Express, Volume 98, Issue 11

SACCITYEXPRESS.COM

SPRING BREAKACTIVITIESthat won’tbreak thebank!

SACRAMENTO CITY COLLEGE’S STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1922 VOLUME 98 ISSUE 11 APRIL 8, 2014

MOVIES

VIDEO GAMES

HAPPY HOUR

READING

ALL ON PAGE 6

CITY TALKSpring BreakGabby Smith // Staff [email protected]

Additional reporting by Jonathan Taraya and Dianne Rose

What are you doing for spring break this year?

Joseph Doyel // art history“I think for spring break I will hang out and spend quality time with friends and family—mostly family.”

Lailani Sheffi eld // family consumer science“I’ll hang out with my husband. Maybe we’ll go out to the lake or up to Folsom.”

Alex Gonzalez // communications“I’m thinking about going to San Diego [State University] to check out the campus.”

Matthew Daffern // engineering“Sleep and play ‘Magic the Gathering’ and hang out with my wife.”

Jaymie Lutz // undecided“I’m going to San Francisco for a concert. Lana Del Rey on the 18th of April.”

Living in the times of the not-so-free press

THE TIMES ARE STILL changing—along with the Posts, the Tribunes and the Journals. � e mainstream media outlets are in the hands of fewer owners than ever, and the free press is now � ltered. For the undiscerning, news formats can be confused in messages sprinkled with legitimate facts.

� ere is no question: � e Internet changed the scape of mass media dur-ing the last part of the 20th century and the � rst decade of the new millennium, and it is a valuable informational tool. However, with so much information, it can be di� cult to discern the legitimate from illegitimate. News is immediately available in abundance and opinion � ows freely, while the truth is easily lost. A lie repeated in enough messages can mas-querade as truth when it goes viral.

With a growing number of publica-tions and broadcasters, the First Amend-ment guarantee of a free press can be confused not only by the Internet, but by billionaires and a small list of giant media conglomerates. � e facts may still be reported, but there is a question of credibility when the company or indi-vidual has an interest in the news that is disseminated and the writer or editor self-edits, in fear of reprisal.

Manipulation of the press by larger interests is nothing new. William Ran-dolph Hearst used his large newspaper holdings to sway public opinion to instigate the Spanish-American War and champion America’s � rst drug war on marijuana when he was afraid that hemp’s cheaper cost to produce paper would hurt his vast lumber holdings. In the early days of television, General Electric and Westinghouse utilized their

programing to promote products through their broadcast networks. Mainstream media are often used to promote political or commercial agendas.

Last year Je� Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon, purchased the famed Washington Post and assumed control of the publicly traded company from the Graham family. With a personal check for $250 million, about 1 percent of his net worth, Bezos became the owner of the leading watchdog for the public interest in Washington, D.C.

Some saw, Bezos’ purchase as a benevolent e� ort to save a fearless publication that was not afraid to print inconvenient truths. � e sale of the paper was a hard choice for the Graham family, and, according to a “60 Minutes” inter-view with Bezos after the sale, he had to be talked into the investment. During the interview, Bezos admitted he was no jour-nalist but declared his strong belief in the freedom of the press and free speech.

Four months after the sale of the

paper was � nal- ized, despite not having the lowest bid, Amazon received a $600 million contract to provide cloud service for the CIA, a favorite subject of the Post’s investiga-tive reporters. � ough Bezos used his own money to purchase the Post, it was a nice windfall for Amazon, which won the contract for the CIA’s cloud service.

While there is no evidence of any link between Bezos, the Post and the CIA for favorable coverage, the Post’s editors apparently failed to brief him on disclosure and transparency. To date, the Post has yet to acknowledge its owner’s connection with Amazon when it covers the CIA.

Amazon’s Bezos is not the � rst of the wealthy to go into the media business. Today a majority of newspapers, radio stations and television stations, along with Internet media are controlled by the wealthiest few.

� e intent of the First Amendment is to guard against government abuse by ensuring that all citizens have the right to free expression. With billionaires and conglomerates owning so many media outlets, there is a risk of direct censor-ship, but the real risk to free speech might be more subtle: self-censorship when the editor fails to question and the journalist fails to report.

More than ever before, it’s up to citi-zens to take responsibility for their own news sources, to not settle for one report on a given issue from a single source. It is important that viewers and readers, like journalists, need to fact check media reports and make the extra e� ort to be discerning consumers of news in all forms.

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Editor-in-Chief Will OwnbeyAssociate Editor Meg MastersonNews Editor Daniel WilsonFeatures Editor Lygeia AndreSports Editor Jake Patrick DonahuePhoto Editor Alina Castillo

Online Editor-in-Chief Teri BarthOnline Photo Editor Tamara Knox

Photographers: Emma Foley, Luisa Morco, Dianne Rose, Elizabeth Ramirez, Gabrielle Smith

Writers: Kendall Bennett, Mari-Beth Browne, Jessica Daniel, Titus Franklin Jr., Kristopher Hooks, Cody Kuenzli, Diana

Lefort, DeShawn Mapp, Xochitl Orozco, Mahalie Oshiro, Carl Phillips, Stephen Ruderman, Scott Russell, April Saephan, Jonathan Taraya, Justin Valdez, Diane Wade, Ethel Watts, Harold Williams

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EDITORIAL POLICIESViews published in the Express do not refl ect those of the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees, the Associate Student Government, City College, Journalism department, administration, student body, or faculty, unless otherwise stated.

MEMBERSHIPSJournalism Association of Community CollegesCalifornia Newspaper Publishers Association

2 EXPRESS // APRIL 8, 2014

With billionaires and conglomerates owning so many media outlets, there is a risk of direct censorship, but the real risk to free speech might be more subtle:self-censorship when the editor fails to question and the journalist fails to report.

Carl Phillips

EDITORIAL

INSIDE SCOOP Need more news? Want to stay up-to-date with campus happenings? Get more information and exclusive content at saccityexpress.com.

SACCITYEXPRESS.COM // APRIL 8, 2014 3

Student Associated Council elections open nowNew voting process includes online polling this year via eservices; election results due April 10 or 11Cody KuenzliStaff Writer // [email protected]

THE VOTING PERIOD FOR the Student Associated Council—Student Senate and Clubs and Events Board—is Tuesday and Wednesday, April 8–9, and election voting is taking place online this year.

Enrolled students who are interested in voting for their favorite candidates can click on the “Vote!” tab on eservices, after logging in to their accounts. Voting is open from 7 a.m. 11:30 p.m. From this tab, students can also access information on candi-dates by viewing the student elections voting guide.

On April 8, there will be an election promotions barbecue in the Quad at 11:30 a.m. or until the food runs out.

According to the website, “Only students who are enrolled in the Colleges of the District may vote in student body association and student trustee elections. A student may vote in the student body association election at each college they are enrolled in at the time of the election.”

“This is considered a local government election,” says Gavin Fielder, the current City College Senate public relations secretary, who is running for district student trustee against one other candidate, Omba Kippuke.

Candidate forums were held in the Quad on April 1 and 3, and provided a chance for students to learn about the candidates.

There are five positions up for reelection and all five are uncontested. The candidates and positions they are running for are as follows: Sandeep Singh, Student Sen-ate President; Monica Sepulveda, Student Senate Vice President; Lincoln Scott, Student Senate Secretary of Public Relations; Paige Schlicht, Student Senate Secre-

tary of Sustainability; Kimberly Le, Senator.

Election results will be an-nounced April 10 or 11 and will be posted in the Student Senate office and the Student Leader-ship and Development website.

According to Kim Beyrer, student leadership and develop-ment coordinator, the Associ-ate Vice Chancellor of Student Services for the Los Rios district will announce district student trustee results at a later date.

The Student Associated Council Induction Ceremony and year-end celebration is at noon on May 14 in the Student Center. Election winners become new officers of the City College Student Associated Council (SAC) July 1.

The council, which is divided between the Student Senate and the Clubs and Events Board, is the official organization that represents all City College

students. Officers represent the opinions and interests of students

to the best of their abilities. The Student Senate has the primary responsibility

for student advocacy on campus and with the govern-ment. The Clubs and Events Board (CAEB) is primarily responsible for promoting student activities through clubs and events on campus.

Additional reporting by Daniel Wilson.

Candidates for the SAC election wait to be announced to speak by sociology Professor Angelo Williams in the Student Center.

Emily Foley // Staff Photographer // [email protected]

Going greenPhi Theta Kappa and student leadership bring International Earth Day celebrations to campus

Diana LefortStaff Writer // [email protected]

INSPIRED BY HIS STUDENTS’ desire to help the environment and community, Phi Theta Kappa honors program coordi-nator and political science Professor Paul Frank, who is helping coordinate the only major eco-conscious event on campus to coincide with Earth Week.

This year’s festivities take place Tuesday and Wednesday, April 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Quad. Phi Theta Kappa and Student Leadership & Development, under the advisement of Frank, will offer the City College commu-nity an education on what going green is all about.

