Vol. 83 No. 8 10-23-15

A new, fresh alternative

LMC gets ‘Fixed’

Baseball slides in

For five more weeks LMC will host a mobile farmers market every Tuesday in the Outdoor Quad — page 3

LMC focused on disability options during a viewing of ‘Fixed’ in the Recital Hall Oct. 15 — page 4

LMC is preparing for the upcoming spring season by playing is a series of practice games this fall — page 5

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F.Y.I. Important Dates October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Nov. 9

Veteran’s Day — college closed

Nov. 20

Last day to drop classes with a “W” appearing on your transcript

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EMTs learn how to react Shooting scenarios discussed

By TYLER MORTIMORE

tmortimore@lmcexperience.com

Los Medanos College’s EMT program was host to a presentation on active shooters by Concord Police Department Detective Christine Magley who is a fairly unique law enforcement officer: she’s also an EMT.

Magley is one of only a few Tactical Emergency Ser vices officers in the entire Bay Area.

The TEMS tradition runs back to military medics and the medical advancements for bleeding wounds, particularly bullet wounds.

Magley explained what first

responders do when they get arrive at the scene of a mass shooting.

“The police, the first responders, their primary goal when they arrive is preventing the bad guy from A. Hurting any more people and B. Escaping,” she said. “No

See EMT, page 6

LMC will be hosting a series of events this semester featuring a variety of guest speakers. Join others as they welcome Benson Ocen, Founder and Director of “I Live Uganda,” to campus Friday, Oct. 28. Hear from Ocen the many hardships dealing with his own personal life in Uganda, as well as the continuing efforts in which he strives to help those of the country that are still suffering.

The event runs from 12:30 to 2 p.m. inside the Little Theater. Admission is free.

President strives for free education

By JAMARI SNIPES

jsnipes@lmcexperience.com

Transfer events here next week

Sign-up and come kick-it

Complex frightens students Darkness among the many issues

The Student Life Office will be hosting a kickball tournament open to all LMC students, staff and faculty.

Teams must consist of 6 to 8 people and registration is due by midnight Tuesday, Oct. 27. An orientation will follow Oct. 28 at noon at the the softball field. If you want to playy, but are not a part of a team, you can still sign up and organizers will try to find you a team with an open space.Tournament games will be every Wedsneday from noon to 1:30 p.m. starting Nov. 4 and ending Dec. 2. Applications are available for download or online submission at http://www.losmedanos. edu/studentlife/health.asp.

Fortifying success

Women’s Sports

Three new equity plans begin

There will be a student interest meeting for swimming, tennis, and track and field held Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Room CO - 420.

— Lt. Ryan Huddleston

America looks for heads-up

New speaker series begins

The college will be hosting two transfer events Oct. 27. — Transfer Day will be held in the Outdoor Quad from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and College Night in the gym from 6 to 8 p.m. Representatives from the CSU and UC campuses, along with out-of-state and private universities will be present to answer students’ questions about transferring. For more information, or a list of the colleges that will be present, go to losmedanos.edu/transferday.

“We want you to remove yourself from the unsafe area. Safe zones are there for a reason.”

By ALEX RIVA

ariva@lmcexperience.com

With tall cement walls and standing three stories tall, the Los Medanos College Complex can be intimidating at first glance, but some students have come to fear the building and its surrounding areas.

The first floor of the college complex, an area that some students are leery to spend time, is where the district police services are located. When night classes let out, the darkness may cause concern for some students.

“We get a lot of calls from students who

Photos by Joseph Delano • Experience

Top, signs posted by the entrance to the lake state rules and campus safety tips for students and staff. Above, a See FEARS, page 6 figure waits in the dark in front of the Music Building.

By JOSEPH DELANO

jdelano@lmcexperience.com

In an ongoing effort to enhance equitable outcomes for students of Los Medanos College, members of the campus community gathered Oct. 19 to discuss how three major plans are working together to fortify learning access and opportunities for students, faculty and staff alike.

While the plans: Student Equity; Student Success and Support Progress (3SP); and Basic Skills Initiative have independent focuses,

they overlap in enough areas that LMC President Bob Kratochvil and others felt a presentation of each of them was prudent to show “how each of those plans is integrated.”

The gathering, which took the time slot of the normally scheduled college-wide assembly, included some initial basic information about the plans provided by their respective representatives.

The director of 3SP, Carla Rosas, said the plan’s focus is to “increase California community college See PLANS, page 6

The Heads Up America campaign, launched last month by President Barack Obama, seeks to impact learners across the country by making community college free for students whom are willing to work for hard for their education.

It is a campaign “designed to help spread the word about the importance of investing in community colleges, and it calls on people to join the movement to make two years of community college free to responsible students across the country,” said Contra Costa Community College District Chancellor Helen Benjamin.

Although the campaign is a social media grassroots movement to promote the idea of a free community college education, it is encouraging students and the general public to spread the word on their campuses and in their neighborhoods, starting with a nationwide event next week.

According to the Heads Up America campaign website, “During the week of October 26, we’ll be inviting students, teachers, business owners, friends and families to celebrate community college at open house events nationwide.”

On the website you can also download a join-the-movement tool kit, which tells you how to get involved or show support — such as reposting or creating tweets in support of the campaign with the hashtag #headsupamerica; including a signature at the end of emails that reads “Heads Up America;” a guideline for making your own videos; becoming a community organizer; and information for how businesses can get involved, etc.

Two states have already implemented free community college — Tennessee and Oregon — but implementing fee-free schooling here in California could be tricky.

It hasn’t been passed yet in California and “there is considerable debate in the Legislature required to pass any legislation,” said Los Medanos College President Kratochvil. “So, to estimate when such a policy might be implemented is impossible.”

It will also take local, state and federal governments for California to fund the free education and all the logistics of that See HEADS, page 6

Experience • Cassie Dickman

A recent document reveals the details of the three proposed equity plans.

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Perspectives

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“I don’t like to overdose. Call me old-fashioned.”

— Chelsea Handler

Cristo Resendiz

Kimberly Stelly

CRISTO’S CAUSE

SUCKA MC

Body piercings should be okay

Show respect for female MCs

Generally, body modification like piercings and tattoos are becoming more widely accepted. Piercings in particular are starting to become the norm and have been gaining mainstream popularity since the late 1960s.

However, while people might be getting used to them in public, there tends to be a hard time accepting piercings in the work place, as they usually have to be removed.

Why do we have to remove them? This question is always answered with the same response, “We have to show professionalism in the workplace.” You can be professional and have piercings — it’s not like the piercings will affect how employees act at work.

Another reason people have for not wanting piercings in the some places of work — restaurants to be specific — is because it’s unsanitary and could make people sick. Please explain to me how any of my piercings that are nowhere near the food are going to make people sick?

