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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.
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Sept. 27 College closed in observance of Native American Day
LMCAS openings
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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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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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“You are always students, never a master. You have to keep moving forward.” — Conrad Hall
Steven Luke
Pamela Jordan
QUIETLY THINKING
GUEST COLUMNIST
Artists need to clean up lyrics
Toxins could harm the body
I was a big fan of rap and hip-hop music when I was growing up. I would listen to Bone Thugs and Harmony, TuPac and Notorious B.I.G. all the time. I wore out those CDs until they would not play anymore. Now, as a father of two young boys, I listen to those artists and realize there is no way I should have been allowed to listen to their music. The lyrics of the songs were about nothing but drugs, degrading women and violence, yet I was 13 years old listening to all of this. I understand that artists have freedom of speech, and they deserve that right. I also understand that music is rated with a parental advisory sticker to stop children who may not be mature enough to listen to the music from making the purchase. But, in today’s world of the Internet where this music is available unedited on YouTube and iTunes it is hard for parents to regulate what their children listen to. So when is it time for the artists to take some of the blame and clean up their music? “Yeah, hey, can we get a little break, from the cocaine and the kilos,” said Lupe Fiasco in “ITAL (Roses).” In this song he illustrates what is wrong with music today, and tries to send out a message that what you hear in music is not what you should be doing. Fiasco sees the effect his genre can have on youths who listen to the music that glorifies strippers, gang bangers and drug deals. Unlike most of his fellow artists, Fiasco is trying to break the cycle and put a more positive message in his lyrics. I appreciate the message that Fiasco is trying to send. I am not asking for a drastic change in music, but just more artists like Fiasco who try to understand the impact of his messages, and fewer artists like Trinidad James, who break onto the scene with songs like “All Gold Everything.” “Popped a molly, I’m sweatin’ woo,” is the most commonly heard lyric from this song by James, in reference to taking ecstasy and the reaction it has on your body when you take it. This lyric is glorified by stars that kids look up to like NBA player LeBron James singing it in his pregame warm up. With this kind of glorification of a dangerous drug,it is no wonder ecstasy-related ER visits in the U.S. from 253 visits in 1994 to 4,023 in 2002. Glorified drug use in music isn’t the only thing I’m worried about my sons learning from rap and hip-hop, though. I would also like my children be able to listen to the music I loved without having to hear songs that constantly degrade women. “Can we get a little break, from the stripper on the P-ole,” is one of the next lines in Fiasco’s song. It references the fact that other hip-hop artists glorify strippers in their songs like, T-Pain’s “I’m in Love With a Stripper” or Travis Porter’s “Make it Rain.” That alone is not the worst part. Songs like Webbie’s “Bad B----” and 2 Chainz “Big Booty H--” that contain terms that are degrading to women that I try to teach my sons are wrong to use. Yet here they are, used over and over again in popular rap and hip-hop songs-teaching women that men will love you if you dress provocatively or wear nothing at all. While all this degrading of women makes me highly upset, it’s the violence and glorification of dealing drugs, and joining gangs that really worries me about how this music could effect youths today. “Hey shawty, ain’t no future in no gangbang, and ain’t no manhood in no bang-bang, ain’t no honor cleanin’ interstates inside a chain-gang,” Fiasco said in the first verse. I believe this is the kind of message more artists should be trying to send. Tell the youth of America that there is no future joining a gang, that there is no future shooting a gun at each other, and that there is no future when you’re spending time in jail.
