Breast cancer fought
Warped art exposed
Volleyball on a roll
Soccer player and staff member affected by cancer raise awareness — page 3
Woven art displayed in LMC Art Gallery. Four Artists residing. Photos inside — page 5
Team wins five in a row, toppling College of Marin in the process. Story inside — page 7
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Campus closed in observance of Veteran’s Day
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City responds to conflict Council neutral on new campus By CASSIE DICKMAN
cdickman@lmcexperience.com
In a unanimous vote Oct. 28, the Brentwood City Council authorized sending two letters -one to the BART Board of Directors and the other to the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board -- regarding the future site of the new Los Medanos College Brentwood Center campus. Written by Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor, the letters came as a response to objections aired at the Oct. 14 city council meeting by BART Board of Directors President Joel Keller and members of the Trilogy and Summerset communities about building the new college campus on land currently owned by the college district at Marsh Creek Road and Vineyards Parkway. The mayor wanted to make clear to all those involved with, and affected by, the project
that the city council, which had previously sent out a letter Feb. 12, 2013 supporting the Vineyards site and moving forward with construction at that location, is taking their 11th hour concerns seriously, but is not taking sides. “I felt that it was kind of imperative that we let the citizens of Brentwood know that we are concerned,” said Taylor about the intent of the letters, adding that the council “wished to work with both sides of the fence.” In his letter to the governing board, Taylor did not endorse keeping the future site of the Brentwood Center on land located at Trilogy Vineyards at Marsh Creek Road, nor did he express support for moving to the alternative location -- at Highway 4 and Lone Tree near Graphic by Bertha Aguilar a possible future eBART station -- which was suggested by Keller to the governing board Fairview Avenue is the main area of resident See CITY, page 8
concern over current and future traffic.
Two robbed by lake at LMC
Blood Drive next week LMC is hosting another blood drive in conjunction with Blood Centers of the Pacific. The drive will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Library, Room L-109. Donors will receive an admission ticket to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. To schedule your donation appointment, call Student Life at 473-7554 or register online by going to www.bloodheroes.com, clicking “Donate Blood” and entering the sponsor code “LosMC.” Remember to bring a valid photo ID.
Nature Club looks for help The Nature Club will be holding a volunteer day Nov. 8 and 15 on campus in the Nature Preserve. The club will be building a path from the north hillside to make the preserve more accessible to students, faculty and staff. Volunteers are encouraged to bring some simple equipment like shovels and pickaxes. For more information, contact Joshua Kohl at 470-6680 or at jkohldls@gmail.com
Kennedy-King spots open The Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship application is now available. The deadline to apply is Feb. 2, 2015. The scholarship gives two $4,000 awards per year to members of underrepresented minority groups in California. There will be upcoming workshops on n Completing the Application: Friday Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in CC2-223 n How to Write a Winning Essay: Tuesdays Dec. 2 and Jan. 20 in the Center for Academic Support in Level 3 of the CORE. Call 473-7590 to reserve a spot in these workshops as space is limited.
3 assailants are sought By JOSH WOOD and SUZZANNE SPERRY
jwood@lmcexperience.com
Photos by Cathie Lawrence • Experience
Author Sonia Nazario spoke about the despair suffered by immigrant children in Central America.
Nazario’s journey
‘Troublemaker’ is inspiring By BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ
bhernandez@lmcexpereience.com
Sonia Nazario’s journey began with a simple conversation. She was chatting with her housekeeper Carmen, who had one young child, about when she was going to add to the family. Carmen hesitated, but reluctantly admitted she had four other children she left behind in Guatemala, and had not seen them in 12 years. Gary Walker talks with Nazario It was Maria del Carmen Ferrez’s during the book signing. story that sent Nazario on a journey to Central America where she would her sister back to their native country. interview many other immigrants with They moved to Argentina in the midst similar tales. of the so-called “dirty war.” Her family The Pulitzer Prize winning author lived in constant fear of the military of “Enrique’s Journey” spoke about who roamed the streets and kidnapped that journey in front of more than people. Journalists were killed for 200 students, teachtelling the truth about ers and staff from Los what was happening in Medanos College, and “I’ve always Argentina. It was then Pittsburg and Ygnacio thought of that Nazario decided Valley high schools in she wanted to be myself as a very that the LMC Gymnasium a journalist and a truth on Wednesday Nov. 5. determined teller. The event was funded person. It is part “I’ve always thought by the Title V Hispanof myself as a ver y ic-Services Institutions of who I am.” determined person. It — Sonia Nazario was part of my DNA. Grant and was organized by Puente event coorIt is part of who I am,” dinators Stacey Miller and Liz Abril. explained Nazario. Los Medanos College President Bob She was a good student in high school, Kratochvil welcomed the audience to but felt overwhelmed and underprepared LMC and introduced Puente students at Williams College, the top liberal arts Alex Vega and Blanca Machata, who college in the United States. presented Nazario. “You could count on two hands the Nazario’s own story began when number of books I had ever cracked her parents moved from Argentina to open,” said Nazario. the United States for a better life. But However, while she struggled, Nazario when she was 13 and her father died, was determined to work twice as hard her mother wanted to move Nazario and as her college classmates. Those efforts