It’s not like I’m going to be messing with them while I’m at work. I’m not going to remove $200 worth of piercings just to abide by a dress code or because someone doesn’t like the way they look. It’s ridiculous for people to assume someone with any kind of body modification such as dyed hair, tattoos or makeup, is unprofessional.

A person’s appearance has nothing to do with their abilities in the workplace.

It’s like employers are discriminating against those who look different and according to an article written by Dr. Brian Elzweig entitled “Tattoos and Piercings: Issues of Body Modification and the Workplace,” It’s not illegal to discriminate against those with piercings unless it’s apart of a sacred practice.

Isn’t it hilarious how companies or certain workplaces will keep someone who has a horrible record of not doing their job and not attending work employed instead of hring reliable people who just so happens to look different?

I mean, god forbid someone with a lip piercing come to work on time everyday and excel in improving the company but not take out the piercing because it’s supposedly unprofessional. Then, before they know it, they’re fired even after helping so much all because of one measly little lip piercing.

The thing is, I love working, but certain rules regarding appearance that have to do with appearance are ridiculous. Body modifications aren’t going to hurt a company and I can guarantee people are not going to care about an employee’s piercings and think “This place is so unprofessional for hiring people with these piercings.” Generalizing here, pretty sure most people go to a restaurant for the food, they go to the store to buy what they want or need, not to criticize how you have your employees looking or how unprofessional the place is.

Piercings make a person look interesting and while yes they may look intimidating we’re completely ignoring what we have said for so many years, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’

You would think businesses would want to have diversity and care to anyone, which could lead to people telling others about how well the business, treats their employees.

While this seems like somewhat of an uninteresting topic for some, it might reach out to those who feel the same way about people with body modifications in the workplace.

It really is annoying having to take piercings out and having to put them back in every time you to and from work. It’s a hassle and you might be thinking “Why get them then?” Let me ask you, why do you dress the way you do? Why do you always put up your hair like that? Probably because that’s how you express yourself, the same applies to those with piercings.

If you ask the average listener of mainstream music who the best female rapper is, you probably wouldn’t be too surprised to hear them say Nicki Minaj. She’s not bad, but she certainly isn’t the best. Much like WNBA players, rap fans have the habit of ignoring all other modern female rappers.

Sure someone will name drop Eve or Missy Elliot, but when is the last time either artist released any new music? Once, I heard someone say Iggy Azalea was the best female rapper of today and I felt our rap ancestors collectively give up on this generation. This was before the world of rap music disowned her, though sometimes, in my darkest nightmares, I can hear “Fancy” playing over and over until I awaken, inconsolable in a cold sweat.

She and some of these other women rely on looks and they think it makes up for talent. Showing your assets – emphasis on the “ass” — doesn’t make you a valuable part of the rap industry. It does, however, make you another joke waiting to happen and it’s hard enough to get people to take hip-hop seriously anymore.

I fear female rappers have the same stigma surrounding them as female comedians: they just aren’t as good as their male counterparts.

Sure, there are some horrible female rappers out there. Remember Kreayshawn? It took Agent K’s neurolyzer and five shots of vodka to forget the musical tragedy that was her debut album. But here are so many diversely, talented women out there that it’s unfair to generalize them. Besides have you heard the hot garbage that comes from some of today’s male rappers?

Even Drake, once deemed rap’s Canadian savior, spits half-baked rhymes while making these strange jerking movements he probably thinks is dancing. Why not look for lyrical fulfillment with artists like K. Flay? They have just as much skill as any other rapper out there, if not more.

And as problematic as Azealia Banks is, you can’t deny her skills. Same goes for spitfire New York native Angel Haze. Are they too alternative for mainstream fame?

They don’t operate on the need to be as well known or flashy as Minaj, but they deserve more acknowledgement than they get.

Looking for someone whose flows are more poetic. No problem: Jean Grae is here to satisfy your socially conscious hip-hop needs. Timbaland’s protégé Tink is bringing back all that we loved about rap music in the nineties with her ability to smoothly incorporate R&B and rap. She was featured in Pentaonix’s remix of “Can’t Sleep Love” and made VH1’s list of 15 Female Rappers to Watch in 2015.

Noname Gypsy’s “Cherrypie Blues” makes a fantastic addition to any relaxation playlist.

Even Janelle Monae, mostly known for her singing, is a decent rapper as exhibited in her songs “Neon Valley Street,” “Q.U.E.E.N.” and “Electric Lady.”

International stars like South Korea’s CL and the UK’s Lady Leshurr have been gaining popularity in the United States recently.

M.I.A has been around for a while and is still adored by audiences internationally.

These women write their own rhymes and produce some of the most prolific songs in the game today without having to rely on gimmicks which is refreshing yet the world keeps sleeping on them like they aren’t someday going to mean the world to other aspiring female rappers – I mean, if they don’t already.

The way things are going now, Nicki is going to keep dominating in the Best Female Rap Artist at every awards show for years to come even if it means bringing back alter-egos Roman and Martha It’s time for us to give other female MCs a shot at the spotlight.

Editorial

Experience • Yetunde Ogunleye

Drug abuse is ignored today

D

rug abuse in today’s generation, isn’t taken seriously enough. In the wake of Lamar Odom’s drug induced coma, discussions have begun circling around the lack of seriousness surrounding the issue of drug abuse.

If you where to go around this campus and ask students and the administration alike if drug abuse is tolerated on this campus, the answer would be a collective “no.” Likewise, if you where to ask the same group if drug abuse was controlled adequately and prevented on this campus the answer would again be an unequivocal, collective “yes.”

Yet the trouble doesn’t arrive from the efforts to hinder drug abuse within the young adults that make up the Los Medanos College student body and young staff, it arises in the mindset of the generation of 18 to 25-year-olds, which make up roughly seventy percent of the student body.

According to recent data from drugabuse.gov, this same group currently holds the title of being in the age group where drug abuse is most common.

We used the Odom incident as an example impart because it is recent, but also due to its pop culture relevancy.

Lamar Odom is an extremely wealthy NBA player and he is apparently fond of prostitutes.

He is also a father of three, and described as a kind person.

Why is all of this relevant? What does the Odom incident and its pop culture ties have to do with drug abuse with the young adults of LMC? This is a famous individual who, just like most people have people who love him and a reputation to uphold, and he’s still impacted by the harmful effects of addictive substances. We focused briefly on him being found unconscious and even then, people made a joke out it while his life hung in the balnce.

Even sadder is the fact that most people have chosen to focus on the fact that he and Khloe Kardashian have decided to remain married. He’s awake now and his brain is functioning properly but this doesn’t mean we can’t open a dialogue about the rampantly ignored drug use in our society.

