AMPAGE - Victor Valley College

RamPage • Victor Valley College NewsMay 2, 2008 • Page 2Graduation Preparation BeginningStory and Photo ByKaren HowellCo-News EditorVictor Valley College 2008Commencement exercises willbe held Friday, June 6, at 5 p.m.and 8 p.m. in the gymnasium.Graduates may sign up for theirceremony preference based onavailable seating. Sign-ups beganon April 29 at the Grad Fair.Up to 10 tickets for friendsand relatives per graduate areavailable but students are encouragedto take only what theyneed and “if two or four areneeded, don’t take 10,” saidMargie Sandello, coordinator ofStudent Services. According toSandello, excess tickets will bemade available at a date closer tograduation. Kendra Ullger,Bookstore Operations Assistant,said that graduates could call theAssociated Student Body officein a couple of weeks to see ifmore tickets will be available.“Because our biggest problemFate of Humanities Center Still UncertainStory ByMelissa GomezRamPage ReporterVictor Valley College is lookingto expand the college presencein the Humanities Center onlower campus, which is predominantlyunoccupied due to thecompletion of the AdvancedTechnology Center.According to Robert Sewell,director of Auxiliary Services, itis important to have relationswith other college campuses.VVC is currently communicatingwith “educational partnerswho are interested in a presenceon VVC’s campus,” said Sewell.is weather, in order to have acovered location, we holdgraduation in the gym,” saidGreta Moon, directorof Admissions andRecords. According toMoon, past attempts tohold commencementceremonies outdoorshave had unpredictableresults including unbearableheat and extremelystrong winds.Last year’s ceremonywas held at theMaverick BaseballStadium in Adelantobecause damage to thegymnasium floor wasbeing repaired.About 1,100 students willreceive their degrees this yearand about 375 will participatein one of the two ceremonies,according to Sandello.Jaime Schmidt wants toattend because “it has taken me12 years, and I deserve it afterthree kids.”Schmidt will receive anColleges such as Azusa Pacificand Cal State San Bernardinoare looking to expand inadditional space in VVC’s Humanitiescenter.Accordingto Sewell,“Having acollege presenceis abenefit forour studentsGinger Olsen, a VVC student, standswith a mannequin dressed in Grad garb.Associate of Arts degree andtransfer to a four year universityin order to become an elementaryteacher.Honor cords will be availablefor those who possesscumulative grade point averagesof 3.5 or better based ondegree requirements completedthrough the Fall 2007 semester.A list of qualified graduateswill be given to the bookstoresometime near the end of Maylooking toadvance inour community.”Although it has not yet beendetermined when this advancewill take place it has been rumoredthat VVC potentiallymay have new partners duringthe summer.Dr. Robert Silverman,Photo By Bill Buttler, Co-News EditorThe Humanities Center on Lower Campuspresident of VVC, has heardthese rumors but says there areno firm proposals to confirmthat it is true.and the cords may be purchasedat that time, accordingto Sandello.Diplomas will be availablefor pickup approximately 18weeks after the end of the semester,according to the CommencementInformation locationat the VVC website.Additionally, graduatesare asked to pay all fees in fulland to make sure that Admissionsand Records have correctmailing addresses.The Grad Fair held on April29 from noon to 6 p.m. in theVVC bookstore not only providedan opportunity for graduatesto choose their commencementtime but also a chance topurchase a package of cap,gown, hood and tassel for$47.99 plus tax. Other itemsavailable included announcementsstarting at $17.50 for 10.These items will continue to beavailable at the bookstore.Dr. Silverman said that he“would like to rent the spacewhich is not needed by thecollege at this time, but again, Ihave no proposal to review.”Now that places such as theWriting Center, Basic SkillsLab and other classes are in theATC, the Humanities Center iscurrently filled with Spanishtutoring classes and has signson almost every door to notifystudents where classes andstaff members have been relocatedto.The fate of the HC buildingsis not yet clear. Staff membersare hesitant to discuss the futureof the buildings for reasonsunknown.

