03.13.15

LMC cook-off creations

Hearing strings in spring

‘Niners’ wrangle ‘Stangs’

Students and faculty enjoy a variety of tastes during the 10th Annual Chili Cook-off March 11 — page 3

The LMC Baroque Ensemble awed attendees inside the Recital Hall during a concert March 5 — page 4

LMC baseball loses 7-5 against Yuba College during an afternoon game March 5 — page 6

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Sanction withdrawn

March is National Women’s History Month March 19

Cesar Chavez Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Library, Room L-109

March 24

Cesar Chavez Celebrations: Civic Leaders Brunch from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Library, Room L-109.

Contact Student Life, 473-7554, to RSVP

“I was very direct, and I stuck up for myself.”

— Gary Walker

“You have the right to disagree, to do it with integrity.”

— Demetria Lawrence

“We are not trying to remove President Walker.”

— Diona Shelbourne

“The sanction is not about what he does outside of school.”

— Sable Horton

“It feels like we’re going to war, and I don’t want that.”

— Taima Miller

Campus Conversations LMC President Bob Kratochvil is be holding a series of informal “Campus Conversations” meeting sessions where members of the campus community are encouraged to share ideas and ask questions on current college issues. The second of six sessions will be held Thursday, March 19 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Cafeteria at the Pittsburg Campus.

Books come alive at LMC The Human Library is back. The Books Alive! event is looking for human books to share unique stories with the community. Each book is encouraged to talk about their lives and experiences. Books will be checked out for 20 minute periods during the two-hour event. Books Alive! will take place in the Library, Room L-109 Tuesday, April 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. If you would like to participate, contact Christine Park at cpark@ losmedanos.edu for more information or an application. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 16.

2nd Annual HBCU Tour There is a special opportunity for Los Medanos College students to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities for free (including transportation, food and lodging) from March 29 to April 3.

Pick up applications at EOPS, Welcome Center, Transfer and Career Center and Student Life.

Some of the colleges on the tour include Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee and Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

During a senate meeting March 9, supporters of Gary Walker stand in protest against the possible sanction of the LMCAS president.

Walker cleared during ‘emotional’ process

By JOSEPH DELANO

jdelano@lmcexperience.com

The process of sanctioning the president of the Los Medanos College Associated Students came to an end Monday, March 9 in a standing-room only meeting filled with tension and emotion as the voting members of the LMCAS senate decided unanimously to withdraw the sanction item in favor of conflict mediation.

LMCAS President Gary Walker, who had been accused of unprofessionalism and misrepresentation of the senate at the Feb. 23 senate meeting, calmly accepted the news with a simple “thank you.”

It did not take long, however, until his relief rose to the surface and he choked up while transitioning to the next agenda item.

“A big weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” said Walker in an email. “It’s time for me to focus

back on my college studies and advocating for student voices.”

Walker had been sent a letter, dated Feb. 20 signed by four members of the senate, informing him of their intent to request he be sanctioned Feb. 23 following the alleged violation of two LMCAS bylaws.

In the letter, the senators claimed “tone of voice, facial expressions given, or even rolling of the eyes have been noticed” from him, but they gave no indication as to the punishment sought for the alleged offenses.

At the March 9 meeting, however, LMCAS officers Diona Shelbourne and Sable Horton, two signatories of the letter, acknowledged removal from office was not their goal.

“We are not trying to remove President Walker,”

said Shelbourne. “We’re trying to acknowledge that something happened.”

Horton agreed, adding, “We don’t want you off the board, we just want the unprofessional behavior to stop.”

Instead of further pursuing the sanction, the senate opted to work with a mediator to deal with personality conflicts that have plagued the senate since the fall.

The resolution came after Dean of Student Success Dave Belman, who attended the meeting, suggested the college could provide mediation services.

Although the request to sanction Walker was an action item scheduled on the agenda, the topic arose earlier in the public comment section in numerous statements by visitors, most of whom

‘Thank you, Karen’

Guest Ph.D talks MESA

LMC copes with a recent loss

By CASSIE DICKMAN

cdickman@losmedanos.edu

Los Medanos College has suffered a great loss with the death of English Department Chair Karen Nakaji. She died Saturday morning, March 7, just three months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The news was announced to all college employees by LMC President Bob Kratochvil via email late Tuesday evening.

“At LMC, we have the best educators and colleagues in the world and Karen Nakaji was second to none.

Thank you, Karen, for being such a special part of our LMC family,” said Kratochvil in the email.

The news came as a shock to some, including speech instructor Nancy Peterson, who worked more than

By KIMBERLY STELLY

kstelly@lmcexperience.com

10 years with Nakaji in the Reading and Writing Center.

Petersen, who spent most of her time at the Brentwood Center, said she didn’t even know Nakaji was sick and was “sad beyond words” at hearing the news.

“I always loved Karen’s energy and positivity,” said Peterson in an email response to the notification. “LMC has lost a very bright light.”

Not only was Nakaji a part of the campus community as a teacher, but was also an LMC success story.

“She was a student here for several semesters before transferring to CSU Hayward, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in English,” said Kratochvil in the email sent to staff.

But Nakaji made her way back to See LOSS, page 7

See LMCAS, page 7

Matthew Ber tin, Ph.D., spoke to LMC’s Mathematics Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program last Friday in SC-202.

Faculty showed up as well as students from Diablo Valley College.

After a brief introduction by longtime friend and fellow graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, MESA Director Nicole Trager, Bertin started by talking about his early experience in studying coral reefs in Florida.

With the help of an elaborate PowerPoint presentation, he transitioned into talking about threats to coral reefs.

Experience archive photo • Patrick Malott

See MESA, page 7

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Perspectives

FRIDAY,

MARCH

13,

2015

2

“Live simply so that others may simply live.”

— Bell Hooks

Alex Tagliamonte

Kimberly Stelly

AGGRAVATED ALEX

SOCIALLY UNWELL

Take school more seriously

Pauperism is an uphill battle

This recent semester has been my first attempt to get back to physically attending classes here at Los Medanos College.

I had forgotten what it was like to be in an actual class environment, instead of sitting at my desk at home, perusing the internet, when I really should have been sticking to my much more demanding online classes.

I had also forgotten the annoyance that comes with attending classes at Los Medanos College, perhaps any school, because of the maturity level of students or the lack of seriousness of with which some take their classes.

I find it especially difficult this semester while attending General Biology. The subject, while easier for others, leaves me scratching my head more often than not.

I fear the main reason for this lack of clarity comes from the disturbances that quite a few of my classmates make.

Which is frustrating because last time I checked we are all adults and we choose to be here. So I ask, why would you not take it seriously?

Then I wonder why the Professor doesn’t uphold their responsibility in saying something to the students or dropping the students who clearly are not taking their grade or the class seriously.

There are teachers who threaten to drop students who don’t show up or who are generally disruptive. However, it seems this rarely happens.

If there are people blatanly neglecting their education and interrupting others, they should have to suffer consequences.

For instance, my class takes place in the morning and people are constantly trickling in throughout the first twenty minutes causing the door to create a loud noise echoing throughout the lecture room.

On occasion some will come in at the last half hour of class, when the class is only an hour and a half to begin with.

I often wonder what the point of even showing up is. There’s no way they are going to comprehend the extensive lecture we have just gone over in thirty minutes.

What really drives me crazy is when that person will come in with thirty minutes left on the clock and then ask the person next to them for their notes, and then ask for clarification on the matter.

No thank you.

“What is so important that you miss a majority of your class? Where are your priorities? Why?” This is what I scream inside my head.