You should care because whether you want to accept it or not drug abuse, and the previously mentioned issues, effects our lives day in and day out. It matters because 40,000 people die every year from illicit illegal drug use and prescription drug abuse.

Let’s be proactive, not reactive A recent front-page article of the Experience, titled “LMC Preps for Worst” (Oct. 9, 2015), described increased security measures – training videos, alertness, sheltering in place and the decision to flee – that our institution is taking in response to mass shooting incidences. Upon reading the article, I initiated a conversation with the students of my Human Biology class.

Using fifteen minutes of a biology lecture for an open discussion about gun violence may not seem appropriate, but my group understands — They welcome it. After all, we are working together in a community college. My students and I have stressed the importance of that word since the first day of the semester.

Let’s see how they reacted: n “Since the fatal shooting at the community college in Oregon, there have been numerous mentions of security adaptations. However, not many people have thought about the proactive measures we should take. An individual was troubled mentally. It wasn’t because of gun laws or not understanding how to duck and cover. If the community had worked together and given an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on, this could have been prevented.” – Terra n “I agree that we should take certain steps to prepare for horrible situations. But why don’t we do something to prevent it from happening in the first place? People go through dark times.

Just some interest in someone’s life may keep them from going over the edge.” – Jeff n “We should raise awareness about how to protect ourselves in case of a shooting, but I feel we should also raise awareness about depression, help for people with mental

Voices

James Madden GUEST COLUMNIST

illness, and bullying. Healthy expression and feeling accepted in your community would save lives.” – Miachalah n “I don’t understand. Why isn’t the lack of a community discussed? It is one of the main causes of school shootings.” – Vanessa n “Too many problems are being solved by being reactive, rather than proactive. Being proactive can mean group work or forming a community within your class.” – Gerardo n “I feel that community is a major contributor to individuals going on a shooting spree.

We should all treat each other nicely and with respect if we want to avoid this. If someone is mad or depressed, ask them what’s wrong or get help for the individual.” – Rohan n “Everyone has things that may be challenging for them, whether personal, work-related or educational. If we looked out for one another, checked in with each other and had professors that modeled this, it would alleviate some of the stresses. A little compassion and understanding will go a long way and truly cultivate our ‘community’ college.” – Kenya n “Professors should encourage students to speak with their peers in class. Having a

See BIO, page 6

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE

Experience

Do you think our geneation takes drug abuse seriously?

Compiled

by

Jazmine

L M C e x p e r i e n c e . c o m

Gordon

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association

“If it was a celebrity, it would be out there, more and more public, and make people feel more sympathy for them.”

— Faviola Amador

“I don’t feel like drug abuse is a huge issue, It is seen as a joking matter and what not and it’s something that is not taken too seriously.”

— Moses Lawson VII

“I feel like our generation doesn’t take drug abuse seriously and schools are trying to push programs.”

— Aaron Pratt

“I think that drug use is taken very lightly in our generation.”

— Erika Lopez

“There are not enough programs and services for our generation to really get enough help with their drug abuse.”

— Terese Marks

“Our generation continues to use [drugs] the same way [as our parents], so I don’t think we take it seriously.”

— Elliot Abdullah

“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

Editors-in-Chief ...............DAMIAN LEWIN and CASSIE DICKMAN Perspectives Editor .....YETUNDE OGUNLEYE Managing Editor...................JOSEPH DELANO Campus Editor....................LISSETTE URBINA Features Editor............BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ Sports Editor.......................BRENDAN CROSS Photo Editor......................CATHIE LAWRENCE New Media Editor .................. JAMARI SNIPES Special Projects Editor..........LUKE JOHNSON Copy Chief ........................ KIMBERLY STELLY 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

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual health campaign to increase the awareness of the disease. It was founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of AstraZeneca to promote mammograms as the most effective method to fight against breast cancer.

The goal of the campaign is raise funds for research for the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of the disease. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer for women behind lung cancer with about 1 in 8 women in the US having the disease.

About 40,000 women and 400 men are expected to die from breast cancer each year. There are a variety of events to raise awareness and fund for the disease like walks, runs and even the pink illumination of landmark buildings. For more information about early detection and other info, visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org.

Dance team is holding tryouts

The LMC Dance Team is holding tryouts Oct. 26 and 27 at 7 to 9 p.m. and Oct. 28 at 2 to 4 p.m. in Dance Room PED-1.

For more information on the team and tryouts, contact Captain Miranda Hughes at mhuges964@gmail.com or Co-captain Na’orie Harris at naorietyrece@gmail.com.

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“The only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.”

— John Locke

An injection of opinion

Debate takes on mandatory vaccinations

By GARRETT BELME

gbelme@lmcexperience.com

The Los Medanos College Debate Team, fresh off an award-winning performance at the United States Universities National Debate Championship, is set to scrimmage against each other as they tackle the controversial issue regarding mandatory vaccinations for children.

The debate will focus on the wide variety of perspectives surrounding public health versus parental choice, and will be held

Friday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Pittsburg City Hall. It is free and open to the public.

Head coach Marie Arcidiacono broke down what viewers could expect at the upcoming debate.

“The public debate comprises of eight debaters. There is a government bench, which consists of four people, and an opposition bench, which also consists of four people,” said Arcidiacono. “The government bench is in favor of the motion and the opposition bench is against it.”

She continued with, “Debaters are paired off in teams of two; the opening government, opening opposition, closing government, closing opposition.”

“Since only eight people can debate in the public debate other members of our squad will be participating in other ways at the event. Debaters in the public debate volunteered on a first-come, first-serve

Experience • Alexandra Riva

Genaro Mauricio debates at one the team’s practice sessions. basis,” she said.

One member of the team, Yetunde Ogunleye, gave more detail on the how the debate works from the debater’s point of view.

See TEAM, page 6

Truck offers healthy options

CSU workshops set for fall

Transfer Services are offering fall workshops for students interested in transferring.

The next workshop will learning to complete a CSUMentor application to schools like CSU East Bay, San Francisco State, CSU Long Beach and more Nov. 3. from 1 to 3 p.m. in Student Services Building Room 412.

There will be a workshop focused on CSU East Bay Oct. 29 from 4 to 5 p.m. in Assessment Room SS3-314.

The workshops will be hosted by transfer counselor David Reyes along with CSU representatives.

There will be UC application workshops in November.

Allies to hold weekly meetings

LMC Allies will have meetings every Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. in Library Room L-105.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance, provides information, support and community for gay, lesbian, bi, trans, queer and questioning people in the LMC area, and for their straight family and friends.

Meetings and events offer a safe, friendly and inclusive place and time for our community to convene.

For more information, call 473-7861, email the group at lgbt@losmedanos.edu or stop by the Q*Spot at College Complex Room CC1-117

Daily cancellations online

Save yourself from making an unnecessary trip to campus for a class that has been canceled.