Student Lang Le takes a selfie with Nazario. paid off — she graduated with honors and was invited to give the convocation speech at Williams College. At the age of 21, she went on to become the youngest person to be hired at the Wall Street Journal. In 2002, she published the six part series Enrique’s Journey in the “Los Angeles Times” and in 2003 the series
See SONIA, page 8
Two LMC students were robbed at gunpoint Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the south side of the lake at approximately 7:15 p.m. According to police, three people approached the students from behind; one of them armed with a gun, and was forced to turn over their money and cell phones. The gun appeared to be a black semi-automatic handgun with a silver barrel. Although there are frequent incidents of theft on campus, this was the first incident of armed robbery, according to LT. Ryan Huddleston. “It’s something that’s definitely out of the ordinary,” Huddleston says. “We’re going to be paying extra attention to the lake for the time being.” Police have released descriptions of the three suspects. The first was wearing a gray hooded sweatshir t with the hood pulled up, the second wore a long-sleeved red shirt, and the third wore a long-sleeved black shirt. Each suspect also wore dark jeans. In an e-mail sent to the LMC community, Police Services suggested several actions to take to stay safe at night: When walking to your vehicle, have your keys ready in your hands. This will reduce time searching your pockets and purses at your vehicle. Avoid use of cell phones and headphones, as these devices are distracting, and often decrease your awareness of surroundings. Be alert to your surroundings at all times. Report any suspicious persons, behaviors, or situations to campus police immediately. The lake is closed to the public from sunset to sunrise. Signs are posted at the entrances and exits to the lake notifying you of the time when the lake is closed to the public. Please do not access the lake during this time. Huddleston encourages members of the LMC comSee LAKE, page 8
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“It’s a big universe. Staying in one place is doing a disservice to yourself.”
— Janelle Monae
Edgar Ibarra
Kimberly Stelly
GUEST COLUMNIST
SOCIALLY UNWELL
Police are not doing their job
Mental health is important
Is law enforcement here to protect us or make innocence a product of police corruption? As citizens we believe we should trust the police to enforce laws and handle chaos. We look to them for protection and for solutions to crime. So why have these police officers we are taught to call on in times of need belittling us and letting their egos get in the way of their service to the community? They are killing too many innocent Americans. Recent cases reported by the media have been eye opening to readers and viewers. Typical criminals —robbers, drug-dealers and serial killers — have not committed these so-called crimes. They are perpetrated by our own protection whom we are taught to respect and confide in. Consider the case of 28-year-old Alejandro Nieto, who went one night to a common place in the San Francisco’s Mission District — the top of Bernal Heights to view the city lights. Many family and friends knew he often went up there for peace of mind. I was raised in the same neighborhood as Nieto and a lot of people who want to take a break from much of the city chaos go to the top of the hill for “me-time.” The San Francisco Police Department claimed they received a call about a man making threats and acting erratically. So they confronted Nieto from a distance, asked what he was doing and told him to drop his weapon. He allegedly reached to put down the Taser he had been carrying because of his job as a security guard. Two officers then fired shots, gunning him down. Occupy.com articles about the Nieto incident underscore the distress many feel about this particular situation, and others like it. “I am so angry right now,” Ramon Hernandez, of the Mission district, is quoted on the website. “This is happening all over the country: more and more white police officers are killing black and brown kids, misjudging them as a product of their environment… and getting away with it. I understand the anger. I know that we, as minorities, have a little voice and often violence is the only way for us to be heard.” Jerold Best, who is a 34 year-old African American resident in San Francisco’s Bayview district, believes if Nieto were a white man the police would have not felt threatened. “Police are trained to be threatened by minorities. Simply by being black or brown you are a threat, so any action we take is seen by a white police officer as a threat.” With so many recent cases like this it is hard to believe the police are here for our protection. If police officers are trained and certified why are they killing and abusing? Why can’t they opt to shoot at another body part to stop individuals instead of killing them with many bullets? Where is their self-control? Their training skills? Their heart? Their morals? If innocent individuals are having their lives taken by those who we are supposed to trust, why should we trust them? We should be against them until they are pushed to clean up their acts. I believe some law enforcement officers prey on the “weak” which they believe we are. They see where we come from and assume we are not intelligent. They know we come from lower income families, and believe we are all up to no good. They are literally killing us off. It is time we take a stand and change our atmosphere. It is time we change the stereotypes about minorities and prove we can be educated, successful, and accomplish as much as we desire. It is time for us not to become another statistic. We need to realize we have enough who are against us; we need to stick together to conquer the stereotypes that harm us all.
