Renegade Rip, issue 3, Oct

Page 7
Opinion
The Renegade Rip www.therip.com
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023
BC: A work of, or lacking art?
By Julian Caro
Reporter
Where is the art? Students, faculty,
and visitors walking through Bakersfield
College have little to look at and
appreciate besides the “big rock” or
the two peace gardens. This is due to
BC’s underwhelming artistic expression
throughout its entire campus. However,
do not believe that this shortcoming
stems from a lack of talented students,
or from a poorly historicized community,
because this couldn’t be farther from
the truth.
We have confined ourselves to a
mundane world of neutrals and linear
conformity which stand to remain relatively
unchanged from one year to the
next. This is a grossly unfair representation
of what the BC community is and
fails to showcase what we continue to
accomplish.
We are after all a leading community
college that provides opportunities
to students ranging from vastly diverse
cultural, economic, and educational
backgrounds. We don’t turn anyone
away and give the same opportunities
to all. We make a real difference in our
community and in the lives of those
amongst it.
So, what’s the solution to our dilemma?
The answer is to color outside the
lines by creating a vibrant atmosphere
around us. One that represents an institution
that’s full of possibilities and
not limitations. In which we dare to be
as rebellious as our mascot and to truly
live up to our motto of, “We are BC”
ultimately proving that we are Bakersfield’s
college.
We cannot continue to underestimate
the immense power that art holds.
It can move us emotionally, provoke
new trains of thought, and serve as a
celebration of our college’s expansive
110-year-old history. As an institution
devoted to higher education, art deservingly
yearns for a grander role within
our campus.
A few uninspiring spots on campus
that have major potential include: the
stairs next to the gymnasium, the walls
on either side of the PAC, the exterior
walls of the welcome building, or the
blank wall by the Renegade pantry. If
these are deemed as being too ambitious,
then why not start with a door, a
window, or even a ceiling tile.
Adding art doesn’t simply add aesthetic
value to the campus, but it speaks
for the voiceless, offers comfort to the
dreamers, and reinvigorates the soul.
Our community shares a plethora of
talented individuals who would love to
leave their mark on the community’s
college. BC could even offer students an
opportunity to transform a designated
wall or space through a semester long
rotating competition.
Let’s tell our communities’ stories,
let’s show why we are special, and let’s
give back to the campus that keeps on
giving.
LA taco truck rolls into town
By Joaquin Machado
Reporter
Ricky’s Fish Tacos located at 4615 E
Brundage Ln. is another great addition
to Bakersfield’s plethora of taco trucks.
Ricky reigns from Los Angeles and is a
renowned taco truck recognized by The
Food Network as the #1 taco in America.
Ricky has only been serving the
Bakersfield community for two weeks
now since his move from Los Angeles,
but he is already making a splash in the
fish taco market with his Ensenada style
tacos.
At $4 per fish taco and $4.50 per
shrimp taco, Ricky serves tacos that are
exactly what you would expect and then
some. Ricky told the Rip that he uses
swai fillets, a type of catfish, for his fish
tacos. Swai is a great choice of fish as
it does not have an overwhelming fishy
smell and has a neutral taste by itself.
Ricky’s Fish Tacos use the neutral taste
of swai to their advantage by battering
and frying the fish perfectly and toping
the tacos with shredded cabbage and
pico de gallo.
What makes Ricky’s Fish Tacos so
great is that the fish is not too greasy,
and the fish has the perfect layer of batter
on the outside. These are just some
of the telltale signs you know you’re eating
quality fish tacos and not just fried
batter.
Combined with his homemade tortillas
and freshly prepared toppings, his
tacos are a must for anyone looking for
fish tacos in Bakersfield. Ricky’s also offers
4 different sauces to top your tacos
with, but Ricky recommends using the
white sauce to capture the true Ensenada
style.
All of Ricky’s tacos are made to order,
and the fish is only battered and
fried once the order is received. While
waiting for your order you can hear the
sizzling of the fryer cooking the fish or
shrimp which adds to the dining experience.
Another great amenity at Ricky’s
Fish Tacos is the covered seating area,
so even in the Bakersfield heat it’s not
too hot to enjoy your food.
With a simple and easy to understand
menu it can be surprising that the tacos
are bursting with such flavor and character,
but perhaps the simplicity of the
menu allows for Ricky’s Fish Tacos to
amaze with the best fish taco in town.
These are the kind of tacos that leave
you feeling good and wanting more.
JOAQUIN MACHADO/THE RIP
Two fish tacos from Ricky’s
Fish Tacos