The two-day event is focused around International Earth Day, this year on April 22, and will feature vendors that will have displays on the importance of green farming in the community. The honors society, students, organizations, faculty and outside communities have gathered to coordinate and educate

through the week.The event is seen as “human, envi-

ronmental, cultural—we are focusing on environmental,” said Frank.

The event began eight years ago with a student who wanted to involve the student body in going green on campus, according to English Professor Anna Joy, who helped coordinate the first Earth Day-related event, along with her students.

Avneet Singh is helping coordinate the activities with Phi Theta Kappa. As a bioengineering major, she has an interest in the concepts underlying Earth Day.

“It’s two days of awesomeness,” said Singh.

The honors program will have tables set up for campus clubs participating in the event, including Phi Theta Kappa. Aramark, the cafeteria food provider, will have earth-friendly food for sale, such as

lettuce wraps. “Everyone is welcome to participate,”

said Frank.Green organizations will be on

campus to showcase green technology, such as organic farming techniques and reduced energy appliances.

Frank said he has gained inspiration from seeing students do what they want to do and making a difference in earth’s ecology.

“Personally, I have three children and want to make sure they have a safe and healthy environment,” said Frank. “Stu-dents are learning ways of maintaining and sustaining our environment…what they can do to protect the planet.”

For more information, contact Paul Frank at (916) 558-2261 or [email protected].

Green organizations will be on campus to showcase green technology, such as organic farming techniques and reduced energy appliances.

Earth Day celebrations will take place on campus Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23, in the Quad.

Illustration by Natalie Rios

“Personally, I have three children and want to make sure they have a safe and healthy environment. Students are learning ways of maintaining and sustaining our environ-ment… what they can do to protect the planet.”

Paul FrankPOLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSOR

NEWS

TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8-9 LRC Lobby, West Sac Center, Davis Center� e 2014 student elections are here. Vote for your favorite candidates.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2-3 P.MFRIDAY, MARCH 28, NOON – 1 P.M. Learning Resource Center, Room 144A college success workshop presented by the LRC sta� .

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 7 P.M. Sol Collective, 2574 21st StJoin Susurrus (the City College literary journal) writers and sta� for poetry readings, short stories and more.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, ALL DAYInformation on how to transfer, questions about student organizations and more will be available. Sign-up at the RISE, Transfer Center, Temporary Bldg. 5 or Rodda Hall North 147 to reserve your spot

MONDAY–SUNDAY, APRIL 14 – APRIL 20Campus closed Friday–Sunday, April 18-20.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. STUDENT CENTERCity College’s nursing sta� holds its annual health fair. Contact Je� Christian at 916-558-2368 for more information

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1 P.M.SOUTH GYMApplications and forms will be available at: www.scc.losrios.edu/current_students/studentlife/

STUDENT ELECTION

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY WORKSHOP

HONORS SOCIETY SCHOLARS INDUCTION CEREMONY

LEARNING STYLES AND STUDY TECHNIQUES

SUSURRUS OPEN MIC EVENT

EVENTS CALENDARWater worriesLos Rios has yet to put plans into place regarding California drought

Jonathan TarayaStaff Writer // [email protected]

ACCORDING TO A JAN. 17 proclama-tion of a state of emergency by Gov. Jerry Brown, 2014 is projected to be Califor-nia’s driest year on record.

Brown has called on Californians to reduce their water usage by 20 percent.

At this time City College has not received word from the Los Rios Commu-nity College District regarding any policy changes that might a� ect campus water usage, said City College Communication and Public Information O� cer Amanda Davis.

“For the eight years I have been here, I have always heard ‘drought’ as a buzz word,” Davis said. “But I think this is the � rst time it seems like a real issue. I mean, Folsom [Lake] is just a stream now. � is is serious.”

According to Brown’s proclamation, the state’s water supply has shrunk alarm-ingly, as evidenced by the snowpack in California mountains recorded at only 20 percent of its average density in January.

� e most recent snowpack water equivalent, measured electronically March 27 by 99 sensors in the northern, central and southern Sierra Nevada mountains, is 7.1 inches, up to 25 percent of the date’s average of 28.3 inches, according to Cali-fornia’s Department of Water Resources. Surveyors went to the snowpack April 1 to take manual readings. Due to recent precipitation the snowpack was found to be 32 percent of average water content

for the date, according to a media release from the California Department of Water Resources.

According to glossary of terms at the National Weather Service website, the snowpack is de� ned as the total snow and ice on the ground, including both new snow and previous snow and ice which have not melted.

� e Environmental Protection Agency’s student’s guide to climate change states that snowpack measure-ments matter because when the snow-pack melts in spring and summer, it provides fresh water for rivers and streams and � lls reservoirs that supply drinking water to cities and towns.

� e Sac-ramento City Council passed a resolution March 14 declaring a water shortage and implement-ing Stage 2 of the city’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP), according to a statement released by the city of Sacra-mento March 15.

According to the City Council report, Stage 2 of the WSCP requires Sacramento residents to reduce water usage by 20-30 percent and only allows limited days for watering property. � e report also includes increased enforcement of the Water Conservation Ordinance and the doubling

of � nes for outdoor water waste violations.Davis said she hopes to learn more

about the district’s drought policy as the warmer months draw closer.

“I expect to hear something,” Davis said. “� e district has been really good in the past to responding to environmental issues.”

Geology Professor Kathryn Stanton, Ph.D., said a City College water saving policy would be a prudent measure.

“I would love to see that formally introduced,” Stanton said.

“She affected people’s lives. She believed that all children should begin with a preschool education.”

Ethel WattsDAUGHTER OF ELVIE C. WATTS


NEWS

Illustration by Geraldine Centinaje

Photo courtesy of Watts family

UC BERKELEY BUS TRIP

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2-3 P.M. Student CenterPhi � eta Kappa honors its newest inductees.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2-3 P.M. LRC, room 144A college success workshop presented by the Learning Resource Center sta� .

NOR-CAL MULTI – MEN’S TRACK & FIELD

SPRING BREAK

HEALTH FAIR

AUDITIONS FOR CO-ED JAZZ DANCE TEAM & CHEER TEAM

TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 – 16Hughes StadiumCity College hosts this prestigious track & � eld event.

Lygeia AndreFeatures Editor // [email protected]

DR. ELVIE C. WATTS, child education advocate and educator left her mark on City College and many other places in her 97 years. She died March 29, leaving behind a legacy of working on behalf of early childhood education.

“She a� ected people’s lives,” says her daughter, Ethel Watts, a current student at City College. “She believed that all children should begin with a preschool education. She believed in supporting par-ents of preschool-aged children by sharing knowledge of the di� erent stages of early childhood.”

Elvie Watts worked for the Sacramen-to City Uni� ed School District for over 20 years, starting as a preschool teacher in 1966 and retiring in 1988 as the director of early childhood education and daycare centers for the district, according to her obituary in � e Sacramento Bee.

Mrs. Watts taught early childhood education classes at the Los Rios Col-lege campuses, especially City College, through the 1970s and ’80s. She was also an adjunct professor at Sacramento State University.

Elvie Mary Crenchaw was born Feb. 16, 1917, into racially segregated Little Rock, Ark., but she said she grew up in that African-American community of strong, middle-class families that valued

learning and service.“I come from a family that believes in

people and the value of the family,” Mrs. Watts said in 1993, according to � e Bee’s obituary. “As a child, my mother always took me with her when she took books and food to people in the county hospital. We felt we had to give back to society what God had given to us.”

Mrs. Watts, who married Lewis G. Watts during World War II, earned a Bach-elor of Arts at Hampton Institute, Va., a Master of Arts from Atlanta University

School of Social Work in Georgia, and a Ph.D. in education from Nova University in Florida—all before moving to Sacra-mento with her family in 1965.

Always active within her community, Mrs. Watts was on the board of directors for the Oak Park Preschool in Sacramento as a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., an international service organization established in 1908 “by Afri-can-American college-educated women,” according to the AKA website.

Mrs. Watts also maintained her religious convictions and was one of the oldest members of Parkside Community Church on South Land Park Drive, where her memorial service was held April 2.

Her husband died in 1967. She is survived by two sons, Lewis and Michael; her daughter, Ethel; a brother, Milton Crenchaw; two grandsons; and one great-grandson.

A life led in pursuit of childhood educationCity College educator Elvie C. Watts worked for preschools for everyone

Dr. Elvie C. Watts


PROFESSOR TALKTamara KnoxOnline Photo Editor // [email protected]

What are you doing for spring break this year?

Tony Davis // Counseling & Student Success Offi ce“I will be working.”

Riad Bahhur // Professor of International Studies“I will travel a little to see family in the Midwest, get caught up on my mountain of grading, and hopefully have a little time to organize and plant my summer vegetable garden.”