One thing I’ve noticed is that employers and instructors have been quick to dismiss claims of mental suffering as a legitimate reason for absences or missing assignments. Instructors seem compassionate towards students with outward injuries. It’s easy to exonerate the student who just got over the flu, but you can’t spare any for the kid who finds it hard to even get out of bed in the morning? Students will lie about a lot of things to get out of class so an instructor might write off someone’s mental health issue as a ‘cheap excuse’ to ditch. However, these ‘cheap excuses’ often turn out to be feelings associated with mental illnesses, which make it difficult for a person to focus on things going on at school. According to an article by Alan Reifman in Psychology Today, 24 percent of college students are on medication for anxiety, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Teens with untreated mental issues who are 14 years or older have a 50 percent chance of dropping out of school. According to figures compiled by the Mental Health Foundation, one in 20 people suffer from clinical depression. When exacerbated by the stress of balancing your schoolwork and personal life, this can induce severe depression possibly resulting in suicidal tendencies. People often turn to unhealthy outlets to relieve themselves of the pressure related to daily stress. Acts such as binge drinking, punching, pulling out one’s own hair and cutting are common forms of self-destructive behavior. According to a fact sheet on AmercanHealth. org, it is estimated that two million people engage in this dangerous behavior. Of course instructors encounter ridiculous excuses that can accurately be chalked up to pure lethargy from but it’s a little difficult to blame it on laziness when having crying fits in class and having to excuse yourself at least once a week to have panic attacks become a normal Thursday. If you are a professor or employer you have to make that choice. Do you really want to flirt with consequences of ignoring someone’s fragile state of mind? According to data compiled by the American Health Association in 2011, roughly 30 percent of college students report “feeling too depressed to function.” Another serious mental disorders is schizophrenia. Roughly six percent of the population is affected by this condition. Though its origins aren’t rooted in stress, stressful situations undoubtedly make symptoms worse. It’s no coincidence that the early stages of the disorder often appear in people ages 16 to 25-when you are in high school or college. It just doesn’t seem like anyone in a position of authority considers these situations. There are professors who ask if you have any medical conditions they should know about and some that students are too embarrassed to tell teachers about if they have an issue that would affect them mentally throughout the semester. I know professors have it hard trying to distinguish whether or not something is a flimsy excuse or a serious ordeal. I know they can’t always bend over backward for every student who is overwhelmed by the pressure of schoolwork but if they could just try to be a bit more lenient and understanding, I’m sure people would feel up to completing more of their work and showing up on time. Schools need to provide mental health services for students and teachers. Employees need access to these services as well. This would be a step in the right direction.
Experience • Joey Fajardo
Editorial
Choose dignity over pain
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regon’s Death With Dignity Act is one of the state’s most controversial but progressive laws offering terminally ill patients with an alternative and humane option. Passed in 1994 and officially enacted in 1997, the law allows patients to request lethal dosages of medication to end their own lives. Oregon is one of three states that have legalized aid-in-death law. 39 have prohibited such practices and the remaining states don’t have laws specifically regarding assisted suicide. According to PublicHealth.org, it’s up to individual insurance companies to cover Since the death With Dignity law was passed, 1,173 prescriptions have been written and 752 have actually gone through with the process. The most recent participant in the Oregon’s Ballot 16 law, was Brittany Maynard, who after finding out she had a rare type of brain cancer this past January, ended her life Saturday Nov. 1. According to DeathWithDignity.org, “It’s not suicide nor euthanasia; rather, a possible option if the pain from the underlying illness gets to be too much or quality of life too degraded.” There is a lengthy history of assisted suicide and each time religious practices and morality are called into question. But there is a separation of church and state. Agnostics or other religions that don’t have specified religious views about these kinds of matters shouldn’t have say over what someone wants to do with their lives. After all, it belongs to the individual and having to suffer then die, is rather traumatic to both go through and witness. As long as the individual knows what they want and they have made financial preparations for their family including paying off debts, then they should have the right to end their life and avoid an unimaginable, slow and painful death.
Danger is common on Halloween Halloween is usually a time for costumes, fun with friends, and huge loads of free candy. However, it is also one of the deadliest nights of the year because of drunk drivers. There was an accident, according to a CNN report, involved three 13-year-old girls who were struck and killed by a speeding car while trick or treating in Santa Ana. Investigations indicated the car was going 50 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone, resulting in the girls being thrown more than 100 feet. KABC, a CNN affiliate, reported that the girls were declared dead at the scene. Police are searching for two male suspects who fled on foot. Three girls were killed and the families need closure. It is understandable that these men may be scared but they need to take responsibility for their actions. Hopefully these men try to make things right not just for the families of the victims, but for themselves and their consciences. Unfortunately this was not the only accident on Halloween night. According to the CNN affiliate KPHO five people were hit as a group by a car while trick or treating in Phoenix, Ariz. Three adults and two children were crossing the street when a car struck them. One adult suffered minor injuries while both children, ages 2 and 10, as well as a physically disabled woman and an elderly man, are in critical condition. The driver of the car did stop and is cooper-
Tristen Cooper GUEST COLUMNIST
ating with the authorities. I cannot understand how a driver who should be focusing on the road struck five people at once. What is taking someone’s attention to the point that they couldn’t notice a group of people crossing the street? In Illinois a three-year-old boy was trick or treating when he ran into the street and was hit and dragged 40 feet before the driver noticed. The boy survived the incident and is recovering from injuries, and is in good condition. The driver is cooperating with authorities. This accident had a better outcome than the first; the driver’s cooperation with authorities shows compassion for the victim as well as a self-sense of right and wrong. All drivers, and trick or treaters as well, should be more aware and cautious of their surroundings. Drive slower in residential communities and be aware of kids. And, if an accident happens, take responsibility, do not just keep driving out of fear — the victims deserve that much.