Professors sometimes cancel classes unexpectedly and often can’t tell their students in person.

The LMC website offers a daily class cancellation page for students to see if their class has been canceled.

For the list of daily cancellations, visit www.losmedanos. edu/classcancel.

The LMC Experience Facebook page also posts class cancellations as well as other campus updates. Visit www. facebook.com/lmcexperience.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Claudia Vasquez buys pomegranates and other vegetables at the Freshest Cargo foodtruck, a part of Fresh Approach. The truck provides affordable farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and will be present at LMC for the next five weeks on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon in the Outdoor Quad.

Online survey gives a chance at $150

By GARRETT BELME

gbelme@lmcexperience.com

Photo from www.stmarys-ca.edu

Designed in the Mission Renaissance style, the chapel is the center of St. Mary’s College.

It is a place of reflection and consideration for all students, no matter their religious or cultural backgrounds.

Free campus tours available

Unsure of where to transfer? Sign-up for the Transfer Center’s upcoming university campus tours online: n St. Mary’s College: Dec. 4. Registration opens Nov. 4.

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 losmedanos.edu/transfer/default. asp. The Transfer Center is currently located in Student Services, SS4-435.

Graduation application dates

If you have applied for fall 2015 graduation, you will receive notification of your status by Nov.15.

If you complete your graduation requirements this semester, you will receive your diploma or certificate by Feb. 15, 2016.

Students who plan to graduate in spring 2016 can apply for graduation once they have registered for spring classes.

The deadline to apply for spring 2016 graduation is March 1.

Please see your counselor to make sure you are on track.

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 throughout the week and change on a weekly basis. Students must have a student ID number and a photo ID to meet with a counselor.

Appointments on the Pittsburg campus can be made at the Counseling Department in the Student Services Building, Level 4, calling in at 473-7449, or by visiting www.losmedanos.edu/counseling and clicking on the Make an Appointment link.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

Los Medanos College is conducting an online survey to see what platforms students use to consume media.

It asks things like how you get local and national news, and which social media websites you prefer. After completing the survey, students can enter to win a $150 Amazon gift card.

District Director of Communications and Community Relations Tim Leong gave more information on what LMC does with the results this survey generates.

“This is the third year that all

three of our colleges are implementing this media preferences survey,” he said. “What we do is then take the results from our three colleges and we can then be able to determine what our student’s preferences are and then compare them against the national results as well.”

Leong provided an example.

“Some of the information might be about what social media websites do you frequent.

Do you spend more time on Facebook, Instagram? That helps us to better understand if we wanted to do some marketing to encourage students to attend one of our colleges

Image courtesy of www.losmedanos.edu/survey

The website splash page you would see as you log in to take the survey and enter to win a $150 gift card. or whatever the message might be and if we have more marketing dollars to spend on advertisement maybe that’s where we would then start to purchase adds in that particular social media channel.”

Barbara Cella, LMC’s director of marketing and media design, echoed Leong’s statements.

“This survey asks our current students what media they See WIN, page 6

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Features Marquee Movies just released

n “Steve Jobs” Rated R Genre: Drama, Biography n “Crimson Peak” Rated R Genre: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural n “Goosebumps” Rated PG Genre: Suspense, Family n “The Last Witch Hunter” Rated PG-13 Genre: Thriller, Action n “Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension” Rated R Genre: Horror, Suspense n “Jem and the Holograms” Rated PG Genre: Musical Adventure

Courtesy of pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com

Promotional art for the Official Blues Brothers Revue.

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“The world worries about disability more than disabled people do.”

— Warwick Davis

‘Fixed’ sparks dialogue

Film explores disability options

By BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ

bhernandez@lmcexperience.com

A screening of the documentary “Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement” was held at the Recital Hall Thursday, Oct. 15. as part of Disability Awareness Month, This event was held as a way to begin a conversation about disability at Los Medanos College. The name of the film, “Fixed” explores the two sides of the argument — what needs to be fixed, people with disabilities or society?

Blue notecards were placed on each reserved seat thanking them for attending the event and encouraging their feedback as far as how the film impacted them and any future events on disability that they’d like to see at LMC in

the future.

The event began with Dean of Counseling and Student Support Jeffery Benford welcoming the audience and thanking them for being a part of the event. He used his nametag as an example of how perception plays a role in what is normal. To others wearing his nametag upside down may not be normal, but others may view his tag as right side up.

“Who decides what’s normal?” asked Benford.

Going on, he introduced the Brentwood Center Disabled Students Programs and Ser vices (DSPS) Counselor Nina Ghiselli.

Before the film a shor t clip from Superfest, an International Disability Film Festival at which “Fixed” will be shown at this year,

was presented. In the beginning there were audio difficulties, likely resulting from the descriptive narration for the visually impaired.

“It’s more than just accommodation,” said Ghiselli “Accommodation is great, but you don’t need to be fixed.”

Despite this, Ghiselli was able to use this as an example of how technology may not always be reliable.

Following the clip, she shared a brief speech about how most people don’t understand disability while the film was being set up.

“There’s this weird thing that happens when you have a disability.

People, as soon as they find out you have a disability, they suddenly have a PhD in the thing you have,” she joked.

Photo courtesy of fixedthemovie.com

A woman from “Fixed” using assistive technology.

After the showing of the film, a Q&A was held with Director of the film Reagan Brashear.

The panel consisting of Ghiselli, drama professor Nick Garcia See FIXED, page 6

A pirate’s life for me

Shows at the theater

The California Theatre is located in Pittsburg at 351 Railroad Ave. For ticket sales and additional information call 427-1611. n The classic interactive performance of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be put on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10 p.m. It is a comedic spoof of Hollywood horror movies. There will be a pre-show beginning at 9:30 p.m. and live shadow casting by The Bawdy Caste. Ticket prices range from $12 to $15. n Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty will be bringing soul to the California Theatre as part of a Official Blues Brothers Revue concert will be held Saturday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets for this event are $49.

El Campanil events

The El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W Second St., Antioch. For ticket sales and additional information visit elcampaniltheatre.com or call 757-9500. n Musician James Garner will be performing a tribute show for “The Man in Black” Johnny Cash Oct. 24 with 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. showings. Ticket prices are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors and free for youth 18 and under with a paid adult. n The International Film Showcase will be screening a showing of social comedy 1960s French film “The Woman on the 6th floor,” Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. n The Contra Costa Chamber Orchastra, a group of 45 musicians ages 15 to 94, will be performing a concert on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for students. n The International Film Showcase will be screening a showing of the sentimental Italian film “Cinema Paradiso,” Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $7 for seniors and students.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Appearing in several motion pictures such as “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” and “Star Trek: Generations,” Lady Washington, the official ship of Washington, will be moored at the Antioch City Marina until Oct. 26.