Another common annoyance, are the people who rarely show up to class, who have even missed exams and quizzes and are still enrolled.

Even if one were to start showing up regularly, they have already missed weeks of classes. In what way will this benefit them in regards to the final?

Then there are the people who have missed crucial days of class, look at their results and feel the need to complain about it. They blame it on personal problems, obligations, work or their children.

While I sympathize with those who do have a lot on their plate, I must point out everyone has something going in their life that causes stress.

I respect people who have their priorities together, act like an adult and are responsible for their actions.

That’s all I’m asking for, a little responsibility from the adults who have chosen to be here. One would think that because you have to pay for it, more people would take college seriously.

It is your choice though, so make it count.

If you’re not going to make an effort in your own education, then please do not hinder the learning experiences of others.

As soon as someone tries to make a valid point about their personal struggles with poverty, someone is always there to say something along the lines of, “there are people who have it worse than you.”

This is too much like saying someone should be happy because other people are miserable. Just because other people are worse off, doesn’t mean you need to settle for less.

Then there are those people who think anyone can just pull themselves out of poverty.

Billionaire Bill Gates once said “If you’re born poor, it’s not your fault. But if you die poor, it’s your fault.” Obviously, he isn’t the only person who believes Americans can still pull themselves up by their Sketchers.

I don’t know what world these people have been paying attention to, but statistics say otherwise.

Research done by Pew’s Economic Mobility Projects show 70 percent of people born into the bottom five percent never even make it to the middle class.

Despite job growth, it’s still hard for some to save enough money to move up their status. So many people sacrifice for their kids to live better lives, but to be honest, that’s just not possible for everyone.

It’s not enough to just try hard, if that was the case, there would be more wealthy people. It’s a horrible assumption to make that poor people don’t work hard, when in fact, they often work harder than rich people.

But regardless of the efforts we make, we still get the “privilege” of having to hear people complaining about footing the bill for us poor folks.

“But what about welfare?” First of all, government benefits are not guaranteed. If you are approved, there are so many hoops to jump through and depending on the size of your household, it’s still not enough to live off.

“Maybe you should get a job,” many kind-hearted yet unhelpful people suggest.

Like many people in this city, we lack the funds for transportation. This means we could only get jobs within walking distance and it becomes a lot harder than it sounds.

Though the economy is showing improvement it’s still hard to find a job in California.

The current unemployment rate is seven percent, but that’s still pretty high compared to other states. Pittsburg’s unemployment rate as of December 2014 is 8.3 percent according to HomeFacts.com.

There are 65,695 people in Pittsburg according to the 2013 census. 14.6 percent live below the poverty level. This means there are roughly 9,591 people who can barely afford daily necessities. Living this way takes a toll on us physically, mentally, financially and academically.

We do not get to live worry free while rich people pay or “cater” to our every need.

We’re the ones who have to worry about having to choose between school and work.

We’re the ones who have to choose between eating and paying the rent.

We’re the ones who have to share hygiene products and clothes with our siblings.

I know not all rich people complain. There are a lot of people doing good things for less fortunate individuals and there are also a lot of people who donate in the most minimal way possible just so they can brag.

Gee, even though you make eight times the money the average person makes, on behalf of every poor person we’d like to collectively thank you for the time you once gave a panhandler 45 cents, 15 years ago.

Now what kind of cookie would you like?

There are so many things to take into consideration when discussing poverty. It’s not just about donating, but it’s also about reforming the entire system. Yes, even if it means doing away with capitalism.

Experience • Taylor Stroud

Editorial

Resolve issues differently

I

n the Feb. 27 issue of the Experience, we broke the story of Los Medanos College Associated Students President Gary Walker’s possible sanctioning. It was decided at a meeting this past Monday that instead of the sanction both Walker and the other senators would undergo mediation. The Experience fully supports this decision rather than what would have been the alternative.

While it is admirable that both sides were able to come up with a reasonable solution, we also think this situation could have been handled differently.

The whole concept of sanctioning someone should only be thought of as a last resort, when the behavior of an individual wholly misrepresents the school or student government, or in the case of election fraud or “violation of any federal or state laws, or CCCCD/LMC Policy” as stated by the LMCAS bylaws.

Walker was cited for “unprofessionalism,” a charge that seemed somewhat excessive.

Unless he was blatantly belligerent, uncooperative or negligent to the point where it started affecting his ability to perform his duties, he should have never been up for sanctioning in the first place. There wasn’t much of an argument behind the accusation of misrepresentation.

The reason LMCAS is in place is to represent the perspective of every LMC student and Walker is well liked by students..

They didn’t appear have an issue with Walker doing his job as demonstrated by the amount of letters he received and the number of students who showed up to this most recent meeting in his support.

It seemed to be more of a personal issue, centered around only a few people. Thus, it should have been dealt with on a smaller level without including students and untrained senators.

It was blown out of proportion and made public, forcing both students and faculty members to take sides.

It wasn’t necessary and it only made tension worse. If the behavior in question is as trivial as a rolling of the eyes, there isn’t really a solid reason to remove a person from their office, or possibly have their senate privileges suspended or taken away.

Though the intention may not have been to remove Walker from his position, it came off that way judging by the fact that the senators resorted to such a drastic measure.

This was one situation that didn’t need to escalate to the level that it did. A simple, private conversation would have sufficed. Instead it was dragged out into a long unnecessary process and it looked as if feelings on both sides were hurt. The fact that it came to this seemed to have stemmed from a buildup of emotions and difference of opinions.

There were some rash decisions made but at least both parties came to a peaceful conclusion.

A peaceful solution is the best solution and hopefully this conflict is dealt with quickly and objectively so that the focus is on the student body rather than the people who govern them.

In the future, it would be nice to see better communication between LMCAS members to avoid another situation such as this. It’s best to be an example for the students by demonstating that though people have different opinions, they can still work out their issues without excess drama.

Letter to the Editor

Everyone is their own journalist DEAR EDITOR: Everyone in the world with a computer and Internet connection has a voice. Everyone believes they are so entitled to their opinions and making themselves heard, they are acting as if they are journalists.

A journalists’ job is to inform the public, but also to provide opinions and insightful analysis on the issues.

With everyone commenting on these issues on their blogs and social media accounts, there are so many opinions and voices talking all at

once. When everyone has a voice, the powerful ones may be silenced by the sheer volume of everyone else’s.

Making other people read your words and hear your thoughts used to be something you had to go to school for years to achieve.

Now all it takes is a shared Facebook status.

When that’s all it takes, good luck getting people to filter through all the mess. The cyber age is making the journalism profession difficult to succeed in.

— Katey Hilton

Reader Opinion Policy

The Experience welcomes Letters to the Editor and Guest Columns. All members of the Los Medanos College community — students, faculty and staff — are encouraged to write.

If you are interested in expressing your opinions on campus, national or world issues, bring your submissions to room CC3-301 and put them in the Perspectives Editor’s mailbox or mail them to Experience c/o Los Medanos College, 2700 E Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565. You may also send them electronically through the Experience online newsite lmcexperience.com.

Letters and columns must be typed, signed and include a phone number for verification. They may be edited for clarity, content taste and length at the editor’s discretion.

Voices

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE

Experience

What do you think about the concept of a Whiteout Day? C

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Member California Newspaper Publishers Association

“It would show equality between both black people and white people.”

— Raven Florence

“They wanna have a Whiteout Day? Let them do that. But to tell you the truth, they’re not going to take the place of us black people.”