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.
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“Were it left for me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” — Thomas Jefferson
Editor-in-Chief ..................... JOSEPH DELANO Perspectives Editors......... JAZMINE GORDON and KIMBERLY STELLY
“If a person is destined to die, they should be able to die on their own terms, especially if their family members support them. ” —Stephanie Case
“If people are terminally ill, they shouldn’t have to suffer and live their days with pain. It’s a shame that it’s not in California.” — Anietie Udoh
“If we are not in pain, then we don’t know what the people in pain are going through. So I feel people should have the decision to end their life.” — Sarah Rafahi
“I’m for it. It’s people choosing to end their own life. They’re probably depressed and stuff. I respect it. ” — Alex Mensah
“A person should be able to take their own life, especially if the person is terminally ill. It’s more humane.” — Bogette Cobarrubias
“I’m for and against it. It depends on age and why you’re ending it. It has pros and cons.” — Michael Ascencio
Campus Editor ....................CASSIE DICKMAN Features Editor ....................... DAMIAN LEWIN Sports Editor .............................STEVEN LUKE Photo Editors................... CATHIE LAWRENCE and BERTHA AGUILAR Associate Editors....................... JOSH WOOD and SUZZANNE SPERRY Web Editor ..........................BRENDAN CROSS 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 Help available for parents
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“Fight each round, take it on the chin. And never never never ever give in.”
— Olivia Newton-John
Cancer hits home
Los Medanos College’s California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS) serves students attending LMC who receive financial aid and are parents. Services include priority registration, educational and career counseling and educational workshops. If you would like more information, call 473-7482 or visit the office in Room CC2-257. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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. Appointments at Pittsburg can be made in person, by calling the Counseling Department at 473-7449, or by visiting www.losmedanos.edu/counseling and clicking on the Make an Appointment link. Appointments at the Brentwood Center can be made in person, or by calling 513-1625.
Alpha Gamma back in action
With a strong emphasis on community service, LMC’s Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) is looking for more members to participate in their meetings, fundraisers and other club activities. For more information, including meeting times, planned activities and membership requirements, visit the AGS website at www.losmedanosags.com
Get help to kick the habit
Are you trying to quit smoking? The American Lung Association is offering a Freedom From Smoking Clinic to help tobacco users break the habit. The clinic is being held on Wednesdays at the Pittsburg Health Center. The center is located at 2311 Loveridge Road – Cedar Room. For more information, call (855) 421-3400 or call 431-2266
LMC offers free tutoring
Searching for help in school? Drop by the Center for Academic Support on the main campus. The center offers tutoring in a variety of subjects and is located on the third floor of the college CORE, Room CO-300. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit the front desk for information about peer tutoring, writing consultations, and when professors will be available for support or call 473-7590. The Brentwood Campus Center for Academic Support, located in Room 13, also offers free tutoring in a variety of subjects, including anthropology, chemistry, economics, philosophy, sociology and many more. Tutoring is done on a drop in basis. Changes in schedule are posted on the door. For more information, call 473-6925
Crisis counseling available
Are you going through a rough time? Los Medanos College offers Crisis Counseling for any student or faculty member who may be going through a hard time and feel they have nowhere to turn. Counselors are available to help. All counseling sessions are confidential. For information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Counseling Center at 473-7449, or contact the Counseling Department Chair Marco Godinez at 473-7460.
Study abroad in Italy
Florence awaits. Study abroad in Florence, Italy this spring. Experience amazing food, architecture and history all while furthering your education. If interested contact the Study Abroad Office at DVC, 969-2507. The Study Abroad Office can be emailed at studyabroad@dvc.edu
Photo courtesy of Vanessa Sanabria
Workforce Development Manager David Wahl (second from right) with the rest of his “Save the Tatas” team at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life held June 21 at Liberty High School in Brentwood.