Anissa Henry // DSPS Educational Coach“My family and I will go to Disneyland!”

Michie Montgomery // Audio/Visual Technician “I will be installing smart classrooms.”

Dr. Rhonda Rios-Kravitz // Dean—Learning Resources Division Offi ce“I will be working on the accreditation report for student services.”

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Kendall BennettStaff Writer // [email protected]

CITY COLLEGE’S WEBSITE HAS received a makeover and now features a new interface, easier to navigate sec-tions and an responsive design that will allow viewing on cell phones and tablets to resize the website for a more intuitive experience.

During March, the website design team hosted informational forums where members of the design team dem-onstrated the use of the new website, answered questions and made notes on improvements provided by attendees in an e� ort to introduce City College’s new online look that o� cially went live March 31.

� e design team, made up of stu-dents, faculty and sta� included Don Button, City College graphic communica-tion professor and lead faculty designer, Amanda Davis, City College public infor-mation o� cer and Elaine Ader, dean of Information Technology.

Ader explained that the structure, design and content has been changed and updated to meet the needs of as many users as possible.

Ader said that the content is di-vided into categories and the pages are designed speci� cally for certain types of users or for speci� c information needs.

For example, each page has an “es-sentials” section.

“� e idea of the student essen-tials was a direct link to something we

thought [students] might need,” said Ader.

Stemming from an accreditation recommendation, the website redesign project began in 2012. � e recommenda-tion was not speci� c, but Davis said the spirit of the recommendation was to make the site more user-friendly.

“I think they wanted just for it to be easier to use, easier to � nd things, easier to navigate,” Davis said.

Davis said the process began by eval-uating the previous site and identifying the biggest areas of focus by talking to faculty, sta� and students about what improvements could be made.

“From a technical side,[the project

started by] exploring content manage-ment systems that our infrastructure and our organization in general could support and that would be compatible with our other technologies,” said Davis.

A committee was put together to make these decisions, according to Davis.

“[� e] decision making process is collaborative and inclusive here,” said Davis. “Before deciding, we needed to have meetings and conversations.”

� ose in attendance at the March 26 informational forum witnessed � rst-hand the complexity of decision-making process for designing a new website.

Just days before City College’s new site launched, in a demonstration some of the decisions about the site’s layout were still being worked out right up to the launch, present members of the new website’s build team discussed whether the link to the library should be listed as a Campus Service, an Academic Success Program or as a Student Essential.

“� ere could be an argument made for almost every program on campus that it’s an academic success program,” said Davis. “And while [the library] does contribute to academic success, I think externally people see it as more of a service.”

It might seem simple enough to place the link in two or three places on the site, but Davis pointed out the importance of avoiding the mistakes that made the previous site not as user-friendly as it should have been.

“It’s kind of how we are structured right now with our current site, which is if people don’t know to look for it here, we’ll put it everywhere and then you have this proliferation of information about everything, and it’s really hard as a visitor to the site to sift through that,” Davis said.

According to Ader, the design team was not just concerned with what in-formation would be accessible and how, but to design a site that accommodates di� erent computer types as well.

“We recognize that this site is going to be seen on desktops, laptops, tablets and phones,” said Ader.

Davis agreed that certain aspects of the site—such as being responsive—were designed to accommodate modern technology.

“� e responsive design structures the site to be user-friendly for any size screen,” added Davis.

� at responsiveness, which original-ly seemed like a “cool” feature, according to Davis, has turned out to be a signi� -cant factor in the site’s usability.

“Now the more we are demonstrat-ing the site and talking about it and talking with other people who are look-ing at their sites, I think it’s a really key feature,” said Davis.

Ader explained that the responsive feature would not apply to some of the sites that are linked to the main website. Some links are provided on the new website to the sites that have critical in-formation and services, such as the Los Rios district site and the athletics site, which are not being redesigned at this time, she said.”

Additional reporting by Daniel Wilson.

New City College website up and runningImprovements include more user-friendly experience, streamlined organization

Dianne Rose // [email protected]

Elaine Ader, dean of information technology, informs students and staff about how to use the new City College website.

James Bergin // [email protected]

NEWS



Brain candy binge over breakFrom Gotham to Middle Earth without leaving homeMeg MastersonAssociate Editor // [email protected]

MOVIE MARATHONING AND TV binge-watching—the act of devouring multiple seasons of a show in a very short time—have become delightfully mindless pursuit of students and faculty alike.

Net� ix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon In-stant Video, iTunes, and Vudu—to name a few of the legal services out there—give viewers instant access to a dizzying amount of content.

Here is some recommended viewing for a week of well-earned laziness.

Superhero Movies� ough Marvel began making movies

all the way back in the 1940s with the Captain America serials, this list focuses on the more recent superhero block-busters. “Captain America: the Winter Soldier” opened in theaters April 4 and the next X-Men movie comes out in May. Consider the following as a warm-up before hitting the big screens.

• “X-Men” (2000) 104 minutes• “� e Amazing Spider-Man” (2012)

136 minutes• “Iron Man” (2008) 126 minutes• “� e Incredible Hulk” (2008) 114

minutes• “� or” (2011) 130 minutes• “Captain America: � e First Aveng-

er” (2011) 125 minutes• “Marvel’s � e Avengers” (2012) 143

minutesTotal run time: 14 hours, 38 minutesArti� cial Intelligence Movies“Transcendence,” a movie about a

scientist who downloads his psyche into a computer, premieres in theaters April 18. “Transcendence” can be the capstone event to a week spent watching the fol-lowing.

• “A.I. Arti� cial Intelligence” (2001) 146 minutes

• “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) 160 minutes

• “Blade Runner” (1982) 117 minutes• “Her” (2013) 126 minutesTotal run time: 9 hours, 9 minutesHarry Potter FilmsYes, we know. � e books were better.

But these � lms are still generally consid-ered excellent adaptations of the beloved series. From “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001) to “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” (2011), the decade-spanning � lms have a total run time of 19 hours, 59 minutes.

ClassicsOf course, there are classic movie

marathons to consider:• “Star Wars”—We prefer the three

originals, but refreshing yourself on the new ones might not be a bad idea since Episode VII is to be released next year. Total run time for all six movies: 13 hours, 17 minutes.

• “Indiana Jones”—Again, go for the classics, “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull” (2008) is worth overlooking. Total run time (without “Crystal Skull”) 6 hours, 12 minutes

Honorable mentionsDisney Classics, James Bond � lms,

“Star Trek,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “� e Matrix” trilogy, “� e Terminator” movies, “Mystery Sci-ence � eater 3000”, “� e Dark Knight” Trilogy

TV series to binge-watch

• “Fire� y”• “Harsh Realm”• “House of Cards”• “Dollhouse”• “Orange is the New Black”• “Mad Men”• “� e Walking Dead”• “Boardwalk Empire”• “Game of � rones” • “� e Following”• “Hemlock Grove”• “Dr. Who”• “Sherlock” (the BBC Version)• “24”• “� e West Wing”• “Bu� y the Vampire Slayer”• “Portlandia”• “� e Twilight Zone”• “Law & Order”• “Breaking Bad”• “Downton Abbey” • “Luther”• “� e Big Bang � eory”• “� e Wire”• “Shameless”(US version)

Additional contributions by Will Ownbey, Jonathan Taraya, Gabby Smith, Carl Phil-lips, and Kristopher Hooks.

Ideas for spring break readingTaking advantage of time to enjoy fi ction

Kristopher HooksStaff Writer // [email protected]

SPRING IS FINALLY HERE, which means so is spring break, which is sched-uled for April 14-18. � at also means it’s � nally time to kick your feet up and enjoy the sun. It’s also time to pull out a good book and read it until it’s over and then read it again.

After all, it was Oscar Wilde who once said, “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.”

Or, if you’re looking for something new instead, here is a list of suggested reads for this well-needed break.

•Haruki Murakami: “� e Wind-Up Bird Chronicle”

Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami brings to life a dream-like story of a seemingly ordinary Japanese man, Toru Okada, who searches for his wife’s miss-ing cat in his suburban neighborhood. After waking up one morning, he � nds himself not only looking for the cat, but his wife as well. During his search, Okada encounters a peculiar group of friends and foe: a prostitute of the mind, a death-obsessed 16-year-old, and a malicious but well-loved politician.

•Tom Rachman: “� e Imperfec-tionists”

� e debut novel by Tom Rachman brings the story of a struggling, Rome-based, English newspaper and the em-ployees who are trying to keep it a� oat. � is highly original novel follows the lives of Kathleen, the editor-in-chief whose marriage is in shambles; Arthur, the lethargic obituary writer whose thoughts on life are changed after a personal trag-edy; Abbey, the chief � nancial o� cer who realizes her personal life and work life are intertwined in a way that should never be; and the other imperfect employees of this dwindling international newspaper.