“Caution! This product contains a known carcinogen.” Words similar to these are plainly written on numerous food packages urging buyers to beware. A “so what,” attitude seems to prevail in our nation as many shoppers disregard the “This product contains” warning. In the 1950s and 1960s, we watched as famous stars died of cancer. Humphrey Bogart at age 56 in 1957, commentator Edward R. Murrow at age 57 in 1965 and Nat King Cole at age 48 in 1965. As they died, we remembered their trademark cigarette. Then in 1964, after many years of smoking and becoming thoroughly hooked on nicotine, the nation was warned that cigarettes might cause cancer. The Report of the Advisory Committee to Surgeon General Luther L. Terry on January 11, 1964 highlighted adverse health consequences of tobacco use and affirmed that smokers have a 70 percent increase in mortality over non-smokers. This news reportedly hit the nation and the world like a bombshell. In 1970, President Richard Nixon signed a ban on television advertising for cigarettes, but the Federal Trade Commission’s cigarette report for 2007-2008 stated that every year tobacco companies spend billions on advertising and promotions. However, most of the advertising is done in magazines and newspapers. But there are other “skull and cross bone” concerns beyond cigarettes. The Web reports, “For years researchers have implicated Bisphenol A (BPA) as a cause of cancer, obesity, diabetes and more,” wrote Elizabeth Kolbert on www.MotherEarthNews.com. BPA is found in the lining of most canned foods and drinks, including Coke and many others. Not only that, plastic bottles that are not marked BPA free contain this dangerous chemical. Thousands are ignoring the skull and crossbones: according to Web report newswatch.nationalgeographic.com, “In 2011, Americans spent $21.7 billion on bottled water.” Even the food supply is not safe. Many foods are full of toxins from pesticides. A Web report from Organiclivingforall.com claims “Pay the farmer now, or pay the doctor later.” Why? Because some of the fertilizers used in farming contain radiation or sewage sludge. This organization lists 12 foods that should be eaten organically: apples, celery, collard, spinach and kale greens, peaches, strawberries, domestic blueberries, nectarines, sweet bell peppers, cherries, potatoes, imported grapes and lettuce. “Pesticides tend to persist in the environment for a very long time and often contaminate sources of fresh water. And they are associated with a host of health issues, including disruption of mental and physical development, cancer, and weakening of immune systems,” reports www. foxnews.com. Finally, there is the consumption of sugar-free breath fresheners to be concerned about. It seems we’re in a chewing gum revolution. Packages warn “contains aspartame,” but chewing gum sales are booming. Aspartame has been linked to cancer, seizures and strokes. Also, neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s Disease and Alzheimer’s dementia are being linked to this artificial sweetener. During digestion, aspartame releases aspartate, a neurotransmitter used by the neurons in the brain. A Complementary Medicine Association study shows some of the adverse reactions to aspartame. In normal amounts aspartate, an amino acid, is a necessary chemical in the brain. Nearly 41 years ago I became a chain smoker, totally ignoring the skull and crossbones.
Cartoon by Janet Azehko
EDITORIAL
Sarin gas or silent gasps
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resident Obama announced on Aug. 31 that he would seek Congress’ permission to use military action as punishment against the Assad regime, after stating the US should take action against Syria. This decision is one step closer after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted Sept. 4 to use punitive measures against the Syrian government. The debate will continue and be voted on when the senate resumes the week of Sept. 9. Be careful we must in going forward with military action as consequences of the unknown may turn to bite us in the end. But America and the United Nations have become the moral police of the world and intervened in the past when the lives of the worlds citizens were at risk. Assad’s atrocities should be taken to task, accused of killing nearly 1,500 of its citizens, many of whom were children in a chemical attack on a suburb in Damascus, Syria on Aug. 21. The US and other global leaders should take action, if they do not take action, how long before another radical regime resorts to the appalling use of chemical warfare? How long will it take for chemical weapons to be the new norm if international community does not takes a stand against it now? If the US Congress fails to pass the resolution, after president Obama said he would take military action, it sends a signal that we may just be all talk, we may lose credit or influence when the next dictator starts killing its people by means of chemical attacks. This incident and how we respond or not can set the tone for how wars are fought, how leaders treat their people and redefine our moral capacity if the US and Global leaders fail to make a statement loud enough for everyone to hear that these types of atrocities are unforgivable and will not be tolerated.
Should suicide be optional? An average of 105 people each day commit suicide. There is one suicide for every 25 attempts. The average number of suicides a year is 38,364. The highest rate of suicide for males and females is among those 45 and older. In our society, suicide is “never the answer,” I don’t believe this is exactly true. If you are LOVE STORPHANIE of sound mind and truly believe you have no reason or will to live, you shouldn’t have to. Suicide is often concluded as a cry for help, but this is not always the case. People who are diagnosed terminally ill or are in pain every second of their life might want to chose their time of death.Dr. Kevorikian is one of the most renowned people for seeing our death as a right. He helped about 130 patients choose their time of death instead of letting them suffer, but was jailed for assisting suicides and served eight years. I believe it is just as Kevorkian said, “death is not a crime.” All that Kevorkian did was help people not be in any more pain. If someone is in pain their entire life or if they know they will never recover, why should they be denied the right to end it when they choose to? If they are back to wearing diapers and can’t stand on their own shouldn’t they have the choice to live or die? When people fail at suicide, they are often held for observation in a psychiatric ward until a doctor evaluates the patient as mentally healthy enough to not try suicide again or attempt to harm others. If they are released this means they are of sound mind and ready to get back in the world. However about one-third of people who attempt suicide will do it again within a year. If the person is released and proved to have a sound mind, maybe they really do want to depart this life and it is not a cry for help. Physician-assisted suicide is finally being debated and becoming legal in more places. It is still being debated in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, Kansas, and Hawaii. It is legal in Oregon, Washington, and Montana. Physician-assisted suicide is when physicians provide the means to patients, but the patient performs the act of suicide themselves. This is what Kevorkian fought for and is now finally becoming permissible. Death is a right and the curtains of our life should close when we choose.