‘Breast’ warriors combat disease joined the fight as her mother Linda Ayers was diagnosed Chances are that breast with breast cancer last year, cancer will touch people on after finding a lump through self-examination. campus in some way. After finding the lump in July When the American Cancer Society Relay for Life came to of 2013, Linda then scheduled an exam with Brentwood in her doctor 2005, David and went in Wahl, work- “When she was for a mammoforce develop- first diagnosed, gram. Withment manager I didn’t really out warning here at Los their lives Medanos Col- believe it. I think lege, joined I was in shock or were turned upside down, the planning denial, it didn’t Linda, along committee. with husband “I actually even click with Evan, went in joined befor an update cause I enjoy me.” — Beverly Ayers after two bivolunteer opsies — they community service,” he said, adding, “At instead were meeting with a about the same time a close surgeon. Linda’s husband was friend was diagnosed with cancer and the event became shocked, stunned and scared. “He said to us, ‘Oh, no one told much more meaningful.” Wahl helped with her care you? You have breast cancer’.” In the hustle and bustle until, sadly, his friend passed of setting up appointments away about a year later. LMC soccer player Lauren and procedures, nobody had Ayers and her family have now informed the Ayers family of By TAMARA SEWARD
steward@lmcexperience.com
Experience • Cathie Lawrence
Linda Ayers (left) with her daughter Lauren Ayers. Linda’s diagnosis. Surgery for a lumpectomy was then scheduled with three surgeons Sept. 2013. Unfortunately, Linda’s margins were not clean. A lateral mastectomy was then scheduled three separate times before the surgeons were all available. December 2003 she finally had her surgery, which went well. The entire tumor was removed and reconstruction
began. Ayers and her family came together. “When I first heard the news about my mom I was really scared. I had already lost two grandparents to cancer, and I didn’t want to lose my mom too,” said Lauren, adding, “I knew that my mom was strong enough to beat cancer, but it was still really hard to know that there was a possibility that we could be losing her.” See AYERS, page 8
CTE open house upcoming
The Sagrada Família Roman Catholic Church in Barcelona, Spain.
Barcelona beckons
Interested in traveling to Barcelona next fall? The Study Abroad program will be offering the option to experience incredible architecture, cuisine and culture all while furthering your education in Barcelona in the fall of 2015. A meeting for those interested will be held at DVC Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 3 to 4 p.m. in Room LA-114, and Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in room LA-119. If you are interested in more information, contact the Study Abroad Office via e-mail at Studyabroad@dvc.edu or call 969-2507
Lost now found Los Medanos College’s lost and found has numerous items found on campus. If you have lost an item, check with Police Services, located on Level One . Police Services is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Inquiries must be made in person. — compiled from press releases and staff reports
Event for high school students By SUZZANNE SPERRY
ssperry@lmcexperience.com
Los Medanos College is engaged in a new strategy to recruit students from local high schools into the Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs. These programs offer a two-year degree that provides students the ability to go straight into the workforce. LMC will be holding a Career Technical Education Open House event Friday, Nov. 14 called “Career Focus Friday.” According to Workforce Development Manager David Wahl, “Local industries are desperate for qualified people. The CTE programs are geared toward providing students a well-rounded education that is designed to prepare students for placement in a position right after graduation.” LMC invited local high schools to participate in Career Focus Friday and will introduce students to the technical pro-
grams geared for the industrial workforce. Hall, which will start with a warm-up led These schools include Liberty, Freedom, by Nick Garcia, Lead Chair of the Drama Department. Guest speakers will introduce Antioch, Deer Valley and Pittsburg. Career Focus Friday will be an inter- the students to the CTE programs and active hands-on event where students give students insight on what employers will explore the wide selection of the want out of their employees. Following the 16 different CTE programs offered at guest speeches will be guided tours led by LMC ambassadors. LMC. Groups of 15 to The day will consist of 20 students will tour four workshops and tours pre-selected CTE labs. “I love working from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Administrative Secre- for the CTW Lunch will be provided tary of Workforce Develand served in the quad opment Program Melina program were students can visit Rodriguez said, “I love because we tables set up with inforworking for the CTE mation about the CTE program because we help help students programs provided or students development a develop a plan they may also visit the plan for their future. CTE labs not previously visited is designed to provide for their future.” — Melina Rodriguez on the guided tour. students job placement 200-250 high school after graduation. I am excited for the students attending to students will be expected on campus. LMC is paying for a bus to transport learn about all the different programs we provide. College can be expensive the students to and from campus. The Career Focus Friday Event is a so we want to give students options to closed event and will only available to the find good jobs.” The event starts at 9 a.m. in the Recital high school students attending.
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The Los Medanos College Music Department will be hosting events in the upcoming weeks featuring performances by students and ensembles from around the Bay Area. Concerts are held in the Recital Hall. For more information, call 439-2181 ex. 3218. n Friday, Nov. 14 — Sophomore Recital #1. Begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: free. n Friday, Nov. 21 — Sophomore Recital #2. Begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: free. n Wednesday, Dec. 3 — LMC Guitar Concert. Begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: free. n Monday, Dec. 8 — LMC Concert Band Performance. Begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: TBA.
Comedy continues at DVC
The Diablo Valley College Drama Department is currently performing its production of “The Wedding Singer.” Based on the book by Chad Beguelin and featuring music by Matther Sklar, the musical comedy will run until Nov. 9 at the college’s Performing Arts Center. Admission: $21 for adults, $16 for seniors and staff, $11 for students. The Diablo Valley College Performing Arts Center is located at 321 Golf Club Rd. in Pleasant Hill. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.dvcdrama. net or call 969-2358.