•Ernest Hemingway: “� e Sun Also Rises”

� e debut novel from one of the most renowned writers of the Lost Gen-eration is a classic. On the surface, the novel is a love story about Jake Barnes, an expatriate American journalist living in Paris, and the promiscuous Lady Brett Ashley. � e novel centers on Barnes’ life in Paris, his trip to Pamplona to see the running of the bulls, and the struggles of relationships. � e story has drinking, � ghting, bull� ghting, and love.

•Kurt Vonnegut: “Slaughter-house-Five”

Vonnegut’s black humor and wild imagination bring a story centered on

the infamous � re bombing in Dresden in 1945 and the novel’s protagonist, Billy Pilgrim. Pilgrim travels through space and time to bring the story of when he was a prisoner of war, his life as an op-tometrist, and the time he was abducted by aliens of the planet Tramalfadore. � is novel bridges together science � ction, World War II history and dark comedy � awlessly, and is sure to have you “un-stuck in time” with Billy Pilgrim.

•Dave Eggers: “� e Circle”� is novel from Dave Eggers came

out in 2013. � e story follows Mae Holland, a recent college graduate who gets a job at the world’s most powerful internet company. � e company, � e Circle, is described as similar to Google; it links a user’s personal emails, social media, banking, and purchasing within its operating system. Mae soon � nds out that participating in the social media is not voluntary, and the invasion of privacy becomes daunting. With our world’s growing interest in social media, technol-ogy, and the increasing lack of privacy, this novel paints a picture of what our world could be in the near future.

Other recommended readingsChuck Palahnuik’s “Choke,” Claire Cam-eron’s “� e Bear,” and Adam Sternbergh’s “Shovel Ready.”

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

SPRING BREAK CALENDAR

“WRONG FOR EACH OTHER”@ B Street Theatre – Admission: $23-$35, special $5 student rush – 2 p.m.

Norm Foster’s comedy tells the tale of divorced couple Rudy and Norah who meet again and refl ect on their good times and bad times. Featuring Kurt Johnson and Melinda Parrett in the lead roles on the B Street Mainstage.

MONDAY, APRIL 14

OPEN MIC@ the Capitol Garage – Admission: $5 – 9 p.m.

Head down to 15th and K for some of Sacramento’s newest artists. It’s $1 off draft beers all night long, and the crowd’s favorite bands have a chance of opening for Capital Garage’s bigger event shows.

THREE 6 MAFIA / DA MAFIA 6IX@ Ace of Spades – Admission: $18 – 6:30 p.m.

Ace of Spades will host the Oscar award-winning underground rap sensation “Three 6 Mafi a” Monday. Their song, “It’s Hard Out There For A Pimp,” from the 2005 fi lm, “Hustle and Flow,” was the fi rst hip hop song to win Best Original Song at the Academy Awards.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

ALL TIME LOW@ Ace of Spades – Admission: $20 – 6:30 p.m.

Ace of Spades features the pop punk band All Time Low who won Best Pop Punk Band honors at the Top In Rock Awards. They released their song “Painting Flowers” on the album “Almost Alice,” the soundtrack to the 2010 Johnny Depp fi lm, “Alice in Wonderland.”

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

BEER TASTING@ Ten22 – Tasting: $10 – 6 p.m.

In the movies, spring break is full of beer and bathing suits. Ten22’s executive chef and beer server can serve those right at home in Sacra-mento. Tastings include several fl ights of one craft brewer or style of beer. Those who stick around for dinner get a 25 percent discount off their food bill.

MIKE E. WINFIELD @ Punch Line Comedy Club – Admission: $15 – 8 p.m.

Mike E. Winfi eld is known for his witty and real comedy about everyday life and for his recurring role on NBC’s “The Offi ce.” His charismatic stand up is featured at Punch Line at 8 p.m.

SEVENDUST Ace of Spades – Admission: $25 – 7:30 p.m.

This alternative metal band from Altanta, Ga., plays Ace of Spades and has been redefi ning heavy metal since 1994. Though their fi rst self-titled album only sold 311 copies the fi rst week, their touring and TVT support has given them charting success through Billboard as well as a gold certifi cation.

INSIDE SCOOP

charting success through Billboard as well as a gold certifi cation.

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Will OwnbeyEditor in Chief // [email protected]

Spring break is a often a time for taking trips out of town, visiting family or, for some students, � nishing those big semester projects.

For the City College students who are stuck in the Sacramento area, it may seem like there isn’t much fun to be had. However, if cheap food and/or drinks are enough to cure the boredom, you’re in luck. Happy hour is a perfect time to put some pants on, hop in your car or grab the light rail and head out to one of the many establishments that o� er deals and a comfortable seat so you can take your mind o� of your worries.

Take a look at our list of the best local joints that o� er special during that special time of day.

Paesanos1806 Capitol Ave447-8646www.paesanos.biz/

Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. All ages are wel-come at this casual Italian eatery.

� e deals: $5 appetizers, $3 cocktails and draft beer

During the lunch and dinner hours, this local hotspot is almost impossible to get in without a long wait. Happy hour starts at 3 p.m. and it is best to get there before the 5 p.m. rush. � e crispy polenta fries ($5) are a must and on the regular menu, check out some of the best little-known pizza in the Sacramento area. Paesa-nos is part of a local restaurant group with additional locations in Davis and Elk Grove.

Chops 1117 11th St447-8900www.chopssacramento.com

Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. All ages on the patio; 21 at the bar.

� e deals: $5 appetizers, $3 cocktails and draft beer

Located right next to the Capitol and reminiscent of the old school steak house, the restaurant comes o� semi-pre-tentious with white table clothes and its pricey menu. However, come for happy hour and head out to the patio for an a� ordable late lunch or early dinner. Not to mention the local color. � e “Chops” chopped salad ($8) and the Capitol Burger ($8) are straightforward, satisfy-ing selections. And the current seasonal Green Plate ($6) with grilled asparagus, half grilled artichoke and sautéed Brus-sels sprouts will tempt even the most carnivorous City College student.

Firestone Public House1132 16th Street446-0888http://www.� restonepublichouse.com/

Happy hour: Monday to Friday 3 to 6 p.m., children not suggested.

Late night Happy Hour: Sunday - 8 p.m. to close. Monday to Wednesday - 10 p.m. to close 21 and over

Bring a couple of friends, during happy hour Firestone’s chili cheese fries ($5) and pulled pork nachos ($5) are not served in moderation. � is Sacramento “in-crowd” sports bar and restaurant frequented by KJ o� ers a lot of really good bar food, not to mention a 22-ounce draft pour for the spring break drinker. � e Giant Bavarian Pretzel ($8.95) and the blow-your-diet Brandy Fried Chicken ($14.95) on the regular menu are great for sharing and should not be missed.

Ella Dining Room and Bar113 K Street 443-3772www.elladiningroomandbar.com

Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. All ages on the patio; 21 at the bar.

� e deals: $5 small bite plates

Eat to say you ate there. Ella is argu-ably one of the best restaurants in town, and features a happy hour that showcases the menu and the talents of the chef. � e small bar plates are reasonably priced and if nothing else you can impress a date even if its only for happy hour. Try the Collards and Burrata Cheese with Kale Chips ($5), Fried Rock Shrimp with Lemon Aioli ($5). If you are going to drink, impress your friends with the signature Gin and Tonic with Rainforest quinine and sugarcane simple syrup.

Put down the pen, pick up a gamepadThe latest and greatest video games to play over spring break

Daniel WilsonNews Editor // [email protected]

If there’s one thing that’s for sure in life, it’s that being a video gamer and a college student is a tough combination to juggle.

It’s hard enough trying to � nd time for any hobbies while slav-ing over stacks of paper, reading endless pages of textbook goodness, studying all night long for tests and quizzes and trying to stay awake through all those hours of lectures, but free time to play video games? What’s that?

Luckily, spring break is coming up and it’s an exciting time because that shiny new Xbox One and Play-Station 4 actually have some games coming out to play. � e recently

released “Infamous: Second Son” for PS4, “TitanFall” for Xbox One, and the multi-console “Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes” are sure to keep gamers busy dur-ing this year’s break from classes.

In addition, “� ief” for current and next generation systems recently began pick-pocketing gamers, and “Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2,” “Dark Souls II” and

“South Park: � e Stick of Truth” hit current generation consoles over the last couple of months.

As for new releases over the seven glorious days of freedom, according to IGN.com, “Lego: � e Hobbit” turns Bilbo Baggins into a mini-� gure, Elder Scrolls Online � nally drops on PC, “Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn” brings the legendary series to the realm of MMORPG and Red Lynx Studios’ critically acclaimed series “Trials” comes to PlayStation with “Trials Fusion,” which will also release for PC, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

For those gamers who are into mo-tion gaming, Xbox One serves up “Kinect Sports Rivals” in time for spring break.

While the picking is a little bit slim for the handhelds and Nintendo’s home console, the Wii U, gamers who haven’t picked up “Super Mario 3D World” yet owe it to themselves to play one of 2013’s biggest games.