Stephanie Pattinson
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
Do you think Martin Luther King Jr.’s dreams are a reality today? C
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“I feel that he has changed society in some ways, but there is a lot of work that stills needs to be done because a lot of people do not want to give up power.” — Jovan Parham
“Freedom is for everyone and we should keep Dr. King’s dream alive.” — Iris Redondo
“I think it is a reality today, but there are certain people that may alter or distort his dream from what he would like the country to be like today.” — Michael Williams
“I think honestly it’s the conduct today, like interacial profiling and being stereo typical.” — Cheyenne Navarro
“Segregation would still be going on and a lot of stuff would’t be as equal as it is today.” — Chris Riley
“I do believe in a way that his dreams were achieved. But due to fears, economical times, equality really isn’t in existence at this time.” — Mark Machado
“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 .................... BRENDAN CROSS Perspectives Editors......... VANESSA FLORES and JAZMINE GORDON Campus Editors .................. JOSEPH DELANO and ALEXANDRA TAGLIAMONTE Features Editors .......................RATTANA KIM and STEPHANIE PATTISON Sports Editors .......................LUKE JOHNSON and DAKOTAH ZABROSKI News Editor ....................... HILLARY HETRICK Photo Editor ....................... IRVIN TRIGUEROS Web Editor ................................. JESUS CHICO 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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“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
— Ronald Reagan
NEWSWATCH Get your parking permit
Many students at LMC drive to school and park in the available parking lots around the campus. All parked cars without a parking permit will receive a parking ticket. For the first 2 weeks of school, LMC gave students a grace period so that students can purchase a parking permit. The deadline was Aug. 26. It’s not too late. You can still purchase and receive a parking permit for your car to legally be able to park on campus without worrying about receiving a ticket. You can purchase your parking permit at www.lmc.edu. com also known as webadvisor. Get your parking permit or get a ticket---your choice.
Kaiser to sponsor lifestyle fair
Student Life will be partnering with Kaiser Permanente to put on the “Kaiser Permanente Healthy Lifestyle Fair.” The event will feature free health screenings and massages. Other activities include a cooking demo and a sexual health information booth. The fair will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the outdoor quad. Contact the Student Life office at 925-439-2181 ext. 3266 for more information.
The doctors are in
For anyone who has an interest in the medical field or is still trying to find a minor, major or passion; UC Davis will host the 11 annual Pre-Health Student Alliance, Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Professions Conference Oct. 12 through 13. Many different schools are already scheduled to attend this annual conference ranging from medical schools to community colleges. As long as you’re at least in high school you’re more than welcome to attend this two-day event. There will be over 200 workshops to help teach and inform attendees up to date medical information. This conference will also allow people to interact with representatives from nonprofit organizations as well as businesses. Grab a buddy and check it out, you may just find the field your looking for.
Breast cancer highlighted
LMCAS is sponsoring a free community wide Breast Cancer Awareness Conference on Oct. 12 from 7:30 to 4 p.m. This event will be held at LMC, Room MU3 720. Advance registration is required to attend. This conference is to help support and raise funds for two scholarships that will be awarded to students with who either currently have or have survived breast cancer. The conference is designed to not only raise money but also awareness to help reduce the risk of breast cancer and to educate the community about support services in our area. For more information go to www.lmcfightsbreastcancer.org.
Photo by Tony Valencia
Students checking out the Transfer Center.
Universities to visit soon
College Representatives will be visiting Los Medanos College from various public and private universities to assist students with general information about transferring and admissions. Q The Art Institute: There will be an information table Thursday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Tuesday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Q Brandman University: There will be an information table Tuesday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Thursday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m-1 p.m. Q Cal State University East Bay (by appointment): Thursday, Sept. 5, 9:40 a.m.-1 p.m. and Thursday, Sept.19, 9:40 a.m.-1 p.m. Future dates to be announced. Q Cal State University San Francisco (by appointment): Tuesday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Thursday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Q Saint Mary’s College (by appointment): Thursday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Tuesday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Q UC Berkeley: Wednesday, Sept. 11 10 a.m-12 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; and Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Q UC San Diego (drop-ins and appointments): Thursday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. (appointments) and 12 p.m.- 1 p.m. (drop In). Q UC Santa Barbara (by appointment): Monday, Oct. 28, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Q University Of The Pacific (by appointment): Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10a.m.-2 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m-2 p.m.; and Tuesday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit the Transfer Center located on the 3rd floor room 434A for appointments and other information or call 439-2181 ext. 3124. — compiled by Hillary Hetrick from press releases and staff reports
Photo by Kylee Valencia
Jose Grajeda, Nataly Garcia and Jisel Prado study at the LMC Nature Preserve.