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“I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”
Copeland is ‘genuine’ Bay Area one-man act comes to LMC By TANNER JOHNSON
tjohnson@lmcexperience.com
Brian Copeland is to perform a one-man show, “Not a Genuine Black Man,” on Nov. 12 in the Recital Hall from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Copeland is an actor, comedian, radio host, playwright and author born here in the Bay Area. In addition to having opened for artists such as Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, and Ringo Starr, Copeland also hosts an hourlong show called “7 Live” during the week as well as KGO AM on Sunday afternoons. The show depicts Copeland’s life living in San Leandro during the 1970s. Despite discussing growing up in a racist environment, the show is actually a comedy. Copeland’s family was one of the first non-white families to move into San Leandro at the time. According to an article from the SF Chronicle,
the population of San Leandro during that time was 99.4% white. “I think his performance not only says what it was like growing up as the only black family in the area, it answers a lot of questions about identity,” said professor of English James Noel, adding, “the show asks what we are and who we’re expected to be.” Based on his book of the same name, the performance is on record for being the longest running one-man show in San Franciscan history. Originally intended to only show for six weeks, the show continued to run for over two years. “I’ve never seen a one man show before and I’ve always wanted to,” said student Konnor Heredia. “I’m definitely intrigued.” Admission to the performance will be free. For more information you can talk to Photo courtesy of briancopeland.com Professor James Noel or visit www.briancopeland.com. Brian Copeland set to bring his act to LMC Nov. 12.
‘Great act’ follows ‘great budget’
Local music, drama and more
The California Theatre in downtown Pittsburg and the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch will feature a variety of events throughout November and December. The different events at both venues are set to include movies, dance and musical sets that promise to delight audiences of all ages.
EL CAMPANIL THEATRE The El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W Second St. in Antioch. For ticket sales and additional information please call 757-9500. n Friday, Nov. 7 — Tom Trinnon - In Concert. Begins at 8 p.m. Admission: $27 for adults, $25 for seniors, Youths receive free admission when accompanied by paying adult or senior. n Sunday, Nov. 9 — The Nightingale (France / China), International Film Showcase. China’s 2015 Oscar nomination - exclusive Bay Area showing. Begins at 2 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors. Youths receive free admission when accompanied by paying adult or senior. n Tuesday, Nov. 11 — The Contra Costa County Library System presents “Chosin,” a Korean War documentary film by Brian Iglesias. Begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission: Free. n Saturday, Nov. 15 — Heavenly Laughter, Benny Fiddles While George Burns. Begins at 2 p.m. Admission: $27 for adults, $25 for seniors. Youths receive free admission when accompanied by paying adult or senior.
CALIFORNIA THEATRE The California Theatre is located at 351 Railroad Ave. in Pittsburg. For ticket sales and additional information please call 427-1611. n Saturday, Nov. 8 — VETJAM 2014 with Hot for Teacher & Alan Iglesias and Crossfire – A Loving Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn. Begins at 5 p.m. Admission: $10. n Tuesday, Nov. 11 — Popovich Comedy Pet Variety Show. Begins at 7 p.m. Admission: $25 for adults, $15 for children and seniors. n Saturday, Nov. 15 — Ryan Stout, featuring Dhaya Lakshminarayanan & Hosted by Nicole Calasich. Begins at 8 p.m. Admission: $17 in advance, $20 at the door. n Sunday, Dec. 7 — Lightwire Theatre - A Very Electric Christmas. Begins at 3 p.m. Admission: $15 to $34.
Do you have a reason to dance?
The Los Medanos College Dance Team is preparing to hold auditions for LMC and DVC students who are interested in being part of the team. Those auditioning must be good spirited and are encouraged to arrive on time and be dressed and ready to dance. Student identification, dance clothes, running shoes and a “good attitude” are needed to be brought by those auditioning. Students are expected to learn a 64-count modern-jazz dance routine as well as add 32-counts to their own choreography by no later than Nov. 12. Auditions will be help inside the Music building in room 710 Monday, Nov. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information contact the team at www.losmedanoscollegedanceteam@yahoo.com.
— Will Rogers
Cast members from the upcoming production provided a special preview for those who attended the Budget Cycle meeting in the Recital Hall Oct. 27. Top, the many faces of ‘RENT.’ Above, actor Zinah Abraha. Left, actor Xavier Johnson. Photos by Cathie Lawrence • Experience
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“There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.” — Sun Tzu
Wonderful woven works Experience • Cathie Lawrence
Laurie Kelsoe’s loom on display.