RamPage • Victor Valley College NewsMay 2, 2008 • Page 3Paramedics Program Medical Director Passes AwayStory ByBill ButtlerCo-News EditorVictor Valley College lost itsParamedics Program MedicalDirector Roger Earl Toop, MD,who died suddenly of cardiacarrest April 9 at Desert ValleyHospital in Victorville. A residentof Phelan, Dr. Toop was 63.A memorial service was heldApril 28 at West Covina HillsSeventh Day Adventist Church,and he was laid to rest at ForestLawn Memorial Park in WestCovina.Dr. Toop had overseen theVVC program since June of2007 and was known by colleaguesas “a very giving person”according to a pamphlethanded out at the memorial service.He was said to have alwaysextended praise and appre-VVC Appoints Kevin Barda as College RecruiterStory and Photo ByNancy SextonRamPage ReporterKevin Barda is the new CollegeRecruiter at Victor ValleyCollege according to an emailsent campuswide by Dr. VictoriaA. Hindes, dean of Student Services.According to Kevin Barda,the college recruiter position isan outreach position to increaseenrollment and to foster goodrelationships with the surroundingschools and community.As the college recruiter,Barda will recruit students. Hisgoal is to increase enrollment atthe college and to see more studentsgraduate from VVC andtransfer to a four-year university.Barda has a bachelor’s degreein sociology with a minor in philosophyfrom Grand CanyonUniversity in Phoenix, Arizona.Photo taken from memorial pamphletHe also has a master’s degreein education from Azusa PacificUniversity. According toBarda his education allows himto better serve the students andshow them thevalue of educationas it fits into society.Barda is planningto further hiseducation with adoctorate in educationor administration.Barda has beenthe Cross Countrycoach at VVCsince 1998 and hastaught in thePhysical EducationDepartment since2000. He still competes inCross Country at the nationallevel and he was able to puthimself through school withscholarships from the sport.ciation to God for his recoveryfrom cancer in the early 2000's;also for hissons, Kennyand Dayton,and lookedforward tospiritual reunionwith hisdaughter,Kara, whopreceded himin death in1987.BornDec.16, 1945in Almonte,Ontario, Dr.Toop attendedAlmonte DistrictHighSchool before becoming an x-ray technician at Branson Hospitalin Willowdale, Ontario.He attended Walla Walla Collegein Washington, earning aBA in Sociology in 1972 andcounseled AlcoholicsAnonymousat WashingtonState Penitentiary.GraduatingLoma LindaUniversity with aMD in 1978, hethen lectured onFamily CrisisIntervention atUniversity ofRiverside. Afteran internship atL.A. County/USC MedicalCenter he servedan emergencymedicine residency through1983.Dr. Toop began his medicalcareer at a number of SouthernCalifornia medical facilities,Prior to Barda’s promotionhe was the Upward BoundCoordinator for the VVCTRIO (Student Support Services)Program. This is a federallyfundedprogram thattracks 50studentsthrough allfour years ofhigh schoolto help ensuretheirsuccess incollege. Heenjoyed thisposition as ithelped students.Bardasaid, “I am looking forward toperforming the duties of thisjob as it helps tell the studentsof the importance of education.Education allows you toKevin Barda, the new CollegeRecruiter at VVC.including a stint as MedicalDirector of the Paramedic Programat Mt. San Antonio College,Ocean Medical Familyand Urgent Care in RedondoBeach, Emergency Room Physicianat Barstow CommunityHospital and Emergency RoomPhysician at Delano RegionalMedical Center, before practicingat Desert Valley Hospitalin Victorville.Friends and colleaguescommented that he always hada joke or a funny story, lovedto laugh and make others smileand delighted in helping people.Dr. Toop is survived byformer spouses Ligaya Roweof Alberta, Canada and KimberlyAkin of California,brother Joe of Edmonton, aswell as uncles, aunts, niecesand nephews.choose what you want to do fora living. I enjoy encouragingstudents.”Janet Long is head of StudentSupport Services whereBarda worked as UpwardBound Coordinator before becomingthe College Recruiter.Long said, “I worked withKevin Barda for approximatelythree months. He was instrumentalin the development ofthe relationship between VVCUpward Bound Program andeach of the target schools.Through Kevin’s efforts recruitmentof the high schoolstudents is well under way andprogressing successfully.Kevin is a high energy personand as such he accomplisheswhat he sets out to do.”Elizabeth Duarte has takenover Barda’s former positionas Coordinator of UpwardBound.