Garden of opportunity Relax at the LMC nature preserve By PAMELA JORDAN Staff Writer
There is a refreshing scent of herbs and other vegetation rising into the air to meet visitors approaching Los Medanos College from Parking Lot B. The beautiful smell that permeates the area is from the sage and mint leaves and other herbs. A quick turn to the west after the parking lot will lead into the college’s Nature Preserve. “We’re a nonprofit schoolyard habitat,” said Outdoor Lab Technician and Caretaker Mark Asher, adding that the preserve is an open-air biological laboratory. The air breathed in the nature preserve advertises health and heartiness. But the tables, which are so conveniently placed under trees for study or relaxing, are supplied with ashtrays to keep smokers from starting a fire and destroying the beauty. “Anything that can grow in the entire college area always ends up growing in the preserve,” said Mickey Rovere, assistant caretaker. “It is carried by the wind. When they mow the lawn the wind blows disturbed seeds down the hill into the preserve.” Over in a cove, beneath luscious shade trees, there is a fishpond with California
Photo by Aishling Doherty
A bench made out of recycled materials adorns the Nature Preserve. native mosquito fish. As the mosqquitoes lay their larvae, the fish eat them, thereby keeping the mosquito population down. The preser ve is also home to jack rabbits, coyotes, snakes and assorted squirrels. Rovere said the coyotes come after dark to feast on the wildlife. “We find skulls in here all the time,” Rovere said, adding that a coyote had made a kill during the previous night. A web report documents the origins of the Nature Preserve…“Christine Hagelin, environmental biologist has now retired, but the students in her Environmental Biology and General Biology classes developed the Nature Preserve. It is a habitat for Wildlife and Learning.” Students worked for several years planting California native plants on the
one acre site at the college. The plants, along with the pond, provide a home for wildlife like the monarch butterfly and the Anna’s hummingbird. The LMC Nature Preserve has been certified as a schoolyard habitat for wildlife by the National Wildlife Federation, stating that “This national certification program certifies schools which provide the four components for wildlife: food, water, cover and places to raise young.” The “caretakers” are also instructors. Asher teaches the history of plants in California, bio diversity, adaptations and evolution, soil science and horticulture. He also teaches all sections of chemistry. Rovere also teaches, and has coordinated labs for Bio-Sci 007. “I’m doing one in See GARDEN, page 6
Save 50 lives, become an organ donor By STEVEN LUKE Staff Writer
A single organ donor can donate up to 50 organs and tissues to patients in need. Being an organ donor is one of the most important things people can do for humanity in their afterlife. Los Medanos College’s own Senior Traffic Officer, Michael Hotton, knows this first hand. In 2011, Of ficer Hotton had been on dialysis for 16 months, in need of a transplant after his kidneys failed from complications caused by his type 1 diabetes. On Oct. 30, he was lying in a hospital bed at UCSF when his doctor came to him in the middle of the night and told him he was off to San Jose to hopefully retrieve the organs he needed. What he didn’t know at the time was that four days before his doctor spoke to him, 17-year-old Steve Bueno had been shot in the head by gang members while in his friend’s garage in Salinas. Lifesaving ef for ts were made for Bueno, but he was
pronounced brain dead and his family was left with a difficult decision. In the end, Steve’s mother, Maria Bueno, made one of the hardest decisions she may ever make-to allow her son to be an organ donor. Dr. Melissa Nguyen works at Palo Alto Medical Foundation and knows it is a hard decision for any family to make. “Many oppor tunities for organs are passed over by grieving and confused family members in the wake of a loved one's death,” she said. While it is important that we have more organ donors, she notes that it is just as important for people to educate themselves about being an organ donor and tell their families their wishes. This is a decision the Bueno family struggled with, and Hotton had no clue how it happened, but he did want to know. After his recovery, he wrote a letter to the family of the donor to try to find out who it was that saved his life, but he heard nothing in return. He
Photo by Irvin Trigueros
Hotton speaking at a campus safety seminar on Nov. 26, 2012 in the Library Conference Room. struggled with not knowing for 18 months, and would periodically send letters to the family hoping to one day know the truth. “About three months ago I came home after a long day, threw my mail down, and then realized there was a letter from UCSF that was hand written, not computer generated,” Hotton said. In the envelope was the first contact from the Bueno family. It wasn’t from Mrs. Bueno, though, it was from 16-year-old
Jennifer Bueno, one of Steve’s younger sisters. She found one of Hotton’s letters in the mail one day when she came home from school. Upon seeing the UCSF logo on the letter, she took it straight to her room to read it, and began to write back. From there, the ball was rolling and shortly after the exchange, Hotton went to meet the family. The day he finally met the family he said Maria told him See DONOR, page 6
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“This world is but a canvas to our imagination.”