— Matthew Johnson

“As long as it has a clear message, that is respectful toward others, it would be fine.”

— Ruby Garcia

“It’s disrespectful to have a Whiteout Day because the whole purpose of having a Blackout Day is to showcase that black is beautiful.”

— Jeff Brown

“I don’t think there should be a color day because everyone should be appreciated everyday.”

— Paola Ramirez

“Either way you put it, it’s kind of too exclusive.”

— Anthony Reyes

“Were it left for me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

— Thomas Jefferson

Editor-in-Chief ..................... JOSEPH DELANO Managing Editor................. BRENDAN CROSS Perspectives Editor........... KIMBERLY STELLY Campus Editor ...........................RATTANA KIM Features Editor ............................JOSH WOOD Arts Editor................................ DAMIAN LEWIN Sports Editor .............................STEVEN LUKE Photo Editor..................... CATHIE LAWRENCE Multimedia Editor.............. JAZMINE GORDON Copy Chief...........................CASSIE DICKMAN Web Editor .................. STEPHANIE PATTISON The LMC Experience is published Fridays by students in the Journalism Program. The newspaper serves both as a laboratory for journalism classes and as a First Amendment forum for campus communication. Opinions expressed in the Experience are solely those of the students and do not represent the views of the college.

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Campus Newswatch

Women’s History Month

Women’s Histor y Month is a national obser vance commemorating the contributions women have made in history and society.

The initial weeklong celebration was first organized by the school district of Sonoma, Calif. in 1978 with presentations, contests and parades to honor women. Soon after, the event had caught on with communities and organizations around the country. In 1981, President Carter declared the week of March 7 to be National Women’s History Week. With the support of the U.S. Congress, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Women’s History Month in 1987.

This year’s theme is Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives presenting the opportunity to weave through women’s stories, individually and collectively in the fabric of the nation’s history.

Quotable

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FRIDAY,

MARCH

13,

2015

It was a chili day

3

“The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.”

— Bennett Cerf

Transfer event for SFSU

A San Francisco State University representative will come to LMC for a SFSU Yield Event. Those who have already applied to SFSU whether or not they have been accepted are encouraged to attend.

The SFSU Yield Event will be held Tuesday, March 12 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Library Community Room L-109.

Student mentors wanted

LMC’s Transfer Ally Program is looking for students to mentor incoming Transfer Academy students. Mentor responsibilities include being mentored by the Transfer Academy Director, Coordinator or Counselor, attend a mentor and student gathering held at the end of the semester and meet with your assigned student at least twice during the semester. To become a mentor, students must have completed a minimum of two semesters at LMC. For more information, contact the Coordinator for Transfer Programs and Services, Ade Origunwa at aorigunwa@losmedanos.edu or 473-7443. To fill out a mentor application, visit http://tinyurl.com/k4zjnek.

READ seeking members

Club READ welcomes ideas, suggestions, and people who would like to work toward adding more borrowable textbooks for LMC students. Selling donated books online could raise money to buy borrowable textbooks.

For meeting times and other inquiries, please contact prince112592@yahoo.com or READ-LMC@outlook.com.

LMC to host science fair

The Los Medanos College Foundation will be sponsoring the fifth annual Intel-Affiliated Contra Costa Science and Engineering Fair. The CCSEF will take place at LMC March 26 through March 28, in the LMC gym. Students will be setting up their projects on March 26.

CCSEF will host about 300 students in grades seven through 12, from East Contra Costa County and San Ramon Valley. The awards ceremony will take place March 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For more information, or to become a judge, visit CCSEF’s website http://www.cccsef.org. Contact Scott Cabral at scabral@losmedanos.edu if you are interested in becoming a student volunteer.

Photo Courtesy • www.powayusd.com

One of the oldest buildings on the San Jose State University campus is Tower Hall.

Free campus tours available

Unsure of where to transfer? Sign-up for the Transfer Center’s upcoming university campus tours: n San Jose State University: March 27. Registration opens Feb. 27. n UC Berkeley - CAL Day: April 18. Registration opens March 18.

The Transfer Center will provide transportation. For additional information, registration, future tours and tour suggestions contact the Transfer Center at 473-7444 or check out its website www.losmedanos.edu/transfer/ default.asp. The Transfer Center is currently located in Student Services, SS4-435.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Top, Elaine Ortiz enjoys the different kinds of chili for lunch. Above, Eric Sanchez serves his homemade “Abuelita’s New Mexico” red chili to students Josh Oseguera and Ines Torres.

Cook-off turns up the heat The 10th Annual LMC Chili Cook-Off was held Tuesday, March 10 and turned out successful. Hosted by the Classified Senate, the event raised $690 for student scholarships.

Faculty, staff and students tried out 12 different types of chili for the prices of $4 for a bowl with cornbread and $1 for a chili shot.

At the end of the cook-off, winners were awarded prizes such as themed basets, ceramics, Spring Planters, and gift cards. The winners of the cook-off were: n Grand prize Sylvia Benzler’s “Right On The Money” chili n First place Carole Betz’s “TNT (Turkey “N” Tasty)” chili n Second place Eric Sanchez’s “Abuelita’s New Mexico” chili n Third place and people’s choice Kathy Griffin for her “Gecko Green” chili This event was organized

by Administrative Assistant Sylvia Benzler, Counselor Assistant Carole Betz, and Sr. Administrative Assistant Mary Oleson.

Above, Sylvia Benzler serves up her “Right On The Money” chili to win the grand prize.

Left, Kathy and Dan Griffin give Elaine Ortiz a taste of their “Gecko Green” chili to make an impression on the judges.

Photos by Cathie Lawrence • Experience

Committee promotes health LMC aims for change

By CASSIE DICKMAN

cdickman@lmcexperience.com

Counselors ready to assist

Looking to make an educational plan, or review your current one? Do you need career advice or a personal counselor? LMC offers general counseling at both campuses.

Drop-in hours are offered weekly. Students must have a student ID number and a photo ID to meet with a counselor.

Appointments at Pittsburg can be made in person, by calling the Counseling Department at 473-7449, or by visiting www.losmedanos.edu/counseling and clicking on the Make an Appointment link.

Appointments at the Brentwood Center can be made in person, or by calling 513-1625.

Applications for conference

The 28th Annual Latina Leadership Network Conference (LLN) will be bringing together Latinas in the California community college system to promote higher education and the professional development of women.

The conference will be held March 26-28 at Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The conference is free to all LMC students and being sponsored by Student Life and the HSI Exito Grant. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 18.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

The Battlefit Gym offers classes such as boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA). The facility offer a discount to LMC students.

Los Medanos College’s Health and Wellness Committee is gearing up for the year with a new website and a schedule of events.

“The Health and Wellness Committee will plan events on campus, centered around living healthier lives in ways that appeal to faculty, staff and students,” said co-chair of the committee Marie Arcidiacono, who is also an LMC adjunct speech professor and assistant director of forensics.

To help people accomplish their goals, the committee’s new web page will provide information and encouragement to its participants.

Arcidiacono said interested faculty and staff will be invited to “become members of our new Desire2Learn site where we will also be posting a twicea-month blog centered around health and wellness, links to articles and resources, and have a supportive community for those who are making lifestyle changes.”

According to Professional Development Advisor y Committee Co-Chair Mar y Oleson, a senior administrative assistant who helps coordinate professional learning opportunities for employees, the Health and Wellness Committee is not a new entity, but it was revitalized in 2009 as a sub-committee of PDAC to invite employees to join in health-related activities.

