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F.Y.I. Important Dates

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

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By BRENDAN CROSS Staff Writer

Study abroad

LMCAS has positions open for student government Senators and Representatives. Students active in student government can help plan fun campus events, provide valuable services to students, and be the voice of the student body. The application deadline is Monday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. Application forms are available here: http://www.losmedanos.edu/Groups/ lmcas/default.asp. For more information contact the LMCAS Advisor, Demetria Lawrence at dlawrence@ losmedanos.edu or call 439-2181 ext. 3941.

Appointments for transfer Beginning in Sept., the Transfer Center is booking appointments for any student interested in transferring to a four-year-university. The Transfer Center has a variety of information regarding transferring, such as campus tours, college catalogs, drop-in advising and one-on-one appointments with representatives.Stop in Room CC2-225 on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

Photo by Irvin Trigueros

Sheila Grilli left a lasting impression with her work in the district and community.

Contra Costa Community College District president and 15-year Governing Board member Sheila A. Grilli died Saturday, Aug 31. Grilli was serving her fourth term in office dating back to 1998. According to a CCCCD press release, Grilli attained an A.A. Degree at Diablo Valley College then attended U.C. Berkeley, graduating with a B.A. In Journalism and English. Afterward, she earned a general secondary teaching credential from San Francisco State University and taught at Clayton Valley High School. She also studied for an M.A. in English at Cal State Hayward. Grilli, during her 15 years as a board member, was a massive supporter of the community college mission to provide affordable

Obama’s 3-goal plan Speech informs By STEVEN LUKE Staff Writer

When the President of the United States speaks about education and the changes he would like to make, if affects all of Los Medanos College, both student and staff. Any proposed changes to the education system are important to everyone. On Thursday August 22, President Obama spoke in front of the students of the University of Buffalo to unveil his new plans for higher learning. He has a plan that consists of three main goals, and goal one has to do with creating a rating system so that parents and students can better evaluate schools. “What we want to do is rate them on who’s offering the best value so students and taxpayers get a bigger bang for their buck,” he said. But California Community Colleges have already put their own rating system in place. The system in place is called the Student Success Scorecard, and LMC President

Bob Kratochvil explains that it sounds close to what Obama is planning. “I think it falls in line with what the President is trying to do,” he said. “I think California is on the forefront, and that this is the type of model that he is looking at.” The way the SSS seems to differ from Obama’s plan is that it is used for schools to see the data and self-evaluate, while Obama’s plan is an evaluation for students and parents to find the best school at the best value. Value isn’t an issue, though, for Contra Costa County. Community Colleges in the United States range from $45-$250 per unit, and here in California we are on the low side of the scale at $46 per unit. So as a school, LMC already meets the value that President Obama is looking for, but this is a three-goal plan. His second goal is to encourage schools to provide more innovative technology. “What we want to do is to encourage more colleges to embrace innovative new ways to prepare our students for a 21st century economy,” he said, “and maintain a high level of quality without breaking the bank.” See GOALS, page 6

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and quality education to students and the community. She notably worked on the passage of Bond Measure A 2002 and 2006, which modernized campus facilities and improved the overall learning environment for students. Aside from the board, Grilli owned a bookstore in Martinez entitled Sheila A. Grilli Booksellers, and was very active in community work. She was the treasurer of the Muir Heritage Land Trust, secretary of Woodbridge Children’s Centers, and secretary of St. Catherine’s Pastoral Church. She was also active in the rejuvenation of downtown Martinez. Several fellow coworkers of Grilli spoke highly of her contribution to the district. CCCCD Chancellor Helen Benjamin said, “She was one of our greatest supporters, an excellent board member,

and became a personal friend of mine.” LMC board member representative Greg Enholm said he had great admiration for the fact that she served an impressive 15 years on the board. He also added that in 2006 he challenged her for reelection on the board and lost by a 16 percent margin, speaking to her influence in the district. LMC president Bob Kratochvil said, “She was an advocate for students, constantly asked probing questions, and made meetings fun with her laughter.” Two services will be held at St. Catherine’s of Siena at 1125 Ferry Street in Martinez. There will be a vigil/rosary Sunday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. and a mass Monday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. Make donations to DVC Foundation, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, or donate online at www.dvc.edu/ foundation.