— Henry David Thoreau
Showcasing the artists within
Photos by Brendan Cross
Art and Humanities department chair Ken Alexander contributed his large acryllic painting, “Terimad,” featuring the Los Medanos College campus.
Talent of LMC faculty and staff on display in gallery By RATTANA KIM Staff Writer
Setting foot into the LMC Art Gallery, the various artworks on display contrasted against the white, fresh painted walls. “Roll Call Deux” is the 2nd annual Faculty and Staff Art Exhibition. This art gallery gives the opportunity for the faculty and staff to display their talents. Gallery Director Judy Petite expressed her excitement about the opening. “The exhibition is up and ready in the gallery,” she said. It opened on Wednesday, Sept. 3 and is scheduled to run until Thursday, Oct. 3. Types of artworks around the room were paintings, photographs, ceramics, pottery, vases, and much more. Many
of the works of art had an ancient and historic feel, bringing people back to the older times, such as the wooden bowls and statues. Under each piece of artwork was a piece of paper that displayed the information about each recognizable faculty and staff. Barbara Cella, who is the Marketing and Media Design Director of LMC, had a few artworks on display in both the first and second Faculty and Staff Art Exhibition shows. In this gallery show, Cella had two paintings on display. One painting is of a farm called “Golden Afternoon.” It was inspired by the farm along Nortonville Road in Pittsburg, in which the fields are golden. Another painting is called “At the Lake,” which is of a
rowboat. Cella was inspired by a photo she took of a rowboat while on vacation in Northern Wisconsin. The rowboat is a symbol of where many of her adventures took place. Student Nazera Fazli carefully observed each piece of work and after circling the gallery, one particular painting captivated her attention. Fazli admired Cella’s painting of the rowboat. Fazli said, “It looks so real. It looks more like a photograph, especially from far away.” To admire more artwork by the faculty and staff, the gallery will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. until Oct. 3. The reception will take place Sept. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m.
“Yellow Dog” is a statue made of ceramic, rebar and rock by Rosalinda Grejsen (above). “Go Mecca” is a ceramic plate with porcelain slip by Paul Palizzolo (left).
www.losmedanos.edu/shortterm
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“I’d rather be a good person off the field than a good player on the field.”
— Bryce Harper
Luke Johnson ATHLETIC ALMANAC
QB’s winloss rate: worthless Photo by Cathie Lawrence
The Mustangs warming up for practice in preparation for the upcomming football season which they plan to be successful.
Keeping the momentum attention of Division I scouts. He says he is ready to use his experience and Football season is almost underway lead the defense. He predicts that the and the Stang Gang is ready to hit team will go 8-2 this season. A player on the offensive side of the gridiron. Los Medanos College was just the ball that is hearing from Division one win away from a Bay Valley I recruits is running back Shawn Conference crown last season. With Vasquez. In 2012 he rushed for 94 yards a game with that trophy so close 6.9 yards coming they could almost LMC Football Schedule per carry. Vasquez taste it. also scored 10 “Last year wasn’t Opponent Date Time touchdowns on the a fluke,” Corner@ Harnell 9/7 6 p.m. ground with addiback Aaron Cole 9/14 1 p.m. tional one coming said. “We’ve been vs. Cabrillo 9/21 7 p.m through the air in working hard since @ College of only nine games Januar y and we Sequoias 9/28 1 p.m. played. are ready to show vs. Monterey Peninsula Head Coach everybody.” 10/5 1 p.m. Chris Shipe says Cole played a vs. West Valley Vasquez is a playcrucial role on the BYE 10/12 maker, and that team last year and @ Shasta 10/19 1 p.m. he can take one to made First Team vs. Mendocino 10/26 1 p.m. the house on any All-Conference. 11/2 3 p.m. play. Vasquez will He lead LMC in @ College of Redwoods play a pivotal roll takeaways with on the team this three interceptions year. With last year’s quarterback, and two fumble recoveries. Cole was most successful in clutch Michael Behr, and two leading remoments such as when he halted the ceivers, Terrence Polk and Terrence Shasta Knights with a game ending Brooks, off to 4-year schools, the interception, and in Yuba when he Stangs’ offensive attack will rely on made a bruising tackle that jarred the running game. LMC had a total the ball loose at the one-yard line of nine athletes from football receive on fourth down to secure a victory scholarships from last year, three of which were Division I colleges. against the 49ers. This season the Mustangs have Cole’s performance has gotten the By LUKE JOHNSON Staff Writer