But Arcidiacono explained that the coming months will be used as a trial period to investigate what types of functions would excite the LMC community.

“Spring 2015 is our semester to gauge interest and beta test activities and events,” said Arcidiacono. “Fall 2015 will be the big semester for us.”

Arcidiacono outlined some of the activities/events planned: n Campus viewing of documentary “Fed up.” n Boxing/self-defense lessons for faculty and staff n Lunch and Learn: Students and staff learn about health related topics at a brown-bag-style event. n Debate: The LMC debate team takes on health and See HEALTH, page 6

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Features

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“To send light into the darkness of men’s hearts – Such is the duty of an artist.”

— Robert Schumann

Baroque breaks the silence

Photos by Cathie Lawrence

The Los Medanos College Baroque Ensemble wooed crowds Tuesday with melodies of old. The night featured a few different composers, but focused heavily on the work of Georg Philipp Telemann. Top: Baroque Ensemble Director Damian Ting draws the bow over the strings of his viola, sounding harmonies for a Quartet in G Major. Left: Juylance Cen and Eliza Judd layer their notes with the violin section in Telemann’s Suite in G Minor for Strings and Basso Conitnuoso. Above: Damien Ting directs the sounds of the Baroque Ensemble through multiple movements of a complicated Telemann suite.

healthy

lifestyles

HELPING YOU thrive

Allergies: Get Ready and Minimize the Misery

by Dr. Andrew Rodgers, MD

A

llergies can happen any time of the year, but Spring, with its abundant burst of plant life, fills the air with wind-borne — pollen that brings on sneezing, headaches, itchy eyes and miserable runny noses.

By taking action before allerges hit has reduced and even prevented these common symptoms in many people, helping them enjoy the signs of spring.

Here are some tips to help ease your way into allergy season this year.

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Know what plants and trees you should avoid outside.

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Take a shower and change clothes when you get home at night to wash off pollens.

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Keep your car window and vents closed and keep bedroom windows closed at night.

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Dust and vacuum once a week and wash bed sheets weekly in hot water.

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Know which medications work for you, stock up, and use them.

Also, dogs and cats may bring large amounts of pollen into your house, so during allergy season either bathe them often or keep them outdoors when possible.

If after tyring these tips allergies still leave you out of commission, consult with your physician—especially any time you experience wheezing, shortness of breath, or persistent coughing.

For more health and wellness information, check out Kaiser Permanente’s Web site at www.kp.org/diablo This article is proudly sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

William Lide, MD is a Physician Site Leader for tha Pleasanton Medical Offices.

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Reviews Marquee Music events

FRIDAY,

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“Every kid has something they’re good at, that you hope they find and gravitate toward.”

— Tina Fey

Netflix ‘unbreakable’

The Los Medanos College music department will be offering performances nearly every week during the upcoming months. Some performers will be students and faculty, some visiting soloists, bands and ensembles from around the Bay Area. Many concerts are free or low cost, and are held in the Recital Hall. For more information, call 439-2181 ext. 3218. n Tuesday, March 17 — LMC Choral Experience Concert featuring the LMC College Chorus, Chamber Chorale and Gospel Choir. Begins at 7:30 p.m. General admission: $5. Students and Seniors: $4 n Friday, April 10 — Sophomore Recital featuring Anthony Adams, Tevin Caranto and Calley Englund. Begins at 7:30 p.m. Free admission. n Friday, April 24 — Sophomore Recital featuring Roberto Ruiz, Kadesta Protho-Harris and Jessica Motta. Begins at 7:30 p.m. Free admission.

Photo courtesy of rottentomatoes.com

Titus (Tituss Burgess) and Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) stroll the streets of New York City.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

New Tina Fey creation oozes hilarity

The cast rehearses a scene in the upcoming “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” play.

By JOSEPH DELANO

Play set to premiere next week

Tina Fey has done it again. With the March 6 release of “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” Fey has further solidified her place in the pantheon of comedy geniuses.

The show, which had its first season released in its entirety on Netflix, was created by Fey and “30 Rock” partner Rober t Carlock and follows Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper, “21 Jump Street”) and her new life in New York City after being rescued from a bunker in Indiana.

Schmidt was one of four women held in an “apocalypse bunker” by a deranged preacher for 15 years.

Unaware of the world around them, the women had only themselves and the preacher for company until being rescued in the pilot episode by the authorities.

The Drama Department’s newest play, William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” directed by Barbara Norris, premiers Wednesday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Little Theater. Other 7:30 p.m. showings are March 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27 and 28th. There is a matinee showing March 25 at 11 a.m. General admission tickets are $10. Tickets are $7 with student or military ID and $5 with a high school or middle school ID.

jdelano@lmcexperience.com

REVIEW

Unsure about her future, Schmidt chooses to live in New York and experience the world.

She quickly finds work as a nanny for affluent New Yorker Jacqueline (Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock”) and moves in with flamboyant struggling actor Titus (Tituss Burgess, “The Little Mermaid” original Broadway cast) with the help from landlady Lillian (Carol Kane, “Gotham”).

Schmidt bursts into the life of these new friends with unexpected results.

The constant callbacks to sayings and mannerisms of the time before Schmidt was kidnapped are per fectly timed, every time.

Kemper brings a spastic energy to her character and defies expectations.

And while Burgess, Kane and Krakowski are all fabulously hilarious in their own ways, the real excitement were the guest stars.

Musical proves to be enriching

By YETUNDE OGUNLEYE

yogunleye@lmcexperience.com

Pittsburg Community Theatre’s “Into the Woods” musical had its last show on Sunday, March 8. The theatre was packed and had an audience of all ages – that starts the tally at two things I did not expect when going to a local play at 2 p.m. on a Sunday. I soon found out that I was in for an afternoon full of lovely surprises the musical was packed with, which made for an expertly produced play and an enriching afternoon.

I say enriching because it was honestly one of the best plays I’ve seen. The play puts

REVIEW “Listen” by Peggy Magovern

‘Art Guild’ gallery now open

The Art Guild of the Delta has brought the creativity of its artists to the LMC Art Gallery. Featuring a variety of different works, the exhibition will run until April 9.

Some of the featured artists include Sandra Berkson, Kyoto Campbell, Mary Lamb and Ann Vestal. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

New movies Just Released n “Cinderella” Rated PG, Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy,

Romance

n “It Follows” Rated R, Genre: Horror

n “Run All Night” Rated R, Genre: Mystery, Suspense n “Home Sweet Hell” Rated R, Genre: Drama, Comedy n “The Cobbler” Rated PG-13, Genre: Comedy Coming Soon n “Insurgent” Rated PG-13, Genre: Drama, Action, Adventure, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy n “The Gunman” Rated R, Genre: Action, Adventure n “Accidental Love” Rated PG-13, Genre: Comedy, Romance n “Tracers” Rated PG-13, Genre: Action, Adventure n “Do You Believe?” Rated PG-13, Genre: Drama

Local cultural events EL CAMPANIL THEATRE The El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W Second St. in Antioch. For ticket sales and additional information please call 757-9500 n Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m. — James Clark and the Jail House Rockers: A Tribute to Elvis, tickets are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors and youth. n Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. — International Film Showcase Presents: The Verdict, tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for seniors and students n Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m. — Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra: Immortal Beloved, tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for youth 17 and under. n Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m. — Easter Parade: In Concert, A Celebration of Irving Berlin’s Academy Award-winning Songs from the Classic Holiday Film, reserved seating tickets are $25 and youth under 18 are free when accompanied by an adult or senior.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

a modern realistic twist on the classic Grimm fairytales that everyone knows; however, the script and plot were just one part of an entirely innovative and engaging form of entertainment.