There will be walk-on tours from 4 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 23 and from 2 to 4 p.m Oct. 24 and 25.

Netflix goes into the belly of the ‘Beasts’

By TYLER MORTIMORE

Halloween festivities

Celebrate the Halloween season by attending one of the various Halloween events happening in the area for children, students and adults. n There will be a Halloween party held by Honors Friday Oct. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the community room, L-109.

Celebrate grooving on the dancefloor and taking part in the potluck.

Honors members, family and friends are encouraged to wear their costumes.

There will be a costume contest. Other activities for the celebration include a pumpkin pie eating contest, pumpkin carving and a photo station. n The first Halloween Fun Run/Walk 5K will be held at Railroad Ave. and 6th St. in Old Town Pittsburg Saturday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m to noon. People are encouraged to wear costumes to the event. No inappropriate costumes will be allowed as it is a family event. Medallions will be presented to the first three finishers by age group and gender. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $10 for children $12 and under. For additional information call 252-6970. n There will be a Halloween bash and Pumpkin Patch from noon to 5 p.m. held at Small World Park on Saturday, Oct. 31. The park is located at 2573 Harbor St. There will be live music, magic shows, pony rides and a costume parade beginning at 2 p.m. The first 800 children 10 and under in the park will recieve a free plastic jack o’ lantern pail. Ticket prices are $4 for adults, $2 for children 10 and under or free with canned goods. For more information call 252-4842.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

tmortimore@lmcexperience.com

Experience • Luke Johnson

Lenard Jackson, Du’Praiseja Smith and Nicole McGraw performing in “Olé.”

‘Olé’ garners laughs with racially inspired satire

By KIMBERLY STELLY

kstelly@lmcexperience.com

The Los Medanos College Drama Department’s production of “Olé for Hollywood” impressed its audience opening night last Thursday, Oct. 15.

While the play started at 7:30 p.m., the show started beforehand while the attendees waited in line. There was a fake protest of the play while attendees stood in line and Kristina Cruz came out in character as Sofia Bigbrara to pose for a faux red-carpet photo shoot and thanked people for coming to the show. It seemed as though this was meant to entertain yet warn the audience of the edgy or “offensive” jokes to come, but the content of the play itself was tame.

It might have something to do with the fact that racially based satire has been at the forefront of the comedy world for a while now and so this type of humor is more common and less taboo now than in 1997 when the play first premiered.

Regardless of this fact, the play was well written and the performances were fantastic.

REVIEW

The opening scene involved a musical performance from ”Spitbull” and “Me-yo” and it was somewhat awkward because it seemed that a few of the dancers were distracted by the actors dancing about as they were thrown off-rhythm for a moment. It was also extremely obvious that the actors were lip-syncing due to the quality of the audio, but Lenard “The Kyd” Jackson’s emphatic dancing made up for it.

Other than that, it was smooth production.

It was hard to pick out a star because so many people played so many interesting characters but Claudia Vasquez impressed attendees with her portrayal of suave Antonio Bunderas which isn’t surprising considering she’s been great in every role I’ve seen her in.

After Alex DesJardin’s speech as Donald Chump, it was hard to decide whether or not to applaud because his portrayal was so eerily Donald Trump-esque and I swear this isn’t an insult, but if Terrence Allegre’s acting career doesn’t pan out, he’d make an excellent game show host.

This particular LMC production was differ-

See OLÉ, page 6

“A boy is harmless? Does the boy have two eyes to see?” Idris Elba’s Commandant asks his troops in Netflix’s first original film, “Beasts of No Nation.” “The boy has two hands to strangle and fingers to pull triggers. That boy is very dangerous.”

And so young Agu, no older than 12, is drafted into the Native Defense Force (NDF), a rebel faction fighting against the government in the movie’s anonymous African country. An often-horrific boot camp of sorts follows, concluding with the Commandant ordering Agu to execute a prisoner.

A shotgun is offered to the Commandant who denies it, saying such a weapon is too large for the small boy. He gives Agu a machete instead and so sets off.

The movie is beautiful as often as it is brutal, with director Cary Joji Fukunaga (“True Detective,” “Sin Nombre”) showing his usual flair

REVIEW

See BEAST, page 6

Photo courtesy of imdb.com

Commandant and Agu in the Netflix original movie “Beasts of No Nation.”

M EDAN OS

C OL L E G E

Sports

Trivia

E X P E R I E N C E

FRIDAY,

OCT.

23,

2015

5

Who has played the least amount of NBA games in a full-length season and won the MVP Award?

A: Bill Walton (58 games)

L O S

Volleyball drops Yuba match BVAL standings crowded toward top and took advantages of LMC’s weaknesses. bcross@lmcexperience.com Stat leaders for Los Medanos The Los Medanos College Mus- included setter Aubree Dejesus tangs volleyball team suffered a 3-0 who had 24 assists, leading the loss against Yuba College Friday, team, and offensive hitter Taylor Oct. 16, losing two games in a row Green, who had 8 kills.

After the loss, Coach Panzella after winning the first six.

Going into the game ,Yuba and said that the team made “too many LMC both had a 6-1 record in hitting errors and not enough defensive blocks the Bay Valley from our side.”

Conference.

He added that “ I e x p e c t a Volleyball Sched. *denotes conference game the team gave good game out Date Time Yuba too many of the girls,” said Opponent easy chances to head coach Lou Contra Costa* 10/28 6 p.m. score and that the Panzella prior to 10/30 6 p.m. defense needed to the start of the @ Laney* help set up better contest.

Marin* 11/4 6 p.m. scoring opporThe Mus11/6 6 p.m. tunities for the tangs star ted @ Solano* of fense, which with a strong in Mendocino* 11/10 6 p.m. they look to do the first set, but 11/13 6 p.m. in their next Bay Yuba mounted a Napa Valley* Valley matchup. comeback to take @ Yuba* 11/17 6 p.m.

The Mustangs it 25-19. next home game Yuba had 15 kills in the first set, the most of any is against last place and 0-8 Contra set in the game from either side. Costa College Oct. 28 at 6:00 p.m.

The second set, however, was in the gym.

Aside from not recording a win led wire-to-wire by Yuba thanks to setter Jennifer Mora, who had yet this season, Contra Costa has 31 assists for the game, averaging failed to win a single set, their closest to that feat being two 25-21 over 10 a set.

Dominating spikes and defensive sets against Laney and Alameda blocks proved to be the downfall for respectively.

Los Medanos currently sits the Mustangs, as they dropped the third set 25-18, and the game 3-0. third amongst the nine teams in Yuba executed their offense the conference.