Ready to kick some grass
season this year too,” said Bryant. According to volunteer asThe Los Medanos College women’s soccer team is getting sistant coach Vince Gallagher, ready to get back on the field 99 percent of the girls on the and start off fresh after going team are full-time students and winless last season. The overall all have jobs. “Ever yone out there has record for the team a busy schedule,” Gallagher in 2012 was 0-15-2. The team will be lead by said. “Over the years I cant returning Head Coach Mark think of any girls that wished Br yant, who has held the they hadn’t done it.” According position since 2001. Bryant to the coaches, they always encourage is a profesthe ladies to sional soccer LMC Soccer Schedule go on to a All-AmerOpponent Date Time higher level. ican and a 9/6 TBA LMC’s CAL State @ Sacramento City College soccer team Chico Hall of @ West Hills 9/10 4 p.m. is always Famer. College looking for “ We ’ v e 9/17 4 p.m players to had gr eat @ Butte College 9/20 3 p.m. be added to s e a s o n s , @ DVC where we’ve vs. Yuba College 9/24 3:30 p.m. its roster. A couple of rewon and ha- vs. College of 9/27 3:30 p.m. quirements ven’t won,” Marin are: must be Bryant said. @ Napa Valley 10/1 3:30 p.m. a full time After hav- @ Contra Costa 10/4 3:30 p.m. student, ing a tough enroll into winless season last year, Bryant says he soccer, some soccer experience was very impressed with his is preferred, 2.0 GPA or above, and pass a physical. players’ attitudes. Bryant says he likes to make “In athletics it’s all about winning,” Bryant said. “but sure that his players improve It’s not all about that, there is their knowledge and skills of more to it than that.” Bryant the sport and that they get a admits that he doesn’t like great experience after every to lose, but he believes it is season. Sophomore forward Alexia more important to provide life lessons and build character for Trezza says communication and teamwork are big keys his athletes. After expectations of a full to having a successful season, squad this season, the Mus- and that the winless season last tangs fell short after a lot of year did not discourage her. “I’ll never stop playing, it’s players did not return. Some of them did not complete enough all continuous soccer for me,” units, a few others decided not Trezza said. Bryant says his team will to go to college anymore, and others moved on to four-year work hard and the players will love what they have acschools. “It’s going to be a tough complished.
Photo by Luke Johnson
Halfback Shawn Vasquez (26) is expected to have a major role. brought in safety Jeremy Bittle, Antioch High School’s 2012 Athlete of the Year, as a freshmen recruit. “I’m honestly just looking forward to playing football again,” Bittle said. “I didn’t play last year so I’m just ready to get on that field with my new teammates and ball out.” Bittle lead the Panthers in interceptions with four his senior season. When asked about what the best part of his game is, he said he is unsure. “I don’t necessarily know what the best part of my game is, I like to hit people so hitting is probably one of
them. I’m a threat to the other team because I’m a physical player and a ball hawk,” Bittle said. As of right now the team does not have a set in stone starting quarterback. They currently have four players battling for the spot, and Shipe says everyone is going to get a chance. “We are going to continue working with them, and find who the right guy is at the right time,” Shipe said. Shipe says he has been yearningly anticipating opening day, and is prepared to step on the turf one game at a time.
By VANESSA FLORES Staff Writer
Photos by Cathie Lawrence
(Top) Miranda Richards heads the ball as Jackie Bustos keeps her eyes on where it will end up next. (Left) Daniella Amaya set to dribble the ball during a drill in practice. The Mustangs are working hard in anticaption for this season after a tough campaign last year.