In fact, picking up a Wii U is a good idea if nothing on the other consoles jumps out as must-play right now be-cause in May, “Mario Kart 8” hits store

shelves and a new “Smash Bros.” game is slated for release later this year.

Whether it’s a new release that has City College students � ring up their consoles or PCs this spring break, or if they’re setting out to tackle that backlog of recent games that college classes have kept gamers from playing, there’s plenty of rest, relaxation and 12-hour button-mashing marathons to be had during this year’s week away from campus.

Downtown dining on a student’s budgetHappy hour deals make high end food affordable

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

SAY IT LOUD COMEDY @ Laughs Unlimited – Admission: $10 – 8 p.m.

Laughs Unlimited is known for its top-notch comics and excellent venue. The best of Sactown’s comedians will perform live in Old Sacramento at Say it Loud Comedy night hosted by Michael Calvin Jr. It will feature comedians Darby Herms, Gary Anderson and Hannibal Thompson, among others.

MICHAEL KOSTA @ Punch Line Comedy Club – Admission: $13 – 8 p.m.

Michael Kosta who has appeared on shows like “Conan” and “Chelsea Lately.” takes the stage at Punch Line Comedy Club with witty sketches and hilarious personal accounts of his life.

WHITE LIES @ Harlow’s – Admission: $22-$25 – 6:30 p.m.

This award-winning English post-punk band from London is a rising star in the music world. The band’s music style is heavily infl uenced by Talking Heads. They’re usually compared to bands like The Killers and Joy Division.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

ORIGINAL MUSIC @ Naked Lounge – Admission: $5 – 8:30 p.m.

Some of the best Sacramento artists are featured at this coffee shop, including Amboy-Rambler (roots rock ’n’ roll), Cowboy Star (acoustic country rock) and Mandolin Avenue (bluegrass). Get a great cup of coffee and sit back to some eclectic tunes.

DUB CULTURE @ Capitol Garage – Admission: $5, 21+– 10 p.m.

Fill Friday night with dub and reggae with as DJ Wokstar and DJ Jaytwo at Capital Garage.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

SACRAMENTO BEER & CHILI FESTIVAL @ Fremont Park – Admission (Full Access): $35 – 1 p.m.

Join the Sacramento community for some fun and food. The Sacramento Beer and Chili Festival features a chili cookoff and unlimited beer tastings by local breweries. Live entertain-ment includes Twilight Drifters, Hans Eberbach and URDOM. All proceeds are donated to assist at-risk children, children of homeless families and fund adopt-a-school art programs for the Sacramento region.

JON PARDI @ Ace of Spades – Admission: $15 – 7 p.m.

Jon Pardi, a country singer from Nashville, hits the Ace of Spades stage. His hit song “Mis-sin’ You Crazy” debuted at No. 58 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs and peaked at 29. Although he’s new to the music scene, Pardi has become a country must-have.Although he’s new to the music scene, Pardi has become a country must-have.

SPRING BREAK CALENDAR

Jonathan TarayaStaff Writer// jonathantarayaexpressgmail.c

SOMETIMES THE PAIN IS a dull, throbbing ache that begins in the back of the mouth and echoes through the brain as a piercing migraine. Other times, gums are so swollen, the slightest bump with the tongue might elicit a bloody saliva wash that tastes like rust.

Many City College students are aware of the long-term effects of not having proper dental care.

Amid the financial drawing and quartering of tuition, books, housing and transportation, many students don’t have the resources for the oral exams, routine cleanings and X-rays that are needed to maintain a pain-free smile.

A solution may be found at City College’s Dental Health Clinic

“[For] many of our students on cam-pus, funds are very limited while they’re studying,” says dental program admin-istrative assistant Barbara Beale. “We make great concessions to accommodate them for the services they need.”

Beale says those concessions can add up to over $100,000 in care received by students.

Located in Room 135 in the Rodda South building, the dental health clinic’s staff is composed of students enrolled in the dental hygiene program. The dental assisting program students contribute through the analysis of patient X-rays. According to the clinic’s website, the services offered include cleaning and polishing teeth, fluoride applications, pit and fissure sealants and home-care instructions. Dental X-rays can also be provided with a written request from a dentist.

The cost works for every budget.“Free,” says Beale. “Every City Col-

lege student receives one free cleaning each year.”

Beale says, upon examination, if X-rays are needed, they are also free. Even sealants come at a great discount.

“Normally [they’re] $10 per tooth, which is a very big savings,” says Beale. “These can start anywhere from $50 on up in the community.”

The first appointment at the Dental Health Clinic for a City College student is a comprehensive oral exam, which is supervised by a rotation of practicing dentists operating as adjunct professors. Based on each student’s

level of need, a dental care plan is es-tablished and future appointments are decided upon from there.

Because the Dental Health Clinic specializes in preventative oral care, the clinic is not meant to replace a stu-dent’s current dental care provider, if they have one.

“We do not do any sort of restor-ative care,” says dental hygiene program coordinator Melissa Fellman. “We have referral methods in place.”

Along with the financial savings, students who come for dental care will get a glimpse into the dental hygiene program curriculum.

“I have had students who are think-ing of going into dentistry,” says Fell-man, “and they come in to get their teeth cleaned so they can experience it and check [the program] out. I love that.”

Students on both sides of the dental chair benefit from the Dental Health Clinic.

“It’s a win-win,” says Fellman.

For more information on the Dental Health Clinic, see: http://www.scc.losrios.edu/dentalhealthclinic/

City College offers dental services to studentsLow- or no-cost care available for the community at Dental Health Clinic

The field trip of a lifetimeExperiencing a wider view of the world through the Study Abroad program

Scott RussellStaff Writer// [email protected]

TWENTY-ONE CITY COLLEGE STU-DENTS around the world are midway through their spring semesters abroad, expanding their educations while taking in the rich heritage of their surroundings.

By taking a full-time schedule of courses with the Study Abroad program, City College students are experiencing new lifestyles and cultures, all while earn-ing transferable credits.

In Florence, Italy, City College biology major Luis Rodriguez has used his Roma Pass to ride the Metro, visited the Sistine Chapel and attended mass at the Vatican.

Rodriguez says he is looking forward to spring break when he and other students in the program will travel.

“People are going out to everywhere they want to visit—Amsterdam, anywhere in Europe,” says Rodriguez.

Frank Malaret, dean of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Division and managing director of the Study Abroad program.

Malaret reminds students who consider studying abroad, “It’s an academic program. You’re expected to take a full load of courses. It’s not an opportunity to party.”

Riad Bahhur, professor of history and coordinator of the international studies program, studied classical Arabic in Damascus when he was a graduate student and describes that experience as “quite an adventure.”

Bahhur and Malaret are responsible for ensuring there is a variety of classes for students with varying majors, which in-volve both historical and cultural features of local areas as learning aids.

“We actually think all students would benefit from study abroad,” says Bahhur.

Research shows that students who underachieve or have challenges come

back more motivated and tend to do better in school, he adds.

“The actual experience of being outside of your cultural comfort zone and be-ing in another is really stimulating emotion-ally, intellectually, on many levels,” says Bah-hur. “You really notice things about yourself in that environment.”

The courses are created to be hands-on by visiting histori-cal and cultural sites, according to Bahhur.

“[The] core goals are to build a global awareness—the goals associated with the particular courses with an emphasis on the location,” he says.

“The courses are designed to be experi-ential courses” says Bahhur. “Students end up being more engaged in the content of what they’re learning.”

The American Institute for Foreign Studies, which has facilitated study abroad for 50 years, provides housing, organizing, advice and other services to help facilitate the process for students.

“You don’t have to worry about find-ing an apartment, visas or paying tuition. All the logistics are taken care of by AIFS,” says Bahhur. “They do all the hard work for you.”

According to David Morrow, AIFS representative, the program gives stu-dents an opportunity to meet people from across the world, including other students in the program.

While in Florence, Rodriguez has participated in AIFS-organized activities such as wine tasting, cooking classes and a pizza class.

“You pay a little extra,” he says, but it’s “all worth doing.”

Rodriguez says he’s happy that he decided to study in Florence. “This is a great opportunity. Make sure you save up. Make sure it counts for school. See the world,” he says.

“Students accepted into the program will have meetings and orientation prior to departure that’ll give insight and inform them on how to better prepare,” says Malaret.

Students who begin the process, on average, only need to wait a couple of weeks to find out if they’re going, says Bahhur. With trips planned through 2017 students interested in a semester abroad need not worry about raising funds immediately.

“It doesn’t hurt to ask questions and consider,” says Bahhur.

Studying abroad helps students to become better global citizens, Bahhur believes.

“The United States is the most power-ful country,” he says. “For American young people to have a chance to live somewhere else, to have a sense of the world, it’s good for them, and it’s good for the world.”

WHETHER A WRITER IS seeking it or not, there is a degree of anonymity in authorship.