By XAVIER VALLE and BRENDAN CROSS

Experience • Xavier Valle

Mustangs setter Aubree Dejesus gets set to serve during the Friday, Oct. 16 loss to Yuba College.

Evaluation is in full swing Baseball looks to create chemistry

By RENEE SMITH

rsmith@lmcexperience.com

As Los Medanos College’s fall baseball season begins to wind down, the coaching staff and players grind harder to make an unforgettable impact in the upcoming spring 2016 season.

“In the fall games, we will often play 12 or more innings so there isn’t necessarily the traditional nine innings win-loss result you will see during the spring,” said head coach Anthony D’Albora. “It becomes similar to what you would see during spring training; the guys are on a more regimented plan and as coaches we will evaluate their execution of those game reps.”

The preparation D’Albora mentions consists of required five practices a week each lasting about three hours, plus additional speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness conditioning workouts on Saturdays, commonly referred to as “SPARQ.”

However, he acknowledges the team “Practice is tedious but beneficial,” said pitcher Spencer Vincent. “Conditioning is a couldn’t have reached where they are now tiring task, but with our formed workout plans without the motivation from the coaching staff.

“Our coaches are the best. I’ve never been and SPARQ every week, we are bettering apar t of a program our skills on the field with such direct advice through sweat and and guidance to help determination.” achieve success,” said Although practices Vincent. “Each coach seem repetitive and expects the most from long, the players find us which makes us the positive side as strive to a higher level they know working of competition.” hard is how they will D’Albora brings the become a dominant boys back to reality as team heading into the spring season.

Experience • Renee Smith thinking toward playoffs is a long stride into “If the team can Sophomore infielder Jason Ochella the future, and reminds keep developing and sprints down the first base line. them to take it slow. creating chemistr y “I don’t know if anyone is truly prepared for like we have, I can easily see us in playoffs. We have already bonded over the short time we the start of the season until you get there,” have had so far, and there are a lot of pieces said D’Albora. “From now until that first I am excited to see come together for the pitch is thrown we just have to commit to [spring] season,” said catcher Ethan Utler. getting as strong as we can, mastering our Experience • Renee Smith Vincent agrees as he expects the team to individual crafts as best we can, and enjoying dominate when the spring campaign comes the heck out of every moment we get to do Pitcher Spencer Vincent tries to cement his it as a group.” around. role on the team during the fall games.

CHOOSE YOUR DOCTOR

ALUMS OF THE WEEK

Stangs lose by two to Hartnell

Team still eyes winning record

more

options

jambuehl@lmcexperience.com

Experience • Luke Johnson

Kara Leffle, LMC goalie during 2012-13.

When it comes to good health, your doctor is your coach, partner, and ally.

So it only makes sense that you have one that you connect with and can trust.

Our doctors are caring, supportive, and highly respected in their fields. And with more than 800 Kaiser Permanente physicians in Central and East Contra Costa County and the Tri-Valley area, it’s easy to find one that’s right for you.

To learn more, visit kp.org/diablo.

“Next year we are going to be really good,” Jackson said.

The Los Medanos College “We have a lot of guys coming Mustangs lost Saturday, Oct. back, and there will be a lot of 17 at 6-0 Hartnell College by team chemistry.”

“The athlete,” as he calls 23-21.

“Keeping our heads up himself, cannot wait to get and focus is all we need for back on the field for the 2016 Hartnell,” said head coach season. He’s focusing on reChris Shipe before the game. covering, resting and bulking According to quarterback up for next year.

The Stangs, along with head Gabe Taylor, the offense did not fair too poorly against their coach Chris Shipe, are in future undefeated league rival. He mode this year, however.

They made the change from threw for over 200 yards with sophomore a touchdown quar terback pass and only Football Sched.

Julius Mozee one intercep- *denotes conference game to the freshtion.

Opponent Date Time man Taylor “I don’t feel 10/24 1 p.m. earlier in the like we had a Yuba* bad game this @ Redwoods* 10/31 1 p.m. year, who is getting good time,” Taylor 11/7 3 p.m. experience gosaid. “I think Shasta* if we clean a @ Mendocino* 11/14 1 p.m. ing into next season. few things up, If the team like me being on the same page with our rallies and wins their upcoming receivers, our season will not games, they can still earn a winning record. be lost yet.”

This weekend’s game is goSome players, like freshman Joshua Jackson, are already ing to serve as an appropriate looking forward to next sea- test of where they are at as the son. Jackson noted the team Mustangs take on Yuba College members, including himself, at home, Saturday, Oct. 24.

The Yuba College 49ers are have had some crucial injuries, and the season could have 3-3 overall, with a 2-1 league gone differently if everyone record, and lost their last game was healthy.

See LOSS, page 6

By JARED AMBUEHL

n Kara Leffle (USCAA soccer): as a goalkeeper, she completed her first shutout in her first start of the season. UM-Fort Kent defeated Vermont Tech and improve to 15-2. n Taylor Scriven (NCAA volleyball): leads the team in sets played (53) and kills (124). She also has 73 dig to go with the team’s 9-16 record. n Terrance Polk (NCAA footbal l ): had four receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown in Ottawa’s 45-7 victory over University of Saint Mary. n Shawn Vasquez (NCAA): carried the ball 16 times for 60 yards in Texas A&M-Kingsville’s 39-34 loss to Angelo State.

His team falls to 1-6 (0-4 conference).

L O S

M EDAN OS

C OL L E G E

Back Talk

ask us to escort them to their cars, especially in the winter when it starts getting darker earlier. We want people to know that this is a service we are happy to provide to them anytime, day or night,” said Police Lieutenant Ryan Huddleston.

Although the first floor of the college complex is not as brightly lit as the other floors, it is not completely dark. The lights in the college complex are set to a photocell. This means that as soon as it begins getting dark outside the lights will start to turn on.

“It doesn’t strike me as being a problem,” said Russ Holt, LMC Buildings and Grounds Manager, who had not heard any complaints about the safety of the complex, “I’m mostly here during the day, so I wouldn’t know if any of the lights were out. If the lights are going out, we would like someone to tell us.”

If students don’t have a problem with the lighting in the college complex, another concern are the people, who may or may not be students, outside the complex. Specifically near the Honors Program Portable and amphitheater on the ground level of the college complex. Although these structures are not inside the complex, students still use them on a regular basis, and their safety and comfort are a priority.

“I did hear about a guy and a girl who had their bags stolen by a group of people who told them they had guns,” said

PLANS HEADS EMT

LMC student Taylor Gonzalez. The incident Gonzalez referred to happened during the 2014 fall semester. “They ran into the building and used our phone to call the police.

The police came down, asked if they were able to give a description and asked if they were ok. I don’t know what happened to them after that.”

Since LMC is an open campus, outsiders can mingle with students and staff, potentially causing problems.