Everyone that has taken second grade English knows the rule: “I comes before E, except after C.” The same is true for the importance of an NFL quarterback’s win-loss record affecting his worth. Hold up, wait. Something isn’t right here, because according to Webster’s Dictionary, words such as “height”, “seize” and “weird” have E’s coming before I’s without following a C. So that must mean a quarterback’s win-loss record might not have any significant meaning at all. Quarterbacks such as Vince Young and the highly publicized Tim Tebow were just cut over the weekend despite having winning records. Young has gone 31-19 over his career, while Tebow has put an 8-6 record and an additional playoff victory. Other quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Tony Romo just signed big-buck contracts this offseason undeterred by their lackluster numbers in the win column. Stafford, who agreed to a 3-year extension with the Detroit Lions for $53 million, with $41.5 guaranteed, has been 17-28 through out his career with a whopping 1-23 record against teams with winning records. Romo, who signed a 6-year extension with the Dallas Cowboys worth $108 million, with $55 million guaranteed and $25 million in bonuses, hasn’t lead the Cowboys to a winning season since 2009. Stafford has yet to have a postseason victory while Romo has a .250 winning percentage in the playoffs. So why are these quarterbacks that are leading their teams to defeat living the lives of the rich and famous while other quarterbacks with more wins than losses can’t find a spot on a 53-man roster? Let’s break down the numbers. Looking at Young’s stats, the most unappealing part is his interception totals. He has completed the ball to the other team 51 times while only having 46 touchdown passes. Young has also never thrown for more than 12 touchdowns in a season. Stafford and Romo combine for 257 touchdown passes with only 145 interceptions, with nine seasons of 12-or-more touchdown passes between them, and in seven of those nine seasons they had 20-or-more touchdown completions. In the 2011 season, Stafford put up 41 touchdowns through the air. That’s just five shy of what Young has done through out his 50-game career. One thing that sticks out negatively in Tebow’s stats is his low completion percentage, and it doesn’t help that he throws the ball less often than the normal NFL quarterback. Tebow has hit only 47.9 percent of his target, which is significantly lower than the unofficial NFL standard of 60 percent. Young and Tebow might not qualify to be an elite quarterback in the NFL (even though Young has been selected to two Probowls), but they can be of great value as a back up. Put them behind starters like Josh Freeman (24-32) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Blaine Gabbert (5-19) of the Jacksonville Jaguars and they can battle for a starting position. An upside to Young and Tebows’ tangibles is they can run the ball. Both have rushed for more than 500 yards in a single-season, and had six (Tebow) and seven (Young) touchdowns respectively on the grown in those seasons, even though they only started in 11 games. With the Spread Option offense expanding across the league, a mobile quarterback is more valuable than ever. Tebow may not hit the hands of his receivers that often, but at least he hardly puts it in the hands of the other team. Including postseason games, Tebow has thrown for 19 touchdowns with nine interceptions. In 2011, he (and quite possibly with the help from a higher power) lead the Denver Broncos from worst to first in the AFC West during a sixgame win streak. In two of the 16 games Tebow has started (including postseason), he has thrown for over 300 yards twice. He has shown he has the potential to be an above par quarterback in the NFL. As for Stafford and Romo, the outlook on their careers won’t be based off wins and losses. The starting quarterback is the most important player on the team, but you have to take into account that there are 53 players on the team. It is not like See QB, page 6
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Back Talk JLAC From page 1
or influence over two million students. “The public and the Legislature deserve to understand how this commission makes and arrives at decisions that affect the futures of so many Californians,� said Beall. (www. cssrc.us/web) Additionally, the audit request comes in the wake of the ACCJC’s decision to revoke the accreditation of the City College of San Francisco (CCSF). According to a report done by the US Department of Education, several regulations were violated by the ACCJC, including the addition of ACCJC President Dr. Barbara Beno’s husband to the team that performed its evaluation on CCSF. This was and seen as a conflict of interest and perceived as arrogant behavior. As the actions of the ACCJD raised some eyebrows, members of the evaluating teams were then instructed to destroy documents pertaining to their reviews of community colleges, an act that was deemed “outdated� and “unacceptable�. “Instead of ser ving the needs of college students, the commission is busy manipulating outdated regulations and shredding documents to prevent their disclosure,� added Nielsen. JLAC audits, other wise known as “discretionary audits�, evaluate any school, city, county, state agency, or special district. Any member of the legislature may request an audit through two ways, by way of request to the JLAC, or through legislation. Once the audit request is approved, the auditing process begins as soon as funds become available. While the reports and findings of the audit will eventually be made public once the audit is completed, the California State Auditor is prohibited from discussing or disclosing details of the audit during the auditing process. From there, the California State Auditor will request auditees to submit implementation reports at 60 days, six months, and one year to check on progress being made and to see if improvements as recommended by the auditor have been met. “The audit itself is not likely to have an effect on students,� said California Community College Vice Chancellor Paul Feist. More information can be found at the California State Auditor’s website at http:// www.bsa.ca.gov.
QB
From page 5 basketball with only 12 players, and where one teammate can change everything for a team. The greatest basketballer in the world today, Lebron James, can go to the worst team in the NBA and make them a winning organization. Not exactly championship caliber, but the team will win more than it loses. So a starting quarterback is a very small portion of the team, and it takes comradery to win games. The Football Hall of Fame has already enshrined two losing quarterbacks, of which are Sonny Jurgensen and (you’ll be surprised to read this) “Broadway� Joe Namath. I guess you can say a quarterback’s win-loss record has as much value as the second “t� in Matthew Stafford’s first name, absolutely zero.