RamPage • Victor Valley College FeaturesMay 2, 2008 • Page 4Story ByBrandon ChizAssistant Editor-in-ChiefThe opening of the PerformingArts Center began with aprestige dinner and theatre performanceof Guys and Dolls, aplay made in the 1950’s.In celebration of the reopeningof the PAC, the Victor ValleyCollege’s Associated StudentBody and the VVC DistrictFoundation helped create theGala Grand Opening, a fundraiserwhich brought in $37,000for the VVC Theatre program.“We are a program to makefriends and help the communityand we felt that the Gala woulddo that, and tonight it did,” saidGinger Ontiveros, VVC DistrictFoundation executive director.The dinner was presented inthe Student Activities Center thathad been redesigned for theVVC Hosts a Packed PACguests, changing the ambienceinto a classy reception hallincluding music and catereddinning.However, it took extensiveplanning for both the PAC andthe Gala to be truly established,as Assistant Director ofAuxiliary Services DeannaMurphy remembers.“It has been about two yearssince the last play here,” saidMurphy. “There was a board,and through that it became agroup effort that evolved theGala event into what it hasbecome today.”After dinner, attendees weretreated with a grand red carpetentrance accompanied by theFire Academy trainees standingin attention on each side ofthe carpet, honoring guests asthey walked by.“It’s been so exciting andwonderful! We’ve been constantlyentertained. But mostimportantly it‘s great to havethe community come out andmake this night successful,”said Linda Scott, a member ofthe Foundation.The price of the dinner wasthe fundraiser which provedto be for a good cause. Theevent had many sponsors includingthe Daily Press, ElDorado Broadcasting, Cal K12Construction and Sportsman’sWarehouse.The Gala also had manyimportant guests filling up thePAC to near maximum capacity,including Superintendent/President of Victor Valley CollegeDr. Robert Silverman.“It’s nice to have eventshere again,” Silverman said. “Itturned out to be a full and entertainingevent and we’re gladthat everybody came throughand we’re able to enjoy this atVVC again.”“We felt it was absolutelysuccessful,” said, Ginger Ontiveros,executive director forVVC District Foundation.”Having a full PAC made theactors and actress of Guys andDolls anxious with anticipation.“It felt great and fun! Youget to feed off the energy of thecrowd, and utilize the lengththat we rehearsed for theshow,” said Mark Dufrenne,the actor who played the leadroll of Nathan Detroit.Even though a dinner and atheatre combo event is notcommon to the college, whenasked if something similarmight happen at the PAC againGinger Ontiveros has positivehopes, “It was absolutely successful,and it might be sometime,but we hope to do thisagain in the future.”For ticket information callthe ticket center at (760)245-4271 extension 849.Robert Sewell Wins First Amendment AwardGuest Submission ByJudith PfefferJournalism AdviserRobert Sewell has won theFirst Amendment Award of theJournalism Association of CommunityColleges.Sewell, director of auxiliaryservices at Victor Valley Collegeand adviser to VVC’s AssociatedStudent Body Council, was oneof five people honored with theaward, given annually since2003. JACC, based in Oakland,is composed of journalism instructorsfrom dozens of communitycolleges throughout thestate.The award was conveyed atan awards banquet April 5 thatconcluded the three-day annualconvention. This convention,the most important event forJACC, was held at the WilshireGrand Hotel in downtown LosAngeles; next year’s will be inMarch in Sacramento.Sewell attended the dinnerwith his wife, Theresa, andwith Judith Pfeffer, journalisminstructor and student mediaadviser, who nominated him.Sewell and Pfeffer, plus thefour other pairs of honorees/nominators, delivered briefremarks to the approximately600 people there.The First AmendmentAward was created to recognizeadministrators at Californiacommunity colleges whofacilitate, in any notable way,the mission of the student journalistsat their campuses.Sewell’s assistance, forapproximately the past eightyears, has been of the concretevariety, with his staff handlingthe advertising and accountingfunctions for the RamPage anddelivering the twice-monthlypaper around campus. Moreover,starting about five yearsago, he has provided the programwith a small office in theStudent Activities Center touse as a newsroom. The paperis printed on campus — Sewellis in charge of the CampusPrint Shop — and starting thissemester the RamPage has alsobeen distributed by him viaintracampus email.This assistance frees thesmall staff and the part-timeinstructor/adviser to concentrateon the core mission ofcovering the campus andthereby maintaining the studentmedia as a First Amendmentpublic forum. The journalismprogram consists of the awardwinningRamPage; an independentwebsite establishedapproximately one year ago athttp://www.myspace.com/vvcrampage; and, set to debutlater this year, video coverage.The initial funding for video isbeing supported by a grantfrom the Victor Valley CollegeFoundation.