“It makes me feel suspicious. Like, what if that was me? I’ve never had problems here. Most people just want to get to their cars and go home. The closer you get to the lake, it gets a little more shady.” said Gonzalez.

Another element that contributes to the distaste toward the college complex is smoking and other drug use.

“Back behind Lot C, there are a lot of people smoking weed. I haven’t seen a lot of violent stuff, that’s rare. I feel pretty safe and I park in Lot C,” said Stefan Ahrendt, an LMC student.

Like Gonzalez, Ahrendt too feels that the area near the lake is a bigger safety issue than any of the incidents in the college complex.

“I think someone get beat up pretty bad over there,” said Ahrendt.

For students who feel nervous walking to and from the college complex, the police services office can be reached at (925) 439-1505.

first aid is going to be given.

That’s not their function.”

“After we get the bad guy, our next priority is to get EMS in,” said Magley, before explaining what casualty collection points are. In the recent shooting at Umqua Community College, first responders were able to rapidly gather wounded at these collection points and either treat or transport them.

Magley brought some of her gear for the students, including tactical and entry vests, along with equipment they were more familiar with.

“You have to have a plan,” said Magley, stressing that preparedness is most important in responding a dire scenario that happens all too often.

“I believe all EMS providers from the bottom all the way to the top need to familiarize themselves with this type of situation,” said Instructor German Sierra.

Magley went over strategies that are available to students who may find themselves on a campus with a shooter. Simply fleeing is ideal, but sometimes not an option. Magley suggested taking cover behind a concrete wall or the engine block of a car. She also mentioned locking and barricading doors is highly effective and that communication with law enforcement, in terms of reaction and prevention, is essential.

“Stay on the phone with dispatch, give them as much info as you can,” said Magley.

“What is the guy wearing, what kind of guns do they have. Don’t try to be a hero.”

“When they star t to do the investigation, there are [always] signs something bad was going to happen,” she said. “They posted stuff on the Internet, they made comments to their friends, they threatened teachers, etc.”

Some of her instructions seemed to conflict with guidance given at a meeting Sept.

21 by LMC Police Services, but Lieutenant Ryan Huddleston says that it’s more just part of the fluidity of those situations.

“We want you to remove yourself from the unsafe area. Safe zones are there for a reason, but you could be keeping yourself in a high-risk area,” he said. “It all depends on the exact situation where it’s happening.”

“The more of these conversations we have on campus, the better prepared we are if something does happen.”

Magley and Huddleston were both emphatic prepping for disaster. “Have a plan, have a plan, have a plan,” said Magley.

Sierra was wholly satisfied by the presentation.

“We have started a good partnership between LMC and Tactical Teams.”

ago, it’s painfully obvious. This production however, seemed like it was written for this time as we are still dealing with the same problems now as we were then.

There was also time allotted for last remarks from the cast which was unusual compared to the typical format but entertaining as “honorary Latino” Robert Dunn comically made valid points about the marginalization of Latinos not only in the fields of entertainment but also in general.

Overall, the play was a good blend of slapstick and intellectual comedy. It didn’t

seem to offend the audience though but it did make them think which was the important part — getting the message.

The play is relatable and applicable but it’s nice to see a play focused specifically on Latino stereotypes because often times, issues are reduced to black and white and we disregard the struggles of those who aren’t in either mode.

The performers put on a spectacular show and judging by the boisterous laughter filling the little theater, I’m not the only one who had a good time.

people and let them talk about their issues. Provide them with love. Sometimes we feel empty and just need someone to talk to.” – Thanh n My students are not suggesting that LMC should forget about preparation. The institution would be foolish to ignore these events. But how often in the article was community mentioned? Did the article consider proactive measures to build and strengthen our relationships considered? If they had been presented, then we would not have written this article.

We are not arguing to “choose one or the other,” which is a classic, false dichotomy seen in many disputes.

Here is our point: in the wake of such an event, as the national dialog plays out in the media (including newspapers like The Experience), perhaps there should be more focus on community. Let’s talk about proactive measures to bring families, friends, workers, teachers and students together.

OLÉ From page 4

ent from the rest as it because it gave the award show theme more of an authentic feel by allowing the audience to participate. There was a short Q and A session after the play was over and one of the playwrights Cris Franco, came out to talk about why Olé was meaningful and acknowledged the hard work of the cast.

He noted that the play was updated for LMC. This particular version included more multi-ethnic parts and had updated celebrity references. Usually when a writer has to update something that originally came out a while

6

From page 1

BEAST FEARS for stunning visuals and powerful performances. Set in a country mired in war, Fukunaga por trays the violence subtly; it’s ever-present, but not exploitative like it may have been in the hands of a lesser director. The effect of the war’s violence on women isn’t ignored either.

Young Agu is played by firsttime Ghanaian actor, Abraham Attah, who showed incredible depth. Late in the movie, Agu says he is no longer a child but an old man, and Attah’s eyes prove that he’s not just speaking in metaphors. Attah is partnered with Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye’s Strika, who gives an outstanding performance as Agu’s friend who is made mute by trauma.

Elba (“Pacific Rim”) also turns in a great performance as the charismatic and predator y leader of the rebels.

His motivational speeches speak of the evils done by the government forces and competing rebel groups, acronyms that perhaps have as much meaning as the violence they cause.

Some have complained about the movie’s general vagueness — the nameless country, the unclear politics, the occasionally abrupt advancement of plot — but I think this adds to the experience of viewing the war through Agu’s eyes.

What sense can a child make of a war that few adults can fully figure?

“Beasts of No Nation” is also notable as Netflix’s first entry into producing its own films.

The movie will also play in Landmark theaters to make it eligible for Oscar nominations, but its instant availability in millions of homes is interesting for a movie that, in other circumstances, would only get a limited release.

My only substantial complaint is the movie’s music. In an otherwise fantastic movie, it was a little disappointing to find a simply passable score, though it’s not intrusive at any point.

“Beasts of No Nation” seems destined to go down as a great war film, and one of the few that succeeds in portraying war without glorifying it. If Hollywood doesn’t overlook it for its Netflix distribution, look for it come Oscar season.

2015

will need to be figured out. And if it was passed here, students could be awarded $3,800 if they meet the qualifications.

According to a White House press release from earlier this year, “Federal funding will cover three-quarters of the average cost of community college. States that choose to participate will be expected to contribute the remaining funds necessary to eliminate community college tuition for eligible students” — which would include having a 2.5 GPA, attending school at least half time and the ability to show progress in completing their program.

But Kratochvil explained in a recent interview, “At this point, the financial details are not fully known. As an example, in California we would need to explore how Mr. Obama’s policy would impact California community colleges’ funding appropriations and student financial aid.”

He also said how everything else would work is still unclear as well.