F R I D AY,
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From page 1
Photo by Cathie Lawrence
GARDEN From page 3
the preserve in order, Rovere said. One must be careful when walking in the preserve because ground squirrels dig holes. Visitors should wear sturdy comfortable shoes. “Even in my boots, I will step in a certain spot, and I almost broke my ankle one day,� Rovere said. On Earth Day, there was a
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Deon Pruitt catches a pass during a football practice in preparation of the upcoming season set to kick off Sept. 7.
two days, Asher said adding, “They’re more like lab practicums.� “Everything here is California native, with the exception of the things the birds plant. That we can’t control. But we try to pull all the invasive grasses,� Rovere said. Biology students earn extra credit by volunteering to help pull weeds or otherwise keep
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plant sale which garnered $53, not as much as the previous sale, but still helpful. There is usually a plant sale in the fall and in the spring. “All our plant sale funds go to the Nature Preserve. We use the funds for Nature Preserve materials so we can keep having classes come and use it as an outdoor Laboratory,� Asher said.
Project/Assessment Committee, Coordinator of the CCCCD Teaching Academy and Department Chair for English/ES. Having been a professional Development Coordinator gave Ybar ra the star t to becoming actively involved with LMC. “I was interested in working with faculty on campus to work with students’ different learning styles,� she said. She was able to work with five faculty members across different disciplines in which they would go into classrooms, observe and then make suggestions about alternative teaching styles.Ybarra was also part of the group of faculty that brought the Center for Academic Support (CORE) to LMC in 1999. They also helped to bring the English Lab to the English Department and the integrated reading and writing courses. She said, “it’s not unusual that not many students are ready to take college level courses.� Ybarra wanted to have programs that could be of help to college students as much as possible.With Ybarra’s love for teaching and her skills in leadership positions, her goal is to learn the ins-and-outs of her role in order to be an effective Dean. “I love learning and I’m excited to be in this position as I’m always learning,� she said. Ybarra’s love for learning continues outside of school. She has been involved with many book clubs over the years. At one point, Ybarra was in four book clubs at the same time but is now down to one book club with a group of neighbors and friends. They meet once a month to discuss the current book and to select the next book. Ybarra also loves to cook, dance, do yoga, hike, travel and spend time with her husband and 15-year-old son.
Follow the LMC Experience online at lmcexperience.com
DONOR From page 3
she did not know if she made the right choice when she agreed to donate her son’s organs, but with him standing in front of her she now knew she made the right decision-a part of her son was still alive. Today Hotton is close with the Bueno family, and said he will continue to be involved in their lives, and will attend graduations and other life events because they are now his family. “Physically, I am alive and healthy. It was truly the gift of life, a gift I can never repay,� he said. It is a gift he will try to repay, though, by teaching others the importance of being an organ donor. In his off time, he does that by speaking at events to do just that. He speaks to people asking them to get educated and help dispel the myths about being an organ donor. One common myth is that if you are sick you cannot be an organ donor, but that simply is not true. “A patient with hepatitis C and chronic liver disease from that condition may still be able to donate tendons and ligaments to a person in need, or organs to other hepatitis C positive individuals,� said Nguyen. She said that patients with some diseases cannot donate, such as HIV positive patients or patients with certain types of metastatic cancer, but do not disqualify yourself without first educating yourself. Becoming an organ donor is as easy as checking a box when you renew your license at the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you want more information about becoming an organ donor, you can go to www. donateLIFEcalifornia.org. Currently, nearly 10 and a half million people are apart of the organ donor registry and they are always looking to attract new members.
GOALS From page 1
He notes that schools all over the country are already doing this, with some working with High Schools to allow students to take college courses early to get a jump start on their college education. He mentions that Southern New Hampshire University gives credits out based on how well students master the material, giving them the opportunity to finish faster for less money. At LMC there are innovative new ways to prepare students as well. The Processed Technologies program is a perfect example of that as LMC Vice President Kevin Horan explains. “P-Tech was a direct result of the collaboration with the surrounding refineries,� he said. “They had a demand for a workforce that wasn’t available, so they partnered with Los Medanos College to correct that.� LMC also works very closely with Kaiser and Sutter to build the nursing program, and the EMT and Fire programs also work with local agencies to build curriculum around what they want in incoming employees. Obama’s final goal is to make
schools more affordable, but at $46 a unit, again, CCC is already ahead of the curve. What can be done to help all students is what Obama and congress are already working on, changing the way student loans are handled and changes in the Pell Grant program. “We’re going to launch a campaign to help more borrowers learn about their repayment options and we’ll help more student borrowers enroll in Pay-As-You-Earn,� he said. In his Pay-As-You-Ear n model, students who took out loans would have to pay no more than 10% of their post college yearly income. The problem with this is that a high percent of students do not currently qualify, which is why he is working with congress to open up the program for more students. He is also starting a program that will help inform more students that this aid even exists. Not knowing a program exists is a huge problem even for schools like LMC that have such a small price per unit. So if you are struggling with paying for college, Obama suggests you check your options out at StudentAid.gov.
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A variety of works of art on display at the Faculty and Staff Art Gallery entitled ‘Roll Call Deux’ in the Library. The gallery is open Tues. through Thurs. from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.
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