a staple as- them the skills to compose and and continue his education. He [email protected] please contact The National the music certificate program. signment of the program, which create audio.” said he is very excited about this or stop by his office which in Suicide Prevention Lifeline at “It’s a six-course certificate, is taught in the fall every year. The first graduating class of opportunity to be a part of this PAC room 115. 1-800-273-8255. Sports Page 8 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 Bakersfield citizens throw stuffed toys in the rink for 19th Annual Teddy Bear Toss

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP Rabobank and Condor staff and volunteers skate onto the ice to collect the hundreds of stuffed toys thrown by fans. A man lifts a child in the air so she can throw a stuffed toy.

By Alexandra Apatiga The crowd of 8,862 people goal made early in the second cations for the Bakersfield Con- that are collected following the as many different organizations Reporter who attended the Condors’ period by Condors’ player Brad dors, Kevin Bartl, explained that first Condors’ goal are given with as many stuffed toys as pos- hockey game, the third largest Malone. the minor-league hockey team over to the United Way of Kern sible,” said Bartl. Bakersfield citizens came out crowd in Teddy Bear Toss his- The tradition of the Teddy has been involved in the Teddy County, who then distributes the “Our goal since day one has to participate in the 19th An- tory in Bakersfield, also broke Bear Toss by the Bakersfield Bear Toss since its formation al- stuffed toys to various local or- been to be a good community nual Teddy Bear Toss at the the record for the most stuffed Condors dates back to 1999, with most 20 years ago. ganizations and non-profits. On partner and use the spotlight the Rabobank Arena Thanksgiving toys thrown onto the ice during a the first Teddy Bear Toss racking “We began the Teddy Bear average, explained Bartl, around Condors’ have as a vehicle to weekend, Nov. 25, where the Condors’ game. A total of 10,549 up 2,553 stuffed toys, which has Toss at the beginning of teams’ 40 to 50 different agencies reach some good for our community.” Bakersfield Condors defeated stuffed toys were collected dur- only grown over the years. As of second season, and ever since it’s out to United Ways to receive Bartl shared his experience the San Antonio Rampage 7-3, ing the Teddy Bear Toss, with this last game, the Annual Teddy become one of the most antici- stuffed toys. and thoughts about the Teddy all while collecting stuffed toy fans throwing their stuffed toys Bear Toss has collected 121,395 pated games for the players and “At the end of the night when Bear Toss saying, “It’s an amaz- animals for various organiza- over the rink wall and onto the stuffed toys in the last 19 years. for the community,” said Bartl. we gather all the bears and finish ing sight, it never gets old, and tions and charities. ice following the Condors’ first Vice President of Communi- According to Bartl, the toys counting them, we try and bless ours is one of the best out there.” Spanish-born Pablo Rebollo plans to continue majoring in kinesiology and playing basketball