Other unique characteristics the play featured were frequent character chases, entrances and exits that took place on the pathways between the audience members’ seats, which of course made the audience laugh to no end.

There was also – spoiler alert – the hilarious sacrifice of the narrator in Act II. The success of the production was due to the excellent execution of three crucial

From Martin Short (“Damages”) and Dean Norris (”Breaking Bad”) to Tim Blake Nelson (“O Brother, Where Art Thou?”) and Jon Hamm (“Mad Men,”) the guest stars in this series prove what a huge impact a 23-minute spot in a show can make on the main characters trajectory for the rest of the show.

Dean, my personal favorite, was such a treat to watch in a role that somewhat paralleled his character in “Breaking Bad.” Even creator Fey had a role as an “incompetent prosecutor.”

Every character that Fey and Carlock created exceeded my presumptions heading in and proved that the former “30 Rock” team is here to stay.

I will most definitely be waiting, somewhat impatiently, for the next season. A season that I’m sure will further flesh out this display of nostalgia and charismatic portrayal of perseverance.

Photo courtesy of pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com

components of any theatre production: a fantastic cast, efficient props / great stage design, and of course the well-written script and musical numbers.

The characters included a hungr y, at first naïve Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf, Cinderella, Cinderella’s Prince, Rapunzel, Rapunzel’s Prince, Snow White, Jack (and the Beanstalk), Sleeping Beauty, the Witch, the Baker, and the

Baker’s Wife. They were all intertwined so well in a way that called out the ridiculous Disney “happily ever after” endings, and instead showed the lesson of “be careful what you wish for,” as well as the importance of always doing the right thing and being happy with the life one is given.

The musical is great as the comedy always accompanied a moral lesson. In one scene See WOODS, page 8

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Sports

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6

“In my head, I’m already in the Hall of Fame.”

— Patrick Willis

Mustangs fall to the 49ers Yuba finishes strong

By LOGAN JONES

ljones@lmcexperience.com

Photo By Jeannette Vasquez

LMC’s Jeremiah Francis reaches down for a ground ball in the infield against Yuba College March 5 in a loss for the Mustangs.

The Los Medanos College baseball team lost to Yuba College in a back and forth battle. The final score was 7-5, decided in the final inning.

The Mustangs’ starting pitcher was Mike Alexander, who ended with five strikeouts in six innings. The 49ers starting pitcher had four strikeouts and allowed nine hits, compared to Alexander’s seven.

Thursday afternoon’s game was scoreless until the fourth inning.

LMC started the game off striking first, while Alexander gave the Stangs a solid start only allowing one hit early in the game.

LMC’s first score came from catcher Ethan Utler off an RBI by outfielder Hunter Stone. Stone ended the game with two hits while Utler had three.

Run number two came in the same inning after LMC’s Derek Slate got on base. He made it home off a ground ball out by infielder Carlos Carillo.

The Mustangs were now up 2-0, but the 49ers did not lay down.

After the fifth inning saw zero runs scored, Yuba hit the ball well and capitalized in the sixth inning by scoring four runs. 49ers’ Tanner Seibel hit an RBI bringing in a run from Jorge Castro for the first score on Yuba’s end.

Seibel would later score off infielder Brandon Metoyer’s RBI that would ultimately tie the game up 2-2. Metoyer later would steal second and score another run off another RBI hit from Yuba by outfielder Brian Murphy, giving them the lead.

Yuba’s outfielder Ryan Glazner scored later in the sixth off a hit by Yuba’s Kyle Pruneau. The 49ers were now ahead of the Mustangs 4-2 in the sixth inning.

With LMC now at bat in the sixth, they were able to bring in one run after the onslaught by Yuba. Cody Luther batted in Stone with a double that tightened the score at 4-3.

In the seventh inning, LMC was able to get on base and score some runs. Infielder Jeremiah Francis got on base first and would move to second off a sacrifice bunt by Jared Ambuehl. Jerome Hill then got a base See YUBA, page 8

SF Giants appear shaky for season

After winning it all last season club did win the World Series without the San Francisco Giants are back him, but they would not have gotten in 2015, but unlike in 2011 and 2013 there without him, and are going to they are looking to make the playoffs need his name to be at the top of a in the season following a campaign lot of Bochy’s lineup cards in order where they came out on top. It is for them to have any shot at getting déjà vu for Giback to the ants fans who playoffs. thought for a The team third straight also added time Brian SaJapanese bean would outfielder upgrade his Norichika roster and Aoki, who at REAL TIME WITH JARED times hit secchose not to.

The team’s ond for the general manWorld Series ager has stuck with the same approach losing Kansas City Royals. Aoki will in putting the team together for the be a solid presence for the Giants season following a World Series in left field as he is expected to win victor y. Instead of going out and the job over platoon player Gregor over spending for Chase Headley, Blanco. He will not, however, hit after losing Pablo Sandoval, Sabean with anywhere near as much power elected to sign a California native, as Morse did last year, so sporadic Casey McGehee. We will just have home run hitter Brandon Belt will to wait and see when it comes to have to step it up if they want to be the McGehee signing, but as far as good enough on offense this year to dabbling in the free agent market make the postseason. goes, Sabean made a good move by It would not be surprising if the not dishing out the dough for Head- Giants play like a team that has the ley, who hit only .243 last season for ability to win it all this season, even the Yankees. though none of the analysts around Part of the reason why the Giants the game are picking them to win have won three of the last five titles their own division. is they have developed a good core, The Dodgers did not get any worse and held onto those players over the (on paper) and the Padres had a years. This year however, they lost party of an off-season, picking up one of their core players in Pablo Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Sandoval and a key plug-in man, Derek Norris and James Shields.

Michael Morse.

On top of good defense and timely Make no mistake, in losing those hitting, for the Giants to make the two players the Giants have become playoffs Matt Cain will have to have worse on paper. The good thing for the a bounce back year and Madison Giants is at some point this year they Bumgarner will have to put the are going to get back a healthy Angel team on his back with another 200 Pagan, who last year in 96 games plus inning season. It will also be recorded 115 hits, giving him a flat essential for them to not rely on Joe .300 batting average before the rest of Panik being a boy wonder this season See GIANTS, page 8 his season was lost to injury. Yes, the

Jared Ambuehl

Experience • Logan Jones

Shortstop Lyrica Langlois tags out Redwoods’ Morgan Psalmonds as she tries for second base.

Doubleheader dominated

By LOGAN JONES

ljones@lmcexperience.com

The Los Medanos College softball team defeated College of the Redwoods in both games of a doubleheader March 7. The first of the two was more of a contest as it took an extra frame to decide the game.

Through the first three innings of game one, no runs were scored on either side. LMC looked to change that with some daring play.

Second baseman Crystal Hicks collected a base hit and then was subbed in by Gabrielle Worley to run the bases. Worley stole second, advanced to third on an error and finally scored a run off of a suicide squeeze.

With the Mustangs now on the board, the Corsairs were able to bounce back with some solid hitting.

In the fifth, LMC Pitcher Jenna Leavitt found herself in some trouble with the bases loaded.

Redwoods’ Krisha White took advantage of the situation and hit a double, bringing in two runs to put her team up. Catcher Mackenzie Burgess then followed with an

RBI hit bringing in Morgan Psalmonds.