“The campaign certainly has the ‘promise’ of being a very positive policy for our society, but it will be important to learn more about the specific details of the president’s proposal,” said Kratochvil. “In the meantime, the campus and the district will be working in support of the campaign as we glean more facts and details about the plan.”

For more information on the Heads Up America campaign or ways to get involved got to headsupamerica.us.

From page 2

From page 1

23,

From page 1

BIO

From page 4

O C T.

access and success by providing students with core matriculation services.”

She added that by mapping-out core ser vices for students, the college could better help them achieve their educational goals.

The Student Equity Plan, as defined by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, focuses on “increasing access, course completion, ESL and basic skills completion, degrees, certificates and transfer for all students as measured by success indicators linked to the CCC Student Success Scorecard, and other measures developed in consultation with local colleges.”

“The intent of student equity funding and planning is to ensure equal educational oppor tunities and to promote student success for all students, regardless of race, gender, disability, or economic circumstances,” wrote Denise Noldon, Interim Vice Chancellor, Student Services and Special Programs Division for the state.

Representing the plan, Rosa Armendariz, director of the Transfer Academy, said by using data accrued from previous semesters, the college can get a better understanding on how it is doing in regards to the benchmarks set by the state.

She said the college can then, in turn, use that data “to infor m our decision making” on how to move forward.

Those two plans, 3SP and Student Equity, are set to move to the three college senates (Classified, Academic and Student) next week for approval.

The third item, the Basic Skills Initiative, has already been sent to the state awaiting approval.

That plan, as described by Dean of Liberal Arts Nancy Ybarra, is “focused on faculty and staff development by improving curriculum and instruction support services for students who are in basic skills or ESL.” Basic skills refer to courses that are non-degree applicable, such as English 70, and maths 12 and 4.

“For some of these plans, it’s been a little bit rushed for us,” said Dean of Student Success Dave Belman during the meeting.

He used that platform to call for a need for a “broader college framework and way of going about planning.” Using this meeting to show how these individual plans coincide with one another is a way he hopes the college will start to work together in a more integrative manner from planning state inception.

If news of a Student Equity Plan sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Following the Nov. 24 deadline last year for colleges of the state to submit their respective equity plans, all 113 of them were returned for a period of tweaks and revisions, according to former Los Medanos College Associated Students president Gary Walker-Roberts “LMC has demonstrated a deep and long-standing commitment to innovation in the area of equity, diversity and inclusion for our campus community,” he said in an email.

He added that the equity plan “provides an opportunity to strengthen and expand our work.”

Information on the various plans for Los Medanos can be found at tinyurl.com/lmcplans.

Jamari Snipes contributed to this story.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

will be able to make sure no one ever feels so alone and desperate that they want to hurt others.” – Angelina n “If you see a fellow student and notice something is wrong, check in with them.

Ask someone how they are doing. A simple ‘hello’ can help someone or even a smile.

Get to know the people around you.” – Sharice n “The bigger plan should be prevention. Stopping tragedy before it happens. Finding out, caring about people and their situations.” – Denise n “I feel that LMC should provide a better culture of community in the classroom.

We are here to help and support one another so this life journey can get better. Let’s each one, teach one, and make sure no student is left behind, left without help, or misunderstood. We need to share our struggles so that others don’t feel like they are going through it alone.” – Shawna n “A solution is to have a classroom where we welcome

F R I D AY,

Follow the LMC Experience online at lmcexperience.com

From page 1

James Madden’s BIOSC-008 class (pictured above) composed their own “Letter to the Editor” in response to a recent article published by the Experience.

non-hostile environment where no one feels ostracized will decrease the chance of a shooting becoming reality.” – Leslie n “Being aware of those around you and showing compassion for another person may be all it takes to make a person feel wanted. This might prevent a person from deciding to hurt his/herself or others around them.” – Fardin n “As part of a community, we have a responsibility to be more than just a walk-by and a smile. We need to help one another before we come to ‘the point of no return.’” – Sonia n “I think we should all come together as a community, showing one another that we care for each other. We need to reinforce that LMC is an environment where bullying is not tolerated. We can make LMC a safe place for everyone and those thoughts of shootings or harming innocent people will never be encountered.”

– Natalie n “If we help and band together as a community, we

Web

E X P E R I E N C E

TEAM From page 3

“The stances are assigned to us, that’s very important to note. The positions we’re arguing for aren’t actually are personal beliefs,” she said. “We’re having a lot more practices, we type out our speeches and provide sources for or arguments. Our speeches are shortened from 7 min to 5 because we know the general public doesn’t have the patience or attention span for that.”

Since the debaters are assigned their stance, naturally you will have people debating for something they don’t agree with. That is the situation Ogunleye found herself in, stating, “Although I don’t feel strongly about the stance I was given, it still takes practice for me to be able to understand and articulate strong arguments on both sides of a spectrum.

It teaches you to respect different viewpoints and it’s super educational.”

One member of the team, Richard Stanfield and his partner will be kicking off the debate arguing on the government bench stating that both he and his partner are “very excited and preparing for the debate.”

WIN From page 3

rent students what media they use to get information. This includes what television shows they watch, when they watch them, how they watch them.

It also includes social media and radio,” she said. “We get a look at what our students in the district do, but this is also a national survey at more than 70 colleges and universities around the country, so we get to see national trends too.”

Cella also noted another importance to doing the media survey every year.

“It lets us know if students are using Facebook (still a big player) or Instagram or Pinterest or Twitter. Trends, especially in social media, are constantly changing and we want to reach new audiences where they are, not where they use to be,” she said.

If you’re wondering specifically what the survey is like one student, Erika Chavez, shared her thoughts on it after completing it.

“It was longer than I expected, it got a little repetitive after asking the same kind of questions for radio, television and social media,” said Chavez.

If you are interested in par ticipating in the media survey, you can find it at www. losmedanos.edu/survey.aspx

FIXED From page 4

and athletics counselor Michelle Mack, along with the audience, were given to oppor tunity to ask Brashear questions regarding the film such as why she decided to take on this film and how she was able to achieve a balance between both sides.

Released in 2013, the film took seven years to make first starting as Brashear’s thesis film at UC Santa Cruz for the social documentation masters program. She edited a majority of the film along another editor, Josh Peterson.

“With this film it’s like you’re entering my internal conundrum of meeting all of these amazing people and being challenged at ever y turn,” said Brashear.

LOSS From page 5

to the juggernaut Contra Costa College Comets 18-16.

The Mustangs did get blown out by over 40 points by the Comets, but the 49ers also lost a close game to Hartnell , so the teams are comparable in that sense.

Just a few key plays here and there could have changed the season outcome so far, but the Mustangs still have time to turn it around, all the while prepare for the future.