RamPage • Victor Valley College FeaturesMay 2, 2008 • Page 5Heard Around the LakeInterviews By Amberly Salvate, RamPage Reporter“What do you think VVC needs to improve or focus on?”“Water at night. The sprinklersare always on duringthe day.”-Jeremiah Harvey“I just show up, do my stuffand leave, so nothing really.”-Nathaniel Larson“I’d like to see more classesand more class times.”-Lorenzo Morales“More science classes.They fill up too fast.”-Anthony Berry“Night classes should start laterthan 5:30 p.m. so people whowork will have enough time toget here and find parking.”-Barbara V. Lowe-Lascelles“PARKING!!!”-Collete WashingtonASB continued from Page 1in on the ballot. According tothe Inner Club Council SenatorArmando Perez, the followingprocedure should be followed:Write-in candidates mustdeclare their intention to runfor an office 48 hours prior toelections. Write-in votes willnot be counted unless the candidatehas submitted a writtendeclaration to the ElectionCommittee.A write-in vote shall:a. Be clearly marked in thespace provided on the ballot.b. Have the candidate's nameclearly written on the line provided.The election committeewill vote on discrepancies.Write-in candidates must havea minimum of 10 percent ofthe votes cast in the election tobe elected to office.c. All write in candidatesmust meet minimum requirementsas stipulated in electionscode.Candidate ForumsMonday, May 511 a.m. to 1 p.m.Tuesday, May 611 a.m. to 1 p.m.ElectionsWednesday, May 79 a.m. to 7 p.m.Thursday, May 810 a.m. to 5 p.m.Voting LocationsScience Building(Building 31)Student Activities Center(Building 44)Gym(Building 71)News BriefsRam’s WeekRam’s Week will be May 12 through 16. The week will beginwith a club fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a vendor expo at the sametime and an academic challenge at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday’s eventsinclude a music and art festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdaywill h ave. a Recycled Fashion show 2pm to 3pm, and a DunkTank starting at 11 a.m. Thursday Drag Pageant 12 noon to 1 p.m.Drag rare 1pm to 1:30pm. Friday Breakfast 6 a.m., Luncheon 1p.m. to 3 p.m., Mock trail Happy 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.PAC Music EventsThursday, May 15 Music Ensemble, 7:30 p.m.FREEFriday, May 16 Strike Up the Bands! 7:30 p.m.Tickets: $10 General Admission, $7 Seniors/Children, ASBCardholders FREESaturday, May 17 Beethoven Festival, Choral Music 7:30 p.m.Tickets: $10 General Admission, $7 Seniors/Children, ASBCardholders FREESunday, May 18 Strings and More! 2:30 p.m.Tickets: $10 General Admission, $7 Seniors/Children, ASBCardholders FREETickets can be purchased at the VVC Box Office or by calling(760) 245-4271 extension 849

RamPage • Victor Valley College FeaturesMay 2, 2008 • Page 6Photo Essay ByDesiree PenaRamPage ReporterClassics Shake Rattle and Roll into VVCThe Past Reflections Car Club heldtheir 17th annual Shake Rattle and Roll carshow Saturday, April 19. The show washeld at Victor Valley College and featuredapproximately 125 cars. All proceedsraised will go to local charities.Unusual Bird Appears on Lower CampusRear Admiral continued fromPage 1Story ByMicah SilkeRamPage ReporterA guinea fowl has made itshome on the lower campus ofVictor Valley College. This domesticbird, about half the size ofa grown turkey, has been a VVClocal for about a month.“Just walk into the gardenjust about anytime, on any dayand you’ll see that guinea fowlrunning around clucking up astorm,” said Andrew Billingsly,a student at VVC. aaaaaaaaSince mid March the guineafowl, which remains nameless,has been seen nesting in a tamarisktree below the Desert DemonstrationsGarden on the lowercampus. No one is sure howthe guinea fowl got there.“It probably escaped from abird exhibit and found it’s waydown here where it stays bigand fat and just cruisesaround,” said Robert Bennet, ateacher on the lower campus.“It’s happened before thatsomebody will drop off agoose or duck. Guinea fowlare pretty big and noisy, anywaywe’re happy to haveher,” said Bennet.The garden has made anexceptional habitat for thebird. Starla Underwood, theenvironmental specialist oncampus, has been seen shooingher out of dangers way inthe adjacent parking lot andback into the garden.Unless someone comes toclaim her, “she has decidedthat this is where she’s goingto stay,” said Bennet. The largered hawks that frequent thearea are the only real threat tothis unusual campus inhabitant.Photo By Robert Bennet, VVC instructor.A guinea fowl has made itself at home onthe lower campus of Victor Valley College.leadership opportunity,” andthat “kids come backchanged.” They “appreciate theU.S. in a way as never before.”As a woman in the Navy,Gilbride said she was part ofthe first group that were allowedto go to sea. Referred toas the Noah’s Ark policy, twowomen were allowed pership. Gilbride said that she was“very well supported by herboss” on ship, giving her theopportunity to learn leadershipskills.