And it takes courage to peek out from behind written pages and share one’s works aloud. Authors find them-selves on a stage facing a crowd, a book held in shaking hands, and wondering how they’re going to make it through.

But, for those willing to step away from the shadows and into the spot-light, open mics and reading events can be very rewarding.

“It gives an opportunity to stu-dents to share their work in ways that’s more than just on a page,” says Dr. Steve Cirrone, a City College English professor and adviser for the school’s annual literary journal, Susurrus.

“It elates them to be able to share their work on stage,” says Cirrone.

Derek Tollefson, the editor-in-chief of Susurrus, was a contributing author last year. He recalls that he mustered up the courage to read his piece at the release party for the 2013 journal.

“When I read it, it went really well, and I felt great about it,” says Tollefson, a liberal arts major. “I’d never experienced that before in my life, and it was really inspiring.”

The Susurrus staff is very selec-tive when deciding which pieces will be published in the journal, says Cirrone. This year, over 200 submissions were received, and only about 20 percent made it into the final book.

The writers of those stories and po-ems will have the chance to get onstage at the Susurrus book release party and share their work with attendees.

“After the experience last year, I want to read as much as I can as often as I can,” says Tollefson.

This year, Susurrus contributors will have the opportunity to read new works at a series of open mic events, building up to the release party Satur-day, May 10.

There’s one important pre-book release rule, Tollefson says.

“They’re not allowed to read any-thing that’s been contributed to the book. We’re saving that for the release party,” says Tollefson.

However, there are plenty of Susur-rus writers with other works to share. Come show your support, or bring one of your own works to read at these upcoming Susurrus open mic events:

• April 10: 7 p.m. @ Sol Collective — 2574 21st St.

• May 1: noon–1:30 p.m. @ City College in the quad

• Susurrus Book Release Party: May 10, 6-9 p.m. @ City Col-lege in the Student Center

See you there.

—Meg Masterson

For more information about Susurrus, see www.susurrus.com

CITY SCENE

City College student Luis Rodriguez learns while touring Italian landmarks.

Photo Courtesy of Luis Rodriguez

CAMPUS SCENE Catch up on the latest campus events at saccityexpress.com.


FEATURES

Kara Schoonveld Guest Writer// [email protected]

HIS PACE IS STEADY, controlled. Reaching the blue bench, he adjusts his backpack and turns his head right. He stares down the tracks for a sign his ride is coming.

“The light rail kind of changes your lifestyle,” he says. “It slows you down a bunch.”

The front left pocket of his jeans provides a safe space for a point-and-shoot Nikon. Around his neck, a Rol-leicord takes hold, inher-ited from his late grandfather. The large, black box-like camera is adjusted carefully into position.

“Walk this way,” he calmly instructs, eyeing the train from a distance. “Our ride is here.”

When the doors part, Brandon Feinberg ascends the steps. Despite several empty seats, he chooses to stand in the elbow of the train.

“This is kind of my spot,” Feinberg notes. “It’s always available.”

He’s dressed in blue jeans, a black zip-up with red detail, black shoes and a small, quick smile.

It’s his fourth semester at City Col-lege. He is on the wait list for Maritime Academy and plans to major in marine transportation. One day he hopes to earn his master’s and run a full-scale international port.

“But that’s just my job,” says Fein-berg, 20. “I have no idea what I want to do with my life.”

Suddenly the recorded tone of the light rail interrupts. People pause, look-ing up at the speaker box as if a mouth were moving: “Next stop: 4th Avenue.”

Feinberg’s approach to life is unorthodox, filled with personal phi-losophy that resists expectations and traditions. Instead, he is focused on his passions. His goals are simple: capture humanity on film, change the world.

Suddenly the train slows to a stop and the doors open. People trade places,

about 20 in all. The doors close and new conversations begin.

“Next stop: 16th Street.”Feinberg doesn’t have a destina-

tion. He continues to ride. Suddenly, as if prodded by a wave of inspiration, he presses the round, black button and the doors part.

Standing on the corner of 8th Street and Capitol Mall, he pauses. His eyes trace the outlines of buildings. Though he says he can appreci-ate a structured approach to life, it is not an ideal he values. In fact, he tends to dismiss it altogether.

“I just kind of walk around

until I see something,” Feinberg explains. “I do this quite often. I look for one pic-ture. Let’s go this way.”

“He’s quiet, reserved and observa-tional,” notes former classmate Cicely Pearson. “He’s very focused and light-hearted, an easy-going guy headed into adulthood with his eyes wide open.”

To Feinberg, it’s less about pho-tography and more about interaction.

“I plan to go all over the world,” Feinberg states. “I want to capture hu-manity. Photography is just a tool.”

As he moves down the sidewalk, he removes his Nikon and snaps a few pictures, barely taking a moment to let the camera focus before slipping it back into his pocket. He allows his camera to capture exactly that moment, right as he passes through it.

“My style has changed a lot,” notes Feinberg. “For about how long I’ve been walking, I would have taken about 60 photos before. I have a lot more skill now. I have much more intent.”

His intent in photography is helping him be successful. Though the struc-ture of school doesn’t quite fit his lifestyle, knowledge does. He says it keeps his mind sharp.

“Brandon appears to be serious about his education,” says former Professor Jerry Mobery of Feinberg’s “United States

History, African American Emphasis” class. “I strongly believe he has great intellectual capabilities and will be suc-cessful in whatever major or profession he chooses.”

Feinberg turns down K Street, his favorite because of all the people who gather and walk there. He says he tends to prefer film to digital photography, regardless of convenience.

“I guess it depends on how I’m thinking at the moment,” says Feinberg. “If I’m thinking lifestyle-wise, I defi-nitely think film. It’s just the pace that you go. If I take a picture with this [Rol-leicord], I just wind to the next frame. I’m still looking at the world.”

He closes the viewfinder with a snap, not once pressing the shutter. He observes his lack of picture taking, but he’s not defeated. For Feinberg, it’s not about the end result; he doesn’t try to force it.

“I used to be frustrated if I couldn’t find a picture,” Feinberg says. “But my

goals have changed. Even if I don’t take a picture, it’s like walking meditation.”

He moves down an alley. When he comes to a building, abandoned with peeling red paint and bulging boards, his eyes light up. He surveys it. He moves the Rolleicord into position, snaps open the view screen, and looks down.

“Hmm. It’s too flat. I think I’ll come back when it’s raining.”

At around $1.50 per photo, Fein-berg’s meticulous attention to detail saves him time and money and lends itself to his patient pace of life.

He describes photographers he’s observed in Mexico. Obsessing over getting exactly the right shot, taking a picture, taking another, uploading it to a computer, editing and considering it some more.

“There’s nothing wrong with that, but the way they live is not how I want to live. They’re not in the moment. They’re like... ghosts.”


Student photographershoots at a new paceBrandon Feinberg uses slower shutter speeds to capture street life in Sacramento

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CAMPUS SCENE Catch up on the latest campus events at saccityexpress.com.

“I used to be frustrated if I couldn’t find a picture... But my goals have changed. Even if I don’t take a picture, it’s like walking meditation.”

Brandon FeinbergCITY COLLEGE STUDENT

Gabby Smith//[email protected]

Brandon Feinberg takes life at a slower pace than most photographers, using the light rail as his main modes of transportation to capture new sights in Sacramento.

Brandon Feinberg hopes to transfer to the Maritime Acedemy, but focuses on his love of photography and lives life in the moment.

Gabby Smith//[email protected]

“My style has changed a lot. For about how long I’ve been walk-ing, I would have taken about 60 photos before. I have a lot more skill now. I have much more intent.”

Brandon FeinbergCITY COLLEGE STUDENT

“Brandon appears to be serious about his education...I strongly believe he has great intellectual capabilities and will be successful in whatever major or profession he chooses.”

Jerry MoberyFORMER PROFESSOR OF FEINBERG

Justin ValdezStaff Writer // [email protected]

Practice is a must every day for the City College ath-letes on the track and field team. According to Panthers track and field head coach Rob Dewar, for those who compete in the hammer throw, it is even more crucial.

“The hammer throw is such a tough event in track and field that you have to find someone who is willing to put in the extra work,” said Dewar.

The hammer throw is just like any other track and field event; it takes many years of practice and com-petition to master. Because the hammer throw is such a dangerous event, it isn’t sanctioned by many high schools in the United States, preventing young athletes from getting an early start in the event and forcing them to play catch up once they reach collegiate competition. According to The New York Times, Rhode Island is the only state that allows the hammer throw event in high schools.

“It’s a dangerous event with a 16-pound hammer coming around at you at 23 to 30 miles per hour,” said Dewar.

At City College, hammer throw practice usually starts with the throwers stretching and stepping into the cage to take some practice swings. Panthers throwers coach John Badovanic comes out for the start of every practice and asks how everyone is feeling. One by one, throwers take turns entering the cage while Badovanic looks on and tells them what they need to improve or what they did well

“I have one guy who was a hammer thrower when he was in high school. Everyone else I had to teach,” said Badovanic.