Krisha White was now on third and was able to score after LMC’s catcher attempted to throw for an out at second base. White made it home safely and scored the fourth run of the inning. The Corsairs took a three-run lead late into the game when the LMC bats awoke.

Third basemen Maria Reyes hit a double to get the party started. Outfielder Renee Smith would then get on base putting Reyes in scoring position. LMC’s Brittni Brown would bring them both in after hitting a double.

The score was 4-3.

Brown would later sneak to third off of a wild pitch

by Redwoods’ Brielle Matson. LMC’s shortstop Lyrica Langlois then tied the game up with a hit.

The tie remained throughout the seventh inning, which caused the game to go to extra innings, but with a twist.

“You have a choice of either playing international [rules] for the eighth inning or just keep continuing playing,” said LMC Head Coach Tim Rognlien.

See WINS, page 8

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LMCAS From page 1

were there in support of Walker, some holding signs.

“We’ve got nothing but support from Gary,” said Shenanigans member Mario Castillo. “It was really shocking to hear about the sanction because of how involved he is with this school.

From what I know of Gary and how he works, he is nothing but [professional].”

Citing paper-thin and vague accusations, Walker supporter Xavier Johnson suggested the sanction be dismissed.

“It’s ridiculous at this point,” he said.

“If you are going to point fingers, you all have to look at yourselves. Sitting in this room for only an hour now I’ve seen so many of you on this board do exactly what you’ve accused him of.”

During public comment, Diablo Valley College AS board member Keith Montes, who had attended the previous sanction meeting, made comments that were critical of Demetria Lawrence in her role as LMCAS adviser.

While the comments did not involve the sanction itself, they did prompt Walker to acknowledge an ongoing conflict with Lawrence.

“I’m actually dealing with the adviser issue on a different level,” he said during the meeting. “There have been some personality conflicts that have been going on with my adviser and myself since September ... it’s really snowballed into this.”

Montes suggested that if the senate decides to take action, then it needs to look further than the behavior of Walker.

“If we’re going to be looking at professionalism of this par ticular one member of the senate, I think we should also look at the professionalism of the actual adviser,” he said. Later in the meeting, Lawrence took time to address comments made by Montes.

“It’s actually really disappointing that this has come to hearsay … One of the things I have always tried to instill in the senate is that you have a right to disagree, to do it with integrity, to listen to both sides of the story,” said Lawrence in her defense. “What I’m seeing done here from members of the public, including those who spoke how they feel, is just the opposite.”

Shortly after her rebuttal, Lawrence left the meeting early and could not be reached for further comment.

“The whole process was extremely emotional. Tensions were running high the entire meeting and I could sense that people were having a hard time keeping their composure,” said former LMCAS President Brianna Klipp after the meeting ended.

During the sanction discussion, LMCAS Senator Taima Miller explained her feelings after joining the senate earlier this semester.

“I know when I came on, it felt like you had to choose sides. I didn’t want to choose sides,” said Miller. “I found myself trying my hardest to stay neutral in this, but … the things that are said off the recording or around campus, it feels like we’re going to war, and I don’t want that.”

During the discussion, Shelbourne shed light on why the sanction was sought in the first place.

While listening to a recording of a meeting from the fall, Shelbourne said she noticed an outburst from Walker she deemed unprofessional, and which allegedly caused a “disruption” in the meeting.

“I was very direct, and I stuck up

LOSS From page 1

Los Medanos College and took on the job of tutor program assistant in 1989, said Kratochvil. After completing a master’s degree from Holy Names College in 1993 Nakaji chose to continue her career at LMC as an adjunct faculty member, and the decision was made permanent in 1997 when she was finally hired as a fulltime tenure-track professor in the English department.

Even before she started her first semester as a full-timer, Nakaji began to make waves.

According to Nancy Ybarra, dean of Liberal Arts and Nakaji’s personal friend, during that summer she, Nakaji and English professor JoAnn Hobbs traveled to Appalachian University to visit the Kellogg Institute’s National Center for Developmental Education because they were, “at that time, trying to kick start a really organized program for basic skills for students who are not ready for college level.”

“So Karen and JoAnn, as their project for the institute, re-did the entire curriculum for basic skills English,” said Ybarra, accomplishing what very few colleges had done.

Back then most colleges had separate courses for reading and writing, explained Ybarra, “and we felt very strongly that those skills go hand in hand.”

When they returned from their trip, Nakaji and Hobbs “rewrote all those courses, went through the whole curriculum committee process, sold the department on it, got

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for myself. That is an issue between the adviser and me,” said Walker in defense of the incident.

The incident, which Shelbourne said seemed “out of his character,” is what caused her to write the letter, call for a sanction and gather support from Horton, Miller and then Vice President Candice Tidwell, all of whom signed the letter to sanction Walker.

According to Lawrence in her adviser’s report earlier in the meeting, Tidwell recently resigned, and did not attend to share her feelings on the issue.

But Horton, who was emotional during the tense meeting, explained what propelled her to sign the letter.

“We didn’t want all of this to happen,” she said, suggesting that a simple conversation is all that should’ve been needed. She choked up, apologized and continued, “I’m sorry, this whole process just really hurts.”

She then turned toward Walker’s supporters and addressed them. “I thank you all for your comments, but I do not see how it helps the situation, because the sanction is not about what he does outside of the school, it’s about how he treats us personally.”

Walker then offered a middle-ground solution, in an effort to conclude the discussion and move onto other important senate issues.

“Instead of the sanction, I’m willing to meet, have a moderated discussion … and see how we can, together, move forward and make this successful for the next seven [weeks],” he said.

He urged all senators, including the new members who had not yet received LMCAS binders that include bylaws and other important information, to reconsider the sanction, which they did following the suggestion of mediation from Belman.

“Some of my supporters have left the senate, but I think their voices are very loud and clear in here today,” said Walker in reference to many in the crowded room holding signs, some of whom spoke on his behalf.

The meeting was attended by more than 30 people including board members, members of various groups on campus, such as Shenanigans and Allies, the Veteran’s Club and other members of the public. There were so many visitors that Lawrence had to turn people away at several points during the meeting because the capacity of the room had been reached.

Some members of the audience were not there to support a side, but instead to advocate for funding requests for their clubs or organizations, and frustration arose due to the lengthy amount of time spent on the sanction.

“They only accomplished about half of their agenda, which is disappointing and discouraging for the student events that still need to be processed,” said Klipp, who attended both to show support for Walker and to advocate for a debate team funding request.

The remaining nine items not discussed were postponed for the next LMCAS meeting March 16.

“A lot of conflict comes up” with a college as large as LMC, said Belman, so a mediation firm that has been used by the school in the past for various things will be made available to the senate for a soon-to-be scheduled meeting to address the personality conflicts that have negatively impacted the senate’s productivity.

“I hope that this never has to resort to a sanction ever again and that this acts as a lesson for everyone, including the adviser,” said Klipp, adding, “Proper communication goes a long way.”

it started, … [and] did all the leg work,” said Ybarra. “We were one of the first to have integrated reading and writing courses.”

Hobbs was hired at the same time as Nakaji back in 1997 and she recalled how they had originally competed for the same position.

“We attended a conference together, and got to know and like each other very much that spring, and we were sorry that we were both interviewing for the same job,” said Hobbs.

But in the end, the situation took a turn that benefited everyone.

“During the week of the final interviews, an English instructor who was on leave from LMC, resigned,” said Hobbs. “The president made the decision to create a new position so he could hire both of us. We always said that it was a ‘miracle,’ and it has been a wonder ful collaboration and friendship for the past 18 years.”