RamPage • Victor Valley College SportsMay 2, 2008 • Page 7Story ByDarryl RichieCo-Sports EditorVVC Tackles First Football CampThe Victor Valley Collegefootball team is having the first2008 Student-Athlete SuccessCamp for children and the community.The camp starts SaturdayMay 3 through 4 for grades 1 to5, May 10 through 11 for grades6 to 8 and May 17 through 18 forgrades 9 to 12. Parents, boys andgirls are welcomed and there isno disability limitation.It will cost $40 per camperand will be held at VVC from 8a.m. to noon on the footballfield. Registration is on SaturdayMay 3 and Sunday May 4 from7 a.m. to 8 a.m. both days. Theoption to register online isavailable at www.vvc.edu/academics/athleticsCampers will learn the fundamentalsof football such ascovering techniques, footwork,tracking and pursuit drills andball handling.The kids will also learn theimportance of getting a goodeducation. For instance, theywill learn about the recruitingprocess, nutrition and traininghabits, SAT/ACT scores andthe importance of academics.“We are out in the communityand about 15 to 20 of ourkids are at schools reading tokids,” Defensive Line CoachCharles Walker said. “Westarted a study hall and we arelooking for a very nice year.”Former San Diego ChargerWide Receiver Mark Seay willmake an appearance at thecamp. Seay played in the NFLfor six years and was coachedby both VVC Coaches DaveHoover and Charles Walker.Walker said, “We are buildinga positive image in thecommunity and we want thelocal kids from the schools andthey get just as good a chanceas anybody else.”Athletics Director JayeTashima is excited about theStudent-Athlete Success Camp.Baseball Finishes on Sour NoteStory ByHeidi RandolphRamPage ReporterThe Victor Valley CollegeMen’s Baseball team ended theirseason in a home game on April24 with an ugly 13-0 loss againstCerro Coso College and withan overall record of 10-30-1.Although they lost to CerroCoso before earlier in the seasonthe Rams walked away with apositive attitude and a good approachfor next year.According to Head CoachRobert Smith his recruiting is infull swing and is already preparingfor the Rams’ 2009 season.The Rams won more baseballgames this season than they havethe last two seasons combined.The coaching staff agrees thatthis season has prepared theiryoung, returning players fornext season in many ways.Smith said, “The 15 returningfreshmen have grown to bea tight group and like family.”Alan Brace is one of thereturning players for next season.Brace said, “For me personallythe season ended decent. Ihad a good batting average,and we were a good team.”Many of the season’s youngplayers were recruited fromSultana High School including6' 4" Louis Martus who is oneof the Rams’ pitchers.Martus said, “The wholeteam from high school is here,and we want to make historytogether, and show VVC thatwe can play.”Along with that positive outlook, Andrew Anthony said, “Ididn’t know what to expect thisseason, but I gained more confidencefor next year.”As for the non-returning players,Luke Mullinax, Mike Davis,Blain Lloyd, Adrian Bartec andEric Wickham are all goingtheir separate ways.Before Thursday’s last homegame the five players were announcedand recognized.Luke Mullinax said, “Thisseason ended good, not what Iwanted it to be, but I can’t complain.”Mullinax plans on either goingto Chico State or Universityof Las Vegas and he talks withtheir baseball coaches every twoweeks to see how the progress oftransferring is coming along.Tashima said, “It’s for thecommunity so the youth cancome. It’s about getting recruited,for the parents to askquestions about what positiontheir child should play and it’sfor people with disabilities ormental challenges.”Despite the great price theywill not be able to feed thechildren due to money issues.“We don’t have enoughmoney to do lunch but nexttime we’re going to do it,”Walker said.Flyers about the camp willbe posted all around the VVCcampus and for more informationcall Coach Charles Walkerat (760) 646-7504.Sports ScheduleMen’s GolfMay 5 State Championships-SCGAMen’s Track and FieldMay 10 Southern CaliforniaFinals, Bakersfield, 8 a.m.May 16-17 California StateChampionships, Cerritos, TBAWomen’s Track and FieldMay 10, Southern CaliforniaFinals, Bakersfield 8 a.m.May 16-17 California StateChampionships, Cerritos, TBAConstruction has begun for the new AdaptivePE Center on lower campus. The new facilitywill include a dance studio and adaptive physicaleducation area.The project is state funded with additionalfunding from the District.Photo by Bill Buttler, Co-News Editor

RamPage • Victor Valley College EntertainmentMay 2, 2008 • Page 8San Dimas Wide Awake for Asleep In Every City ShowStory and Photo ByDesiree PenaRamPage ReporterThe Home Brew Coffee shopin San Dimas, Calif. was theplace to be Saturday, April 26. Aline-up of five bands played.Among those bands was theHigh Desert’s own Asleep inEvery City. AIEC officiallycame together at the end of January2008 and have been steadilyand rapidly gaining a strong fanbase in the last couple months.Among the five members ofthe band, two are Victor ValleyCollege students and one is aVVC graduate. Current studentsare bass player Andrew Solizand drummer Genarro Samarron.Guitarist Nate Blagg, graduatedfrom VVC in spring of 2007 andhas been accepted to Cal Poly,Pomona. He will start summersemester and will major in BusinessAdministration.AIEC’s music can be describedas a “blend of energeticexperimental rock with apost-hardcore edgy feel,”said Blagg.