As a track and field event in United States, the ham-mer throw has not been prevalent for many years. The last year the United States took the gold medal in the Olympics for the hammer throw was in 1956. It has me-daled in the event only once since. According to allath-letics.com, the United States ranks No. 26 in the world in the men’s hammer throw and No. 6 in the women’s.

“The United States is so far behind in this event at the Olympics from countries like Sweden, Russia, Ger-

many, and Italy,” said men’s track and field head coach Rob Dewar.

For the City College hammer throwers, experience is the most diverse aspect of the team according to Bado-vanic. Garrett Siscel is the most experienced thrower currently on the roster. For Siscel this is his ninth consecutive season throwing the hammer. He started throwing the discus before he began throwing the ham-mer when he was 16.

“I started throwing because my dad was a thrower in high school, and he wanted me to start in middle school,

so I’m carrying on the family tradition,” said Siscel.Cleopatra Henri’s experience level is on the opposite

end of the spectrum. The freshman thrower, who tried the event at the suggestion of a previous track and field coach, has only begun throwing since her arrival as a student as City College this year. Because Henri is very new to the event, she said that at times she looks to the more experienced throwers for advice.

“I started throwing in October 2013,” said Henri. “If my coach is helping someone else, my teammates will tell me what my throw is missing.”

Whether they have been throwing for years or just picked up the hammer for the first time, all Panther throwers have one thing in common: None of them was able to throw the hammer at their high schools.

“The problem is there just aren’t enough people who know how to coach it,” said Badovanic. “With shot and disc you can find someone who was a thrower in high school that recently graduated or was a thrower 10 years ago to come coach it. And with the hammer throw, unless you did it in college, you don’t really have the knowledge to coach it.”

Dewar agrees that a coaching shortage is the reason for the absence of hammer throw in high school. He also isn’t looking to change that.

“I don’t think they should have it in high school,” said Dewar. “[They] don’t have enough quality coaches to teach the proper technique. Too many kids would get hurt.”

There are youth clubs for throwers outside of high school athletes can join if they want to learn how to do the hammer throw. For instance, Golden State Throw-ers Club is located in Elk Grove. There are only a few clubs like this around the country, and many throwers are throwing the hammer for the first time at the junior college level.

Learning a sport that takes a large amount of skill and is physically demanding for the first time in college can be frustrating at times, according to Dewar.

“We don’t want them to be frustrated,” said Dewar. “Our philosophy is we want to make sure it’s a positive experience.”

The fine art of throwing hammerCity College athletes train for tough, dangerous track and field event, put in extra work to master technique

Dianne Rose / [email protected]

City College basketball player among top 20Antwoine Davis named to All-State and All-Big-8 conference teams

City College basketball star Antwoine Davis recorded a triple double, the first in school’s history since the 2000 season.In the game Davis had 13 points 13 rebounds and 11 assists.

Cleopatra Henri, City College freshman business major, at hammer throw practice at Hughes Stadium.

Kristopher HooksStaff Writer // [email protected]

EVERY SEASON, THE CALIFORNIA Community College Athletic Association announces the top 20 community college players in the state by electing them to the All-State Team. This year, City Col-lege basketball star Antwoine Davis was among the 20 players listed.

Davis topped off his City College career not only by being named to the 2013–2014 All-State team, but also to the All-Big 8 Conference team.

Davis, who graduated from Luther Burbank High School, led the Pan-thers and the Big-8 Conference in points per game and rebounds per game this season with 17.8 and 11.4, respectively.

At 6-foot 2-inches tall, Davis is a well-rounded player both on offense and defense. He averaged 2.3 steals per

game and 3.9 offensive rebounds a game, leading the team in both categories.

In a game this season against Co-sumnes River College, Davis recorded

a triple double, the first in school’s history since the 2000 season. In

the game, Davis had 13 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.

After playing two years at City College, Davis will be

looking to play at the next level at one of the many

schools in the National Association of Intercol-legiate Athletics (NAIA).

Jake Patrick Donahue // [email protected]

Get the latest game updates, schedules & exclusive interviews at saccityexpress.comGAME ON


SPORTS

DASHA MASALATINA TREADS WA-TER for eight minutes, her legs scissoring furiously as she tries to keep her head afloat. She’s doesn’t know how to play water polo, but she doesn’t care. Not knowing how to do something new has never stopped her before.

Not too long ago, everything was new for her. New home. New school. New country.

New sport? Bring it on.“This is my life now,” says the

19-year-old City College freshman. “And I love it.”

An aquatics athlete who plans to transfer to a four-year university to study neuroscience, Masalatina came to Sacra-mento two years ago from her home city of Kharkiv in Northeastern Ukraine.

Her home country has been in politi-cal turmoil recently as a result of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a southern region of the Ukraine. The act has provoked sanctions by the U.S. and Europe because the annexation has been seen as a sup-pression of Ukraine’s democratic sover-eignty.

With soft words laced with the lilt of her home country, Masalatina talks about how the complexity of the Crimea situa-tion impacts her and her family.

“People don’t know what to expect,” says Masalatina.

Her relatives in the Crimea region are pro-Ukrainian, and she says they are worried about what’s going to happen with a change in leadership.

“A lot of people want or would like to become part of Russia, but there is still a percentage of people who want to be in Ukraine. And they have their businesses and all that set up for Ukraine, and they just don’t know what’s going to happen with it,” says Masalatina.

“It’s a weird feeling having a huge part of your country not be your country anymore.”

She still keeps in contact with her friends in the Ukraine via email, and they talk a lot about Russia’s annexation of one of Ukraine’s most popular regions.

“Many Ukrainians go to the Black Sea during the summer,” says Masalatina. “Crimea is a summer resort. Now since it’s not our country anymore, my friends are questioning whether they should still go. It’s really confusing.”

Masalatina says her family is more

confused than upset, wondering what’s going to happen next.

On a smaller scale, over 6,000 miles away from her homeland, Masalatina has had to learn a new skill. When she tried out for City College’s water polo team, it was her first time playing the sport.

“In the Ukraine my swimming was just a hobby,” says Masalatina. “[Water polo] was really hard in the beginning because I didn’t know basically anything.”

Masalatina first heard about the water polo team from a classmate in her intermediate swim class. Her classmate suggested that since Masalatina enjoys swimming so much, she should try out for water polo. Masalatina says that she took her classmate’s advice and talked to head swimming coach Steven Hanson about joining the water polo team. Han-son welcomed her with open arms despite her lack of experience.

“He said, ‘Of course, Dasha,’” says Masalatina. “’Please join us.’”

The swim team culture is an open and welcoming one, says 19-year-old computer engineering major Sam Meyers, who is a teammate of Masalatina.

“The team was so welcoming and coach Hanson was so awesome,” says Masalatina. “My first friends are on the water polo team. My first real American friends.”

Being with the players and working together as a team is what Masalatina says she enjoys most about water polo. She says most of her friends are Ameri-cans and they don’t treat her any differ-ent than any other player.

Twenty-year-old biology major Taylor Hill, another of Masalatina’s team-mates, says he didn’t even know she was from another country.

“You can kind of tell from her accent a little bit, but I didn’t really know,” says Hill.

Masalatina speaks four languages: Ukrainian, Russian, English and German. The only child of two physicists, Masala-tina planned to study physics as well until she found a passion for psychology. She took a summer psychology class at City College and found her calling.

“I loved it so much,” says Masalatina. “And I was like, ‘Oh, my God, that is what I want to do’.”

Masalatina says studying while being an athlete is the hardest part about at-tending City College.

“Sometimes there are moments of frustration,” says Masalatina. “You have to ask if you really want to do this. And I say, ‘Yeah, I really do want to do this.’ And I don’t give up.”

Having never swum competitively before arriving at City College, Masala-tina says she had a lot of trouble with the strength required to be a successful aquatic athlete. Assistant swimming coach Bryce Young says Masalatina’s com-mitment has helped her succeed

“When I first met Dasha, I didn’t think she was going to be able to swim or play water polo,” says Young. “But then I saw how hard she works. She is such a

hard worker.”Young says Masalatina is so tena-

cious in her work ethic that when she would get frustrated, she would talk to herself as a way to stay motivated.

“She would say to herself, ‘Come on, Dasha, you can do this,’” says Young.

Her dedication paid off. Last season, Masalatina was able to make the water polo team as the goalie and this semester she is a red-shirt on the swim team. She says a huge part of her success can be at-tributed to the support she receives from her coaches and teammates.

“I just feel like I’m a lucky one,” says Masalatina, “because they accept me as I am and help me so much.”

Masalatina wants to pass along her message of perseverance to students from other countries looking to make the jump into American sports.

“It’s not easy to start a new life in a new country,” says Masalatina. “Just follow your passion and heart. And never give up.”