By Jenny Brito he was little. He grew up sur- bollo is a point guard on the and athlete, the basketball player Reporter rounded by the sport and quickly men’s basketball team, and he shared that he was glad he made became passionate about it. has contributed to the renegade the decision to travel to the Unit- Pablo Rebollo, 20, has only His parents are his biggest team’s four wins of the season. ed States. been in the United States for source of inspiration. He is also According to him, “what makes “It has been an unforgettable four months, yet he has already a big fan of Spanish NBA play- the team successful is teamwork experience. It makes you grow, become a valuable member of er, Pau Gasol, who is a six-time and dedication.” become more responsible, and it Bakersfield College Men’s Bas- NBA All-Star and has won two He practices every day, from 4 gives you a new perspective on ketball team. NBA championships. to 5:30 p.m. He does not follow life,” he mentioned. Born and raised in Madrid, Rebollo’s talents took him far a specific diet, but he cooks tra- Having the support of his Spain, Rebollo’s major is kinesi- in Spain. When he was 13 years ditional Spanish food whenever teammates and Coach Hughes ology, but he has been focusing old, he trained with Federacion he can. “I try to eat as healthy as has also helped him better adapt on improving his English skills Baloncesto Madrid, the basket- possible by preparing my own to the challenging aspects of first. In fact, he said that his main ball association of his home city, meals,” Rebollo said. leaving what one knows and reasons for moving to the United for a year. In his spare time, he likes to moving to an entirely different States were to practice basket- “When I was 16, I then played read and hang out with friends. place. ball and English. for Club Baloncesto Estudiantes, “I like reading poetry. I am cur- Rebollo plans to move back He has been playing basket- third division, for three years. rently reading ‘Con tal de verte to Spain in two years. There, he ball since he was eight years old. They are one of the biggest volar,’ a book in Spanish,” Re- will continue to play basketball When asked what drove him to basketball teams in Spain,” he bollo added. and work on his education. His the sport, he said that he remem- added. When asked about his experi- dream is to play for a profession- JENNY BRITO / THE RIP bers seeing his father play since At Bakersfield College, Re- ence as an international student al, third division or over, team. BC student Pablo Rebollo smiles and poses for a picture. Kern County Firefighters and Law Enforcement play hockey to raise money for local burn victims By Alexandra Apatiga ment’s favor. ing sponsored that year.” Reporter Despite the Kern County Fire- According to Putnam, this fighter’s loss during the game, year’s charity fundraiser would Kern County Firefighters and all proceeds raised would still go be going toward expanding avail- Law Enforcement battled it out toward their choice of charity. able resources for burn survivors on the ice at Rabobank Arena for Among those who attended in Bakersfield and Kern County, the 19th Annual Guns & Hoses the game was Kenneth Putnam, such as financial support, trans- Game over the Thanksgiving a former Kern County firefighter, portation, support groups, coun- weekend, Nov. 25, all in the volunteer at Memorial Hospital’s seling, and rehabilitation. name of fundraising for charity. Grossman Burn Center, and burn “The subject of what burn The yearly match-up, which survivor. A local resident since survivors have to deal with, has both sides swap for their 1952, Putnam retired in 2004 physically and emotionally, isn’t choice of charity each year, had after nearly 27 years of service really touched upon when it the Fire Department supporting and becoming a burn survivor in should be,” said Putnam. local burn survivors in Bakers- 1997. Putnam has been attend- “I’m so grateful for the sup- field this year through the Kern ing the last seven Guns & Hoses port and awareness the Gun & County Burn Survivors Trust, charity games to support the lo- Hoses will be giving us, and for the Bakersfield Burn Founda- cal firefighters, law enforcement the community for coming out to tions and the Kern Heavy Res- and the community. support us as well,” said Putnam. cue. “These sort of games are all Portions of proceeds from the Around 1,000 people attended for fun,” said Putnam, “and ticket sales will go toward the the charity game where law en- while tempers do rise occasion- charities represented by the Fire forcement beat the firefighters ally we’re all here for the same Department, as will the sales ALEXANDRA- APATIGA / THE RIP 4-3 after a tied game ended with reason, to support and raise from the specialty jerseys auc- Two law enforcement hockey players chase down a firefighter in possession of the puck. a shootout in the law enforce- funds for whatever charity is be- tioned off by the Condors. Sports Page 9 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 Women’s volleyball team suffers loss to El Camino College at Regional Playoffs By Megan Fenwick the game, the Bakersfield volleyball team lost to El Social Media Editor Camino with its largest gap, at 25-14. The teams remained neck and neck during most of the third The Bakersfield College women’s volleyball and final set, but Bakersfield College still lost 25- team lost 3-0 to El Camino College on Nov. 21 21. during the first round sweep of the South Regional Brooke Horack, a sophomore middle blocker, Playoffs, putting them out of the running of the led the BC team in number of kills, of which she California Community College Athletics Associa- scored 10, while Jourdon Muro, a sophomore out- tion State Championship. side hitter, got 21 total attacks. MEGAN FENWICK / THE RIP MEGAN FENWICK / THE RIP In the first set of the game, the Renegades lost to The Bakersfield College women’s volleyball Bakersfield Freshman outside hitter Mandy Sangha BC volleyball player jumps up to set the warriors 25-20, although the BC team stayed team has done well overall during the fall semeter, sets the volleyball over the net as sophmore outside the volleyball to El Camino’s side of the close throughout the set. During the second set of winning 19 out of 25 of their games since August. hitter Alex Paris looks on during the playoff game. net during the home game on Nov. 21.

Sarah Armendariz, Poll : Student Parking a freshman setter, jumps to spike the volleyball to over the net. Should student parking be

MEGAN FENWICK / THE free for Bakersfield College RIP students?

NO YES (6) 35% (11) 65%

GregoryGregory Wilson Skateboarding Legend Music Enthusiast GET Rider

"GE TWo r ks for me because I can skateboard to the bus and then onto my sweet job at the skate shop. Skateboarding saved my life. GET keeps me on my board."