“It’s catchy and raw,”said Soliz.What can be expectedfrom an AIEC show?Soliz said to expect“high intensity, flailingguitars. Expect to rockyour face off and have anoverall good time.”That is exactly whatwas displayed at TheHome Brew that night.The band started out with“There’s no Escape,” thefirst song off their EP “TheOnly Way Out.” The crowdwent in a fury of dancing andsinging, an obvious sign ofapproval.This was AIEC’s secondshow but their presentationwas anything but amateur.They took the stage as third inAsleep in Every City performs at the HomeBrew Coffee Shop in San Dimas, Calif.the lineup and presented a verynatural and entertaining performance.AIEC is a group of humbleguys trying to make theirdreams come true. “I’m goingto set my sights to north andpress on,” said Samarron. Hardwork, persistence and dedicationare the key topursuing any dream,and this dream is noexception.Future shows willbe on May 11 at TheWire in Upland,Calif., May 16 atKarma Nightclub inVictorville, May 25 atAngel’s Roadhouse inApple Valley, andJune 8 at the Vibe inRiverside. For bookingand informationemail Andrew Soliz atconstantevolution777@yahoo.comor go totheir MySpace atwww.myspace.com/asleepineverycityIllusion Looks for Big Break in High DesertStory ByBreanna AguirreCo-Entertainment EditorLocal rapper Skyler Barroso,who goes by the alias Illusion, isquickly becoming a memorableaddition to the High Desert’s HipHop scene.With four successful CDreleases and two more on theirway Illusion has been able toland several shows and hasopened for some familiar artistsincluding Mims, the Pack andKRS-one.He first started recording in2004, but says that rap is a passionhe’s carried since the releaseof Dr. Dre’s album,“Chronic,” in 1992.The rapper is looking forwardto a memorable but busysummer with the release of hisImage found at www.myspace.com/illusionnoisepollutionIllusion’s upcoming solo album“Victim of My Imagination”two new CDs. The first is asolo project titled “Victim ofMy Imagination” and will beproduced by Head of the Officialist.The CD will be releasedJuly 18, 2008.The second CD, “TheRecipe,” is a project incombination with localartist and former VictorValley College studentAndy Ortiz, also knownas AO. The CD has norelease date yet butthey’ve released the single“That’s Cool.”“It’s gotten a goodresponse from the listeners.I have high hopes forthe future, I can feel it,”Illusion said.Illusion is also workingon producing the newCD by artist Esteban Vargas,who played with The YingYang Twins last October.Illusion will be working onmany projects this summer, soshows shouldn’t be expectedanytime soon from the artist.“As of right now we aretrying to hold back on shows.We are just trying to get themusic done.”Illusion says that he aspiresto be a superstar and confesses,“I don't make music to makeends meet, I do it to make themoverlap. Everybody has to eat,I’ve just got a bigger appetite.”Illusion’s recent CD, “TheTeacher’s Edition,” can beheard and purchased on iTunesor check him out atwww.myspace.com/illusionnoisepollution

RamPage • Victor Valley College May 2, 2008 • Page 9OpinionHip-Hop Artist Releases Controversial Album “Nigger”Story ByDarryl RichieCo-Sports EditorNas is no stranger to controversy;releasing “Hip-Hop isDead” in 2006, many southernrappers took offense to the albumtitle including Big Boi fromOutkast, Young Jezzy and LilWayne to name a few.Bill O’ Reilly and John Gibson,from Fox News, both criticizedNas for naming his album“Nigger” and for performing atVirginia Tech University so soonafter the massacre shooting bySeung-Hui Cho in 2007.Civil rights activist ReverendJesse Jackson is one of the manypeople who were not comfortablewith Nas using the word“nigger” as the title for his newalbum.Jackson said, “The ‘N word’is morally offensive and sociallydistasteful. Many wish he woulduse his talents to uplift and inspire,not degrade.”Nas knows there is a lot ofcontroversy surrounding thechoice of his album title. RollingStone magazine interviewedNas about what peoplethink about the title of his newalbum.“Stay out of our business.You ain’t got no business worryingabout what the word‘nigger’ is or acting like youknow what my album is aboutwithout talking to me,” Nassaid.Several racially chargedsituations happened at the endof 2006-2007, for instance,white student’s hung threenooses from a tree at Jena HighSchool, which is known asJena 6.Duane “Dog” Chapmanfrom the show Dog the BountyHunter admitted on a phoneconversation with his sonTucker that he says the word‘nigger’ sometimes in his officesand didn’t want his son’sblack girlfriend to find out andtell the Enquirer Magazine.While performing at theLaugh Factory in West Hollywood,Micheal Richards famousfrom the television showSeinfeld said the word“nigger” six times and made areference to lynching in his act.Nas, one of Hip-Hop’s mostgifted lyrists, will release hisnew CD on July 1, and it willbe more controversial than hislast effort.The listener may feel thetension of racism with politicsand consciousness throughouthis highly anticipated ninthalbum “Nigger.”One of the songs from theCD leaked to the Internet onApril 21, 2008 entitled, “Be aNigger Too.” In the song Nasmakes a reference about thecontroversy that surroundedHip-Hop artist Eminem in2003.Students React to Controversial Album TitleOpinion ByIvannia AlayOpinion EditorFollowing the controversialtitle release of Nas’ upcomingCD, “Nigger,” we asked studentswhat they think.In a survey, 60 students atVVC were asked if they felt offendedby the CD title, if theythought there is a message behindNas CD or is it purely publicityand if they think racismexists at this campus. Surprisingly65 percent of the studentsdo not feel offended by the