Textile and fabric exhibit on display By DAMIAN LEWIN
dlewin@lmcexperience.com
Woven works of fabric creations adorn the walls as a solitary wooden loom sits illuminated in the corner of the LMC Art Gallery. Many pieces of art from the California College of the Arts are now on display as part of the current exhibit entitled “Warped Exposure.” Each unique in their own way, the various pieces on display have a common physical appeal to them, providing viewers with a familiarity towards the genre of contemporary fiber work. As opposed to such genres as abstract art, the Photo courtesy of Eric Sanchez works now available for viewing in the gallery offer an artistic outlook on a process still used Artist in Residence and gallery intern Laurie Kelsoe demonstrates the weaving process during a reception Oct. 28. in textile industries today. “Textiles are an intimate part of our existence,” said artist Laurie Kelsoe in a released statement. “We wear them, sleep with them, bathe ourselves and shelter ourselves with them.” Kelsoe, in addition to providing her own pieces to the gallery, is also spending her time away from classes at California College of the Arts as an intern in the Art Gallery this school year. “She wanted to volunteer time,” said Gallery Director Judi Pettite. “She’s from the area so she wanted to intern.” As Artist in Residence, Kelsoe will also be demonstrating the weaving process on “Textiles are her loom Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. up an intimate until the time the part of our exhibit ends. existence. We A reception was held inside the galwear them, lery on Oct. 28 and featured a special sleep with Ar tist Talk with them, bathe some of the artists ourselves whose works are on display. The event and shelter was free and open ourselves to the public, and refreshments and with them.” snacks were avail— Laurie Kelsoe Experience • Cathie Lawrence able to those who attended. Clockwise from “It was a nice break from some of the other above: “Protect work we’ve had,” said professor Eric Sanchez. You” by artist “We don’t usually show textiles, or this specifIndira Allegra. ically being fiber art. It’s very approachable.” Right, “After She Located in the Librar y, the Art Galler y Purged” by Artist is open to the public on Tuesday through in Residence Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and once Laurie Kelsoe. Left, again from 4 to 6 p.m. threads of fabric “Warped Exposure” will continue to run pass through the until Dec. 11 after which it will be takinner workings en down to make way for the LMC Stuof Kelsoe’s loom dent Art Show the following month. For questions regarding submissions please currently on display. Experience • Cathie Lawrence write to lmcgallery@gmail.com. Experience • Cathie Lawrence
REVIEW CREW
Photo courtesy of imdb.com
‘Nightcrawler’ Movie Summary: When a man searching for a new start suddenly finds himself in the world of crime journalism, his next big break may be his own story. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, “Nightcrawler” opened on Oct. 31 and also stars Rene Russo, Bill Paxton and Michael Papajohn. Written and directed by Dan Gilroy, “Nightcrawler” is rated R and has a running time of 117 minutes.
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Kimberly says: A must see!
Jazmine says: Violent and sociopathic
Nightcrawler is a thought-provoking film providing insight into the world of televised news reporting the issues of news manipulation, journalistic integrity, ethics and morality. With the exception of a few kinks in the beginning, it was suspenseful. In a terrifyingly believable role, Jake Gyllenhaal stars as creepy, highly quotable, wide-eyed sociopath Louis Bloom, an unemployed man with a wide range of interests whom you would not want to encounter in a dark alley. Using the art of “nightcrawling”, he follows gruesome scenes, taping the aftermath of the incident and selling the footage to news stations. Rene Russo played Nina, the seemingly tough and dismissive director of a news station but is actually a desperate, aging woman struggling to hold on to her job. Riz Ahmed provides comic relief as Rick, a clueless intern for Bloom’s made up videography production company. Nightcrawler is unique movie with the right amount of suspense and though it isn’t headed toward any academy awards, it certainly is a memorable role for Gyllenhaal. — Kimberly Stelly
Nightcrawler was an awesome movie that left the audience feeling worried. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Louis Bloom, a driven young man that pushes his way into the world of crime journalism in Los Angeles aided by TV-news veteran Nina Romina, portrayed by René Russo. While I was watching this movie, I began to see what Louis Bloom’s intentions were, as he kept convincing Nina to show his exclusive news footage, while her colleague Joe Loder (Bill Paxton) tried to oblige her and warn her about Louis. Jake Gyllenhaal did a phenomenal job, and he was slick with the way he said his lines. His character appeared to be sociopathic, and eager to get his videos on television, often resorting to having his lackey Rick Garcia (Riz Ahmed) do his dirty work for him. It was interesting to see how far people would go when it comes to journalism, and investigative reporting. Some people may not get the plot but once they see the hints given, they might get it. This movie is chilling, unpredictable and it will have you questioning Louis Bloom’s behavior. Go see Nightcrawler! — Jazmine Gordon
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“No one has ever become poor by giving.”