GOIOIN EMPIRE TRANSIT DISTRICT 661-869-2GET #GETWorks getbus.org Renegade Adventure Page 10 The Renegade Rip www.therip.com Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 My metamorphosis from dark brown to purple hair in a six-hour session

By Karla Gutierrez people would react to it. I have Reporter never seen my hair in a differ- ent color before, so I knew this When I was in 7th grade, I al- was going to be crazy. Though, ways wanted to dye my hair. At I knew I’ve been wanting to do the time, I wanted to dye it red, this for a very long time. but my mom was very strict on I went to Vanity Beauty Bar hair dying because she wanted in downtown Bakersfield, which me to keep my hair virgin. She was recommended by the per- would scare me by telling me son who cut my hair last year. all these horrible things like my My stylist, Mona Medrano, had hair would fall out or it won’t been texting me since I had men- grow or it’s going to damage tioned to her that I wanted to dye my hair. Even though she said my hair, and I told her that I also that, it never left my mind since wanted to thin it out. My thick then because I wanted to experi- hair gave me so many headaches ment with colored hair. My mom I just had to thin it. That process would tell me to get highlights alone took Medrano 40 minutes. in my hair, but in my opinion I was shocked on how much hair mostly everyone gets highlights she took out because that hair the same color and I was more alone could be enough for some- into the blue, purple, green, pink, one else. Medrano actually men- etc. type of colors. tioned, later, to her co-worker After much research, I decided that it filled up their trash can. to dye my hair purple with blue The next process was bleach- and pink. I got inspired by You- ing my hair. Which I had origi- Tube star Gabbie Hanna, also nally thought was where the known as the “Gabbie Show,” in process began. I was saying my getting an idea of choosing the farewell wishes to my brown colors. I knew I wanted some virgin hair, and then Medrano type of a blue in my hair, but was cutting it off. This proce- then when I looked at the sam- dure was probably the longest to ple photo that I sent my stylist, wait for because she had to add I knew I was going to like the the bleach and then put foil on all purple and magenta in it. of my hair. The foil was to heat My brother was the only one the hair and make the bleach pro- that knew I was going to dye it. cess go faster. Sadly, some of the The day before, I was very ner- bleach got on my favorite long vous. I was nervous because I sleeve shirt, but that was par- didn’t know if it was going to tially my fault for trying to find MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP turn out good or not. I’ve never my “comfort spot” and my hair Karla Gutierrez celebrates her new purple magenta hair with a glitter photoshoot after sitting for a six hour session. trusted anyone with my hair falling to my back. Medrano told me she had used eight small con- other than my grandma, who my hair with the colors I chose rare occasions. I don’t spend that tainers of bleach because I had always gave me hair trims here is that I let Medrano play with it. much time on my hair when go- so much hair. and there. I was nervous because I just showed her a picture to get ing to school. I just put it into When the bleach settled in, of the big transition from going an idea and she just did the rest. a ponytail that takes about five Medrano started getting the col- from dark brown hair to multi- She rinsed the excess bleach minutes and that’s about it. ors. What was cool about dying colored hair and wondered how and then she put the first strip of When she was done curling it, hair dye on. The only thing that she did the big reveal and I was was on my mind at that point in love. It looked better than I was just excitement and nerves expected it to, and Medrano did of how it was going to look. Like a great job overall. This was a six I have mentioned before, I have hour process, but it felt like four never seen my hair dyed into a hours. I went into this process of different color. At this point of dying my hair afraid and came the process there was no going out loving my hair and wanting back, obviously. to show it off to the world. Right after the color dying My mom and brother were at part was done, Medrano washed Costco when I arrived home, so my hair and I was asking her I had texted my brother to warn questions of how to take care of me when they were on their way it, so it wouldn’t get damaged. to the house. I got my phone and That was probably one of my recorded my mom’s reaction. fears in dying my hair is taking She was shocked, but also loved care of it. I feel like I’m not good it, too. She said that the stylist at taking care of stuff like hair did a great job in dying it. dying or piercings because the My mom told me that her fear process of instructions that usu- was having someone dye my ally follows. In this situation, I hair incorrectly and damaging it. MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP have to get used to taking cold/ If anyone reading this hasn’t Karla Gutierrez smiles as she waits for her hair to heat up warm showers. dyed their hair, I definitely rec- When she was done washing ommend trying it because it’s from the foil in order to quicken the bleaching process. my hair, she blow-dried it and always a good thing to change started curling my hair. Medrano things up. was very nice in teaching me how It is always important to find to curl my hair. The only thing I an adventure in life. I’m so glad I know how to do is straighten my did this. I’m planning on dying it MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP hair, but that sometimes results and experimenting with my hair Karla Gutierrez shows her new purple and magenta hair. badly when I do it, which is on more in the future.

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP Karla Gutierrez smiles as she takes a look at the hair Hair stylist Mona Medrano washes Karla Gutierrez’s hair during a long six hour session to take her dark brown hair, Mona Medrano cut to thin her thick hair before bleaching. which has never been altered except for trims, and transforms it into a purple-magenta color for the first time in her life.