CDtitle.Nas, refers to his usage ofthe word as ignorance; most studentsbelieve that is what hemeans. A little more than halfthe students that took the surveyOpinions expressed in the Opinion Section do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the RamPage staff.believe Nas is using it purelyas a publicity stunt, while therest believe there is a messagebehind his music.Nas has a blunt, straightmessage behind his music. Hespeaks about real issues thatmany of us try to ignore.I think Nas is being cleveron exposing his message. Celebritiesneed publicity to sell.Controversy is necessary, so ifyou ask me it is strictly publicity.Is there a message though?Yes. Is it the smartest way toawakening awareness on theissue? Probably not. I meanwe need a better, educated wayto expose the truth. Especiallyif we are living in a societywhere white supremacy exists,I say this in the most respectfulway, we need to be smart onhow we send a message. Wedon’t need more ignorance,we need the right type ofattention.66.67 percent of studentsbelieve racism does exist atthis campus. We are awareracism still exists. All kindsof minorities experience discrimination,and not all peopleare racist.A possible solution can beto figure out what we aregoing to do about it and whatthe core of this issue is.Perhaps, in order to havea better understanding andacceptance of other races andcultures we need more emphasison sociology and historyeducation.6050403020100At the ages of 16 or 17years old Eminem recorded asong degrading black womenand said the word “Nigga.”In Nas’ song he says, “Notmad ‘cause Eminem said nigga‘cause he’s my nigga, wigga,cracker, friend, we all blackwithin, okay? We all Africanokay, some Africans don’t likeus no way!”The song portrays that everybodyis acting like niggers,which represents ignorance. Inthe song, Nas forgives Eminemfor acting ignorant, but is simplyasking what has to be donefor racism to stop.“Nigger” is coming outsoon and has caught the nation’sattention with its controversialtitle but only time willtell how long and what impactit will have on America.Nas’ album is made for themature, intelligent, Hip-Hopaudience who doesn’t mindpolitics and consciousness intheir music.Do you feel offended by Nas’CD title?70605040302010035%YesPublicity65%NoDo you feel there is a messagebehind Nas’ CD titleor is it just publicity?55%45%Message

RamPage • Victor Valley College OpinionMay 2, 2008 • Page 10Economy Hits Students Where it HurtsOpinion ByIvannia AlayOpinion EditorIt appears the U.S. economyhas come to a halt. An increasein foreclosures, bankruptcies,decrease in U.S. currency valueand budget cuts for our educationhas us alarmed to whatmany economist are referring toas a recession. Other politicalfigures (President Bush) simplybelieve we’re just in slow motion.For right now we can onlywish for the best. aaaaaaaaaaaaaHowever how does this haltaffect us, the students, especiallyin the High Desert? I’m sureplenty of us have complaintsabout the kind of stuff we haveto deal with. So allow me to sayit out loud.We commute to school withgas prices at almost $4 to thegallon. We pay for our schoolsupplies, and over-priced textbooks that sometimes we don’teven use. Many of us work,and in the High Desert wedon’t have many huge companieswhere a good amount ofincome can be obtained. Allwe see is commercial such asretail stores and restaurants.We don’t live in a big citywhere busses run every 20minutes. We are expected tobecome the future, but we haveno financial support.It’s hard being a student, wehave families to support andwe have other finances to takecare of, but it’s safe to say thatin the High Desert life is hard.A couple of years ago studentsreceived a lot more moneyfrom the state or F.A.F.S.A.and tuition fees were a lotcheaper. That little bit ofmoney a small portion of usreceived was helpful. Aaaaaaawww.myspace.com/VVCRamPageNow in California alone$4.8 billion in education fundingis being cut within ourschool districts. They are nowtaking programs from the highschool students, despite thedrop out rates that increasedwithin the last couple of years.What about those lookinginto transferring to a four-yearuniversity. Do we want tocommute down the hill or inthe long run is it better to livein school housing? I mean it’sridiculous. There is a biggergap between middle class andhigh class that we admit to .The rich are getting richer andthe poor are getting poorer. aaLet’s talk about this taxrebate President Bush approvedthat some of us arelooking forward to. But honestlyis it going to a vacation orshopping spree? All I got tosay is bills, bills, bills! Let’sget real; we need to come upwith a plan to lower our expenses.Times are hard, let’slearn how to maintain our financesin these hard times. Tryreading the Wall Street Journal,Money Talk. We have toeducate ourselves about theeconomy.I think the economy is sufferingbecause of how long ourtroops have been overseas. Ournation has been at war formore than five years. We havelost more than 23,000 U.S.troops in this war, which excludesinnocent civilians andother casualties. The petroleumissue derives from the middleeast.The Gulf War was neverover.So do the math, our economyis suffering because of theBush Administration. Thisstatement is bold, but somebodyhas to say it.Missing Reporter!Go to our MySpace and:*Submit a guest article*Give us tips*Share story ideas*Tell us what you think*See additional Photos*Read more articlesIs this you?The RamPage will be needing new reporters forFall 2008. Are you a reporter at heart? Join theJ108 Fundamentals of Journalism class for 4 unitsand find out.