Crimea loses identity while student athlete finds hersUkraninian swimmer keeps afloat while country treads dangerous waters

City College competitive swimmer Daria Masalatina poses March 31 before her swimming practice at the Hoos swimming pool. She says she hopes to continue competitive swimming or water polo in the future.

Elizabeth Ramirez // Staff Photographer // [email protected]

Jonathan TarayaStaff Writer // [email protected]

“A lot of people want or would like to become part of Russia, but there is still a percentage of people who want to be in Ukraine. And they have their businesses and all that set up for Ukraine, and they just don’t know what’s going to happen with it.”

Dasha Masalatina CITY COLLEGE STUDENT ATHLETE

Masalatina, a City College neuroscience major, practices the breast stroke at Hoos pool.



Masalatina, a native of Ukraine, receives feedback from coach Steven Hanson during practice.

GAME ON Get the latest game updates, schedules & exclusive interviews at saccityexpress.com


SPORTS

GAME ON Get the latest game updates, schedules & exclusive interviews at saccityexpress.com

Justin ValdezStaff Writer// [email protected]

FINELY MANICURED GRASS, SMOOTHLY raked infield dirt, bright white chalk lines and the Panthers soft-ball team huddled up in a pre-game chant while San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh’s “Who’s got it better than us?” call blasts over the public address system. This is the usual Panthers’ ritual before every home game at City College. Infielder Stephanie Bagwell is in the center of the huddle helping get the team fired up.

Bagwell, a sophomore at City College, is the Panthers’ starting second baseman. She was born in Berkley and when she was 10 her family moved to Fairfield where she went on to play four years of varsity softball at Vanden High School.

Bagwell said she was inspired to play softball at a young age.

“Growing up I watched a lot of PAC 10 [softball] and every year I had a new favorite player,” said Bagwell. “My mom and I went to the College Softball World Series in Oklahoma and it really inspired me.”

However, softball was not Bagwell’s first sport.

“I started playing softball at 10 but before that I played baseball,” said Bagwell.

Out of high school Bagwell was recruited by a handful of schools including Sacramento City College. She ultimately chose to go out of state to play for St. Leo University in Florida, a Division II private Catholic university. She played one year, the 2012-2013 season before deciding to leave the school and return home.

“I was promised things by the coach and he didn’t follow through with them,” said Bagwell of her decision to leave St. Leo. “I didn’t want to waste years because your time is limited as a softball player.”

Back in California, Bagwell still wanted to play softball, so she reached out to one of the coaches that had recruited her out of high school.

“She had called me and said are you still interested in me and I told her ab-solutely,” said City College softball Head Coach Tim Kiernan. “Now she’s here and she’s doing a good job.”

So far this season Bagwell has started 22 games, recorded 11 RBIs, and has a batting average of .308. Bagwell combined with shortstop Mickey Loveridge to sure up the middle of the infield defensively for the Panthers. According to the California Community College Association, Bagwell ranks No. 19 overall and No. 8 in the Big 8 Conference in double plays turned.

“She’s fundamentally good,” said Kier-nan. “We’ve always led the area in double plays turned and she fits right in.”

Bagwell’s teammate Loveridge says the working relationship between a short-stop and second baseman plays a major role on the defense.

“The chemistry between the middle infielders is the most important on the field,” said Loveridge. “Trust and communi-cation is huge when we each have a play up the middle to know which one of us is going to be there.”

Loverage says the two infielders have built their chemistry over time on and off the field and believes it’s Bagwell’s positive

attitude that makes her a great teammate and friend.

“We’ve known each other from playing travel [softball] when we were younger and have a friendship instead of just being players on the field,” said Loverage. “She a good team player and leader, she’s always positive and she always stays focused with her mind in the game.”

Bagwell and a handful of sophomore players assume the leadership roles on the team for the Panthers. She uses her experi-ence and knowledge of the game to be a strong leader.

“She really knows and understands the game,” said Kiernan. “She’s very intelligent, works hard, and leads by example.”

Bagwell said she didn’t find it hard to transition from a Division II school to a community college although there are some major differences when it comes to the level of pitching or relationships between other players on the team.

“The atmosphere of a junior college is a lot bigger than the university, not living in

dorms makes a difference in your relation-ships but I think it makes players more committed to playing because they have to make the commute to and from school,” said Bagwell.

Bagwell is working toward an associ-ate’s degree in social science, but says when she’s done with softball she would like to go into the sports field, working in sports management, broadcasting, or athletic training.

Bagwell’s on-field efforts at City Col-lege this year have proven fruitful. The Pan-thers are currently in second place in the Big 8 Conference. They are only one game behind first place Sierra College and look to overtake them and make a strong playoff push. However, Bagwell says she tries not to focus solely on winning or losing.

“Winning is important but at the end of the day you can play a great game and still lose,” said Bagwell. “It’s not always about winning and losing it’s about the process of getting better.”

Panthers infield shows skill, leadershipSecond baseman helps team rise to second place in Big 8

Harold WilliamsStaff Writter//[email protected]

STUDENTS ENROLL IN CITY College for various reasons. For many it is an op-portunity to earn an associate’s degree or certificate, or transfer to a university to earn a four-year degree.

Amateur boxer and communications major Julius Douglas says that his decision to enroll in City College was motivated by his aspiration to better his life and to com-pete in the Olympic Games as a member of the United States Men’s Boxing Team.

“I’m aiming for the Olympics,” said Douglas. “Right now I’m training every day to get better so that when I’m ready to go professional I’ll give it a shot.”

Growing up in Oak Park, a lower income neighborhood often plagued by drugs, gangs and crime, Douglas says he often found himself on the wrong side of the law.

As a youth, Douglas says he got into a lot of trouble, he was also known as an ad-ept fighter, something he says ultimately led to his interest in boxing.

At age 17 Douglas’ life changed when he was incarcerated for his involvement in a robbery.

“I did four years in Folsom [State Prison] and Susanville [State Prison],” said Douglas. “Like most people I kind of thought it was going to be like in the mov-ies, but everything was based on respect, politics and race.”

While in prison, Douglas’ mother died

from heart failure. Douglass took it hard.“I basically kind of shut down,” said

Douglas. According to Douglas, his mother’s

death was extremely troubling for him, but it also marked a major turning point in his life at which he became motivated to better himself. Douglas says that after the unexpected loss of his mother, he began receiving guidance from one of the older inmates in regards to making a positive change in his life.

“I started reading, praying, and work-ing out a lot more,” says Douglas. “I also started surrounding myself [with] positive people.”

After his release from prison in 2012,

Douglas was intro-duced by a friend to City College boxing coach Pete Pryor and began to develop a strong interest in the sport while taking Pryor’s class.

“I liked it a lot, plus I was able to meet new people and learn a lot more about the sport of boxing,” said Douglas.

Although he may have been a natural fighter, Douglas says that

he did have several challenges to over-come.

“I had to overcome my fear of even coming to school, because it was some-thing that I wasn’t really interested [in] and I didn’t think I would succeed,” said Douglas. “Also, you have to be really dis-ciplined in order to be a boxer, especially watching what you put into your body”

Douglas says while at City College he has gained many skills both in and out of the ring that have helped him become more disciplined and focused.

“I’m a much better listener than I used to be,” says Douglas. “When I was younger I didn’t think anyone could tell me anything, boxing has helped me.”

After completing the boxing class at City College Douglas decided he wanted to further his training as an amateur boxer and started working out at a boxing gym in Elk Grove.

“A good friend of mine took me into the gym one day,” says Douglas. “Now I’m training for my first amateur match.”

Douglas, who plans to transfer to Howard University in Washington, D.C., will compete in his first amateur boxing match at Elk Grove High School May 3.

In addition to studying communica-tions at City College and boxing, Douglas is also active in his community, volunteer-ing as a basketball and football trainer for young athletes at Kid’s Sports Gym in Oak Park.

Douglas’ efforts to turn his life around can serve as inspiration to other City College students who may be in similar situations, according to City College Ex-tended Opportunity Program and Services Student Personnel Assistant Kathleen Dorn, who has known Douglas since they met last year during a faculty and student mentor program where students and City College faculty played basketball games in the South Gym.

“I see this desire in Julius to want to lead a good life,” says Dorn. “There are a number of students that go down the wrong path for so many reasons. What made Julius so special is that he is an ex-ample of an individual going beyond their past and moving forward to an amazing future. ”

Fighting for a better lifeFormer inmate, boxer and communications student trains for the future and Olympics at City College

Dianna Rose // [email protected]

Stephanie Bagwell, a City College sophomore infielder, gets the out at second and throws to first during a home game against Solano College.

Dianna Rose // [email protected]

Julius Douglas a City College communications major, works on his shadow boxing technique in the North Gym.


SPORTS

Express, Volume 98, Issue 11

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Transcript of Express, Volume 98, Issue 11