Smart art

Photo by Brendan Cross

A piece by Rosalina Grejsen is one of many faculty and staff works displayed in the Art Gallery located in the Library. See full story on pg. 4.

Committee investigates accredidation By SEAN TONGSON Staff Writer

A request was approved by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) for the Bureau of State Audits on Aug. 21 to investigate the costs and accreditation process associated with California Community Colleges more in-depth. A total of three districts will be selected by the state auditor, as a total of 2,700 hours worth of work is expected to be completed over a seven month period. Sponsored by California Community

College Independents along with Assembly member Tom Ammiano, the need for the audit comes at the request of Senators Jim Nielsen and Jim Beall. According to Senator Nielsen’s website, they argue that the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), who oversee community college’s campuses and programs, have manipulated outdated regulations and have overreached their authority, and have not been forthcoming in the decision-making process.

“Any entity that uses taxpayers’ monies must be accountable and transparent in its transactions,” said Nielsen, as mentioned on his website (www.cssrc.us/web). The audit will determine whether or not the accrediting commission exceeded its authority by distributing numerous sanctions to the state’s community colleges in comparison to other states’ community colleges, whether imposing costs and invoking unnecessary policies without Legislature approval, and using limited student

services resources to fund directives for new administrative functions and positions were violations and a blatant disregard of State law. Senator Jim Beall, who co-requested the audit along with Senator Nielsen, noted that the ACCJC has operated with little oversight or supervision, yet the decisions they make can impact or influence over two million students. “The public and the Legislature deserve to understand how this commission makes and arrives at decisions See JLAC, page 6

Dean a lifelong educator

Blood drive The Office of Student life partners with Blood Centers of the Pacific to host blood drives throughout the year. The next drive is Tuesday, Sept. 17 in room L109 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, register online at www.bloodheroes.com Click on “Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: LosMC or contact Student Life at (925) 439-2181 ext. 3266.

P I T T S B U R G ,

and board member dies

Sept. 27 College closed in observance of Native American Day

LMCAS openings

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DistrictLong loses leader time CCCCD president

Sept. 14 Q Last day to request Pass/No Pass on courses marked Student Choice. Q Last day to submit early Spring 2014 graduation application and to receive early registration for Spring 2014.

Are you interested in studying in Florence next spring? Come to the Study Abroad informational meeting Wednesday, Sept. 18. From 5 to 6 p.m. Courses are taught by community college professors and may be UC and CSU transferable. Students can learn in a foreign country, while accumulating course credits from their host college. Financial aid is available to students that qualify.

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By RATTANA KIM Staff Writer

Photo by Cathie Lawrence

Nancy Ybarra is the new dean of Liberal Arts on campus. She has been teaching at LMC since 1980.

New Dean of Liberal Arts Nancy Ybarra was destined to become an educator since her days of roleplaying as a teacher as a little girl. “I tell my students I always wanted to be a teacher from the time I can remember from 5 years old,” she said. Among a group of young kids, Ybarra would always role play as the teacher. Being a quick learner, Ybarra had assumed the role of a tutor as early as first grade. Since she knew how to read going into the first grade, she was often helping fellow classmates. Ybarra continued her role as a tutor throughout high school. Ybarra holds a Bachelor of Science degree

in Educations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts degree in education from Saint Mary’s College, a Certificate in Developmental Education from the Kellogg Institute at Appalachian State University and a Certificate in Postsecondary Teaching of Reading from San Francisco State University. She came to Los Medanos College in 1980 as a Learning Specialist and transitioned to teaching basic skills courses in the English Department. Ybarra went on to hold a variety of leadership positions. That includes Professional Development/Nexus Coordinator, Co-Chair of the Developmental Education Committee, Co-Chair of Teaching Learning See DEAN, page 6


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