— Anne Frank
Saving lives and setting goals
Sierra strives right along with students By BERTHA AGUILAR
baguilar@lmcexperience.com
Born in El Salvador during the bloody civil war of the 1970s and 1980s, assistant professor German Sierra had no choice but to leave his country at the young age of 14. “The whole country was engulfed in a nasty civil war, there were executions, kidnappings, disappearances. Fearing the worst my mother sent money for me to get out of that country fast,” said Sierra who made the journey to the Unites States alone. After his father’s passing, his mom moved to Los Angeles to become a nanny, leaving Sierra in the care of his aunt. When the war got out of control, his mom sent for him. Once he arrived in South Central Los Angeles to reunite with his mother, Sierra found himself lost in a city and country that was new to him and did not compare to his small town in El Salvador. “Coming from a little town that had one car, to the middle of Los Angeles that has millions of cars, skyscrapers and Disneyland, I mean all those places are Experience • Bertha Aguilar just a shock,” he said. Professor German Sierra shares a laugh with his students during one of his Emergency Medical Technicians classes. Since Sierra’s father died when he was only 5 years old, he did not have a male figure to guide him in life. It wasn’t until he joined Clara position. Being a paramedic is a nurturing the military that he began to see his calling. career, and he credits his aunt for his caring naSierra experienced basic training in the ture. “I think a lot of the behaviors that I exhibit Army before he finished high school. “I today came from her,” said Sierra, adding, “she went to basic training in the military when actually put herself out there for us, sometimes I was 17,” said Sierra, adding, “I still had to at the cost of her own life.” Sierra said a true go back to high school and finish my senior measure of character is when you help somebody year.” Once he graduated from Los Angeles who cannot do anything for you. He is passionate High School, Sierra, like many recent grads, about helping people, and calls it “equalizing the did not know what he wanted to study. “I had playing field.” He said everyone should have equal chance regardless of who they are no idea,” said Sierra explaining or where they come from, and “the that it wasn’t until he graduated key is to be able to help everybody.” basic training as a medic that he On his down time he likes to travel discovered his passion for helping and hike with his family. people. He credits his stint in basic “I like to go hiking,” said Sierra, addtraining for providing him with ing, “We definitely like to go see new the right tools for use later in life. places and experience new things.” The militar y provided “core As a practicing paramedic for almost values for me, the notion that I two decades, Sierra knows how to can go further than I ever thought, Experience • Bertha Aguilar help students by guiding them toward Sierra explains how to think like an experienced physician. discipline, respect, teamwork, their educational goals and giving initiative and drive,” Sierra said. them the right tools to be successful me to implement some of the ideas that I chology and general science, and although “The military gave me the founin the current job market. “An EMT have,” said Sierra. His approach is not only these degrees have helped him in his career, dations I lacked as a teenager.” “An EMT certificate is just the beginning,” said to teach students, but also provide them with he is not yet finished. He joined the National Guard in Sierra, adding “the education these educational goals. He gives additional points 1987 and served until 1993. Then certificate He wants to push himself to the next level, students receive here at LMC can to his students who provide him with a written and in January he will begin a new journey he started paramedic school in is just the lead to more opportunities.” 1994 and became licensed in 1995. educational plan. Sierra has a caring nature toward obtaining a bachelor’s in psychology “Without the EMT certification and he shows it in his teaching techniques. and industrial management. After finishing school he met beginning.” — German Sierra that I got, I would have never been “It’s really hard to know where you are Heather, his wife of 10 years, He will take online classes at either at Cenable to become a paramedic,” said going, if you don’t have a plan,” said Sierra, tral Michigan University or Patten University, with whom he has two children. “She worked at a hospital where I took my Sierra. “I would have never been able to become adding, “So all of my students in my class, since both offer online degrees, but Sierra a firefighter paramedic, I would have never been if they want the extra points, they need to does not want to stop there. patients,” said Sierra. In the middle of 1995 Sierra took a chance able to become a professor.” bring me an educational plan and a five-year In the long term, he hopes to take a year After 12 years as a paramedic for the city of goal and I think that’s key.” Sierra adopted off from LMC to pursue his master’s degree. and relocated to the Bay Area. “Paramedical services in Los Angeles are all provided by Oakland Fire Department Sierra retired. Not this method from one of his own professors, “Another dream of mine has been always to the fire department. At the time I did not wanting his career to end there, he found a new because it helped him to establish a path for become a physician’s assistant,” said Sierra. work for the fire department,” said Sierra. job working as part-time professor at a Foothill his developing career. He has once again set the bar for himself “If I wanted to be a real paramedic ... I had to Community College in Silicon Valley. “My part-time The EMT program can be grueling on stu- and is confident that he will attain his goals. move.” So, after hearing paramedics receive status did not allow me to have a lot of say into the dents, but Sierra’s job is to prepare them for He would like to make this dream into a reality a higher rate of pay in the Bay Area, Sierra daily operations, curriculum development,” said the real world and teach them the fundamen- by attending the Stanford School of Medicine hit the road and headed north to apply for Sierra, adding, “I had all these ideas that I could tals, as well as prepare them for the National Physician Assistant Program and then come an available position he hoped would further not put in place.” Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians back to LMC to resume his teaching career, The program director at the college saw his exam they will face once they graduate. “I’m but with more knowledge under his belt. his career. On the way back home to L.A. he stopped in every county and applied for jobs. potential, said Sierra, and advised him to seek a actually taking my students to the computer Sierra said education is key and one of “I got hired at two different places,” said full-time job. So, he began an online search and learning center,” he said adding that he tries his few regrets in life is his lack of advance Sierra, “Alameda County and Santa Clara stumbled upon a teaching opportunity at LMC. “to duplicate that type of testing.” degrees, but with hard work and dedication, County.” He ended up