Some people reach a peak early in their career and then seem to go stagnant, but Nakaji kept working to improve the students’ experience at LMC. In 1999, after LMC received a grant to overhaul the tutoring program, and Yabarra said Nakaji was selected to “take [it] to the next level … She was really a natural for that position. So she became the first director of the Reading and Writing Center [now the Center for Academic Support] and was really sort of the driving force behind getting that established.”

But Nakaji still wasn’t done

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Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Dr. Matthew Bertin talks about his marine biochemistry work to students and faculty.

MESA From page 1

While Ber tin explained that overfishing and disease contribute to the death rate, he also noted “it’s hard to find specific stressors that cause coral death.”

He doesn’t just focus on coral reefs. This issue impacts the economy as well, costing the U.S. up to 82 million dollars a year. He researches diseases affecting all aquatic life to help find anti-cancer agents and possible cures for other diseases in humans.

“Most people think of marine biology as tracking dolphins through the ocean, but there is so much out there,” said Trager adding that she considers Bertin to be at “a unique intersection of science where marine biology, chemistry and human health meet.”

Following the speech, over a dozen students had questions to ask the guest speaker. When

contributing on a major level.

She not only stepped up to the plate when the previous English department chair suddenly resigned mid-semester, said Ybarra, but she also put in extensive work on a new degree for her department.

“She was the person who really did the heavy lifting and the writing to get our AA-T degree for an English major,” said Ybarra.

Most people know someone who leaves a lasting impact on everyone they meet, making their world a better place. If you talk to those who were close to Nakaji, colleagues and students, you get the impression she was that person for the LMC community.

Sara Toruno-Conley, who served as a lead of the Developmental Educational program with Nakaji, remembered when she was first hired as a full-timer in the English department and had to tell the dean her wedding date coincided with the beginning of the semester.

“Having to miss the first day of classes and still being new was stressful to say the least,” said Toruno-Conley. “However, Karen Nakaji stepped up right away to sub for me, and was so warm and understanding!”

When Toruno-Conley returned to work, she asked Nakaji how everything went.

“Immediately she had me cracking up, telling me how she couldn’t get the new smart board to work, and most of the session involved the students trying to assist Karen in getting the thing to work,” Toruno-Conley said. “When I

asked about advice he could give to people wanting to work in the same field, Bertin recommended that students be prepared to write papers because that’s how you get funding for projects. He also said students should be willing to work with new technology. If you get a grant or fellowship, you have to fill out progress reports.

Another student, inquired about what working in his field is like.

“It’s as fun as a job can be,” replied Bertin. He also said that though most of the time, he’s working in the lab, he also gets to spend some days in the ocean for a few days out of the year.

He was then asked about how long he’s had his eye on this particular career.

Though he said he always knew he wanted to work in Marine Science, he made his concrete

met the students for the first time, they all told me how much they liked Karen, and I sensed that they may have been a bit disappointed that she wasn’t going to be their instructor for the semester.”

After that they “became closer” she said, and Nakaji served as her mentor.

“She made me laugh when I was down, she made me feel confident about my abilities … she became a real friend,” said Toruno-Conley.

But this was not an isolated incident. According to her colleagues, Nakaji was always willing to help someone out.

“She was ver y generous with her time and her assignments,” said Hobbs. “She freely gave away lessons she spent hours working on if it would help another teacher.

She did not give it a second thought.”

Austin echoed Hobbs’ sentiments, calling Nakaji “a teacher’s teacher,” but she said she was more than that.

“Karen was universally loved by every single member of the English department and that is the highest praise I can give her,” said Austin. “She earned that love by being kind and generous to every single faculty member.”

Kratochvil said in an interview he didn’t know Nakaji well, but has heard stories about her from those who did.

“She was a tremendous person beyond being a great teacher,” he said. “The loss is pretty profound for people.”

And when you speak to the people who did know her well, they all seem to agree one of

decision when he was 21 years old.

He always envisioned working at the Scripps’s Institution of Oceanography in San Diego, where he currently works.

After questions, attendees were dismissed. Some stayed to talk to Trager or to talk to other people who listened to the speech.

Genetics and Chemistry major Michael Rovere said he enjoyed the speech. “It excites me that one of these days I might have the opportunity to work in a field that is influential of the science community.”

Trager mentioned that on March 27, they will be having an Industrial Engineer and LMC alum to come speak about her job with USS POSCO. There will also be a couple of other speakers throughout the semester.

her most memorable qualities was that she was funny.

“Karen was humble and had this great self-deprecating humor,” said Austin.

“Whenever I talked to her about making a mistake, she always shared a bigger snafu that she had made. This made us both laugh.”

And the hilarity never seemed to stop between Austin and Nakaji.

“We were either on a diet or off a diet, and laughing,” said Austin.

But Nakaji, who had a sign in her office that read “the witch is in,” was not afraid to be tough, recalled Austin.

“I remember one time I was mad at her because she didn’t back me up in a department meeting,” explained Austin.

“She looked at me and said, ‘I totally agree with your point but you weren’t very fair in how you said it so I couldn’t agree with you.’ With tears stinging my eyes, I knew she was right.”

Austin said Nakaji had taught her an impor tant lesson.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re right if you say it in such a way that no one can hear you,” she said.

Not only was Nakaji adored by her coworkers, but by her students as well.

Joanna Santos, who took Nakaji ‘s online Myster y Detective Literature class last fall, said she enjoyed her teaching style.

“She did what most online teachers can’t do, she made it enjoyable,” explained Santos. “What I loved the most

was how she made students explore their creativity.”

And Santos said Nakaji will not be forgotten.

“Karen will be remembered for her kindness, and her love for English was reflected in her teaching,” said Santos.

“She will surely be missed.”

Even toward the very end, Nakaji brightened up the lives of the individuals around her.

“Karen, herself, was very graceful, very accepting, knew what was coming... [and] she sent an email basically saying goodbye to everybody,” said Ybarra. “She didn’t want to just disappear. She wanted to do it right. She wanted to kind of take care of everyone.”

Ybarra said that although Nakaji was the one dying, she wanted to know how you were doing and what was going in your world. No matter how sad or depressed you felt when you visited her, somehow when you left “you would feel better.”

“She was just truly one of a kind,” said Ybarra.

An on-campus memorial service will be held later in the semester to honor Nakaji and organizers are looking for a few of her former students to speak at the event. If you would like to participate in a celebration of Karen Nakaji’s life, please contact Ybarra at nybarra@losmedanos.edu.

Nakaji was also very fond of the nature preserve and the English department would like to have a plaque placed there in her honor. If you would like to donate funds to this cause, you can do so through the Los Medanos College Foundation.

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HEALTH From page 3

wellness topics at Pittsburg City Hall May 2.

Throughout its histor y, the committee has had a diverse range of leaders, each having unique qualifications for the job.

“Over the past six years, there have been dif ferent employees co-chairing this committee, each bringing their own style to the health and wellness activities,” said Oleson.

And according to an email sent to LMC staff introducing the three co-chairs, this semester is no different: Arcidiacono, who has been involved in various spor ts throughout her life, is a half-marathoner and “hobby boxer;” Courtney Diputado is the Technology and Development Coordinator at LMC, but also moonlights as a Zumba fitness instructor; Kristen Freeman is an adjunct counselor in Career Services but is also certified in personal fitness and nutrition.

LMC Vice President Kevin Horan, who is a half-marathon runner and avid mountain biker, said being active is important.