RamPage • Victor Valley College May 2, 2008 • Page 11RAMPAGE STAFFEditor-in-Chief: Carrie SmartAssistant Editor-in-Chief: Brandon ChizCo-News Editors: Bill Buttler and Karen HowellCo-Sports Editors: Zachary Varela and Darryl RichieCo-Features Editors: Katie Bussey and Diana CansinoCo-Entertainment Editors: Breanna Aguirre and Kim HillCo-Photo/ Online Editors: Tessa WillisOpinion Editor: Ivannia AlayAdviser/Instructor: Judith PfefferReporters: Aaron Banuelos, Joan Beinschroth-Paustell, MelissaGomez, Heather McBride, Desiree Pena, Heidi RandolphAmberly Salvate, Nancy Sexton, Micah Silke, JenniferWatsonAdministration/Faculty/Staff Mentors: Patty Golder, JohnRude, Robert Sewell, Bev Huiner, Scott Mulligan, DeannaMurphy, Shirley Snell-Gonzalez, Dr. Robert Silverman, P.J.Teel, Marianne TortoriciPrinting: Victor Valley College Campus Print ShopCONTACT INFORMATIONVVC RamPage, 18422 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, CA 92392Phone: (760) 245-4271 Extension 2773 • Fax: (760) 241-5723Email: VVCRamPage@hotmail.com or email Judith Pfeffer via GroupWiseWebsite: http://www.vvc.edu/offices/rampagehttp://www.myspace.com/VVCRampageGENERAL INFORMATIONThe RamPage is a newspaper published as an educational exercise and FirstAmendment Public Forum by students at Victor Valley College in Victorville,Calif. Issues come out approximately twice a month in the two full-lengthsemesters, generally each February, March, April, May, September, October,November and December, for a total of 14 issues each calendar year.The views expressed by the RamPage are not necessarily those of VVC, itsboard of trustees, its administration, its faculty, its staff, its Associated StudentBody Council or its students.The RamPage welcomes press releases, story ideas, letters to the editor,guest articles and guest editorials. Submit proposed items to the on-campusmailbox of RamPage Adviser Judith Pfeffer — clearly marked as beingsubmitted for publication. Or, email them to VVCRamPage@hotmail.com ormail information to RamPage, Victor Valley College, 18422 Bear ValleyRoad, Victorville, CA 92395 or leave a message at 760-245-4271 extension2773.ADVERTISINGThe RamPage generally accepts as advertising only 8 1/2 - by -11-inchflyers as inserts. The cost is $100, which covers insertion/distribution of 1,500copies. The cost and responsibility of designing, reproducing and deliveringthe 1,500 flyers to the RamPage is borne by the advertiser.To discuss display advertising options or to purchase any form ofadvertisement, call Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services Deanna Murphy at760-245-4271 extension 2707.Acceptance of any advertisement in the RamPage does not constituteendorsement by the paper, college, district, board, council or student body.The RamPage reserves the right to reject any material — advertising oreditorial — that it deems to be not in keeping with the standards of the paper.

RamPage • Victor Valley College May 2, 2008 • Page 12

May 15-7:30pmMay 16-7:30pmFREE!Music Ensembles! GuitarEnsemble, Jazz-Rock Combo, StudioSingers & College BandSTRIKE UP THE BANDS! StudioJazz Band, Brass Ensemble & SymphonicBand play band favorites.Spring Music 2008May 17-7:30pmCHORAL MUSIC! Beethoven Festival torededicate the PAC. College Singers, Master Arts Chorale& Sinfonia. The Ocotillo Wind Quintet, “Consecration ofthe House” Overture & Chorus, Egmont Overture,Kyrie/Gloria from the Mass in C major, Choral Fantasiawith Dr. Linda Minasian, pianist.May 18-2:30pmSTRINGS & MORE!College Orchestra, Preludium Strings &Beginning Strings.Victor Valley Collegeperforming arts centerAdults $ 10Seniors / Children $ 718422 Bear Valley Road • Victorville • 245-4271 ext. 849