“Exercising and eating healthy can only help students,” said Horan. “There is a clear

connection between mind and body. When one is not being used adequately, the other is impacted.”

Horan draws these opinions from his own experience as a student, who began doing regular workouts in graduate school.

“I found exercise to be a great stress reducer,” he said, and added that he finds, now, when he doesn’t fit it into his schedule he doesn’t “sleep as well, which then impacts everything else.”

Arcidiacono echoed Horan’s sentiments and she thinks “being healthy and active is important for ever yone for different reasons.” She added that, for her, “being healthy when it comes to work and/or school it’s important because it provides us with a way to combat hours of sitting and being idle, which is actually very bad for your health.”

There are a lot of ways to get out there and be active, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be on campus.

Local organizations sometimes offer money-saving deals to students.

A new boxing gym called Battlefit, which opened up next to the Brentwood Center

last November, is currently offer a discount to those who attend classes at either LMC campuses.

The original membership cost for unlimited classes and access to the gym’s amenities $89 per month, but for students who present their school ID, the cost drops to $39 — a full schedule and pricing information can be found at their website http://battlefitgym.net.

“We offer boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts, which is MMA,” said Front Desk Receptionist Angelica Wilson, adding that students can either take a class or just drop in and use the equipment on their own.

Wilson said the gym could of fer students an amazing place to build “self-confidence, control, obedience, respect, motivation” and help them get healthy, stay healthy, feel great and keep them looking great.

If you would like to get involved or want share your ideas with the Health and Wellness Committee contact Arcidiacono at marcidiacono@ losmedanos.edu. Or if you want join the committee’s online community send your information to Diputado at cdiputado@losmedanos.edu.

with his haughty portrayal of the realistic flaws and adoring someone that has only surface appeal, as Cinderella did. He then went on to portray the real personality of a prince that constantly lusts after women and, in fact, has no interest in anything tangible, which is then backed up by Christina Boothman, who plays Cinderella, and her stark realization that the prince she wished for is in fact a womanizer and a deserter.

Also noteworthy was James Bradley, who plays both the Narrator and the Mysterious man, and at one point openly changes costumes during a scene; again attributing to the play’s uniqueness.

Steven Mergogoey-Conti plays two different characters as well – the wolf and Rapunzel’s Prince – and he didn’t disappoint in the musical number “Hey, Little Girl,” which was dripping with creepiness, or in

“Agony,” sung in Acts I and II about different women. Tina Smith, who plays the Witch, and Gregg Klein, who plays the Baker, both did stand up performances as well.

Overall, “Into the Woods” was a lovely production that was a must-see at our local theatre. Hopefully it inspires audiences to realize that there are many, easily accessible avenues for quality theatre entertainment locally.

Upcoming productions at the Pittsburg Community Theatre include Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park,” following two vastly different newlyweds trying to broaden each other’s horizons, and the two-man show “Greater Tuna” that pokes fun at rural life in Texas’ third-smallest town.

“Barefoot in the Park” will run from Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, April 26, with “Greater Tuna” running from Thursday, May 14 to Sunday, May 17.

WOODS From page 5

the two princes (who are brothers) sing “Agony,” a song about how they must have Rapunzel and Cinderella – yet later on in Act II Cinderella’s Prince admits to her that he was “raised to be charming not sincere” after he cheats on her with Sleeping Beauty because he grew bored of his marriage and felt unfulfilled.

This theme of revealing the true nature of these beloved characters is eye opening and at the same time relatable and witty, and can precisely be attributed to the aforementioned script and cast.

The staging and props were professional and, for once it seems, important to the validity of the entire play. It was obvious that a lot of work and precision went into the play, and it was appreciated.

The play’s most notable actors included Mario Rappa, who plays Cinderella’s Prince and kept the audience laughing

WINS From page 6

The rule allows a runner to start on second base for each team at the beginning of the inning. The idea is to quicken the pace and finish the game faster.

LMC was able to end the game in the eighth by knocking in Ashleigh Stephens-Coley, who started the inning already in scoring position due to the rule.

Third-baseman Reyes hit a dribbler out in front of the plate and was hit in the head with the ball as she was running to first on the throw by the Corsairs catcher.

The miscue gave LMC base runner Stephens-Coley the opportunity to round third and score, ending the game at 5-4.

“The first game was tough, we got the extra innings, we competed but we just couldn’t

finish in the end,” said Redwoods Head Coach Maggie White.

In the second game, White felt her team wasn’t all there, adding, “I didn’t feel like we competed as well.”

Quincy Pierce was the starting pitcher in the second game for the Mustangs and ended the afternoon with four strikeouts.

Unlike the first game, LMC got on the board quickly.

Catcher Jasmina Cross hit a double that brought in Langlois.

Hicks then doubled to bring in Cross that gave the Stangs a 2-0 lead early.

The score remained the same until the fourth inning when the Redwoods scored twice to tie it up.

In the same inning, the Redwoods fell asleep on defense and LMC’s Stephens-Coley

would stole home to put the Mustangs back ahead 3-2.

LMC scored two more runs in the sixth giving the team five runs with a Stephens-Coley double that brought in Marie Rios.

Coley later stole third and the Redwoods tried to throw her out, but produced an error.

Coley quickly realized it, got up and ran home for the final run.

Pierce had two of her four strikeouts in the final inning.

Good pitching and good fielding led to the 5-2 win for LMC. “Quincy [Pierce] pitched really well, and kept her composure when things were going down,” said Cross.

The Mustangs next home doubleheader is Thursday, March 19 against Solano College at 1 and 3 p.m.

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like he was last year. He should be the starter at second base and the number two hitter in their lineup, but do not expect him to lead the team to the playoffs.

One player who will be interesting to see grow at the big league level is second-year catcher Andrew Susac.

He is a promising young talent behind the dish, and his name was surely brought up for trade by a few teams around the league because young catchers who can also hit well are rare commodities across the league. The Giants are stockpiled at the catcher position since they feature the premiere backstop in the game with Buster Posey. Look for him to beat out Hector Sanchez, who had an injury -riddled 2014 campaign and slumped at the plate as well, to back-up Posey.

Although Madison Bumgarner did not look great in his Spring Training debut against the A’s, he is poised to have a great season and solidify himself as one of the two best pitchers in the National League (the other being Clayton Kershaw).

It is an odd year, and based on the last couple of odd years for the Giants, the outlook will not be the playoffs.

But, if they can stay healthy and pitch as well as anyone in the league, they should be right in the mix come October.

hit, moving Francis to third.

A wild pitch by Yuba brought in Francis and moved Hill into scoring position.

Then, catcher Ethan Utler stepped up to the plate to knock in Hill to give the Mustangs a one-run lead.

Yuba was able to rally back in the last inning of the game.

Yuba’s Glazner had an RBI to tie the game up at five apiece and proceeded to tack on two more runs to give them a 7-5 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

Unfortunately, LMC was unable to bring in hits when it mattered most.

“We didn’t get that next hit, and obviously didn’t end the way we wanted to,” said LMC Head Coach Anthony D’Albora.

“You gotta give them credit, they had big hits and we gotta be more prepared offensively,” he added.

LMC had scoring opportunities later in the game that just didn’t quite pan out.

“It was a heavyweight game back and forth, we come back and get two to hold the lead,” said Yuba Head Coach Ryan Evangelho, adding, “the win is big for the team.”

The Mustangs next home game is Tuesday, March 17 at 2:30 p.m. against Napa Valley College. LMC is currently 2-3 in conference play and 8-9 overall.

• Classes start in January and August

From page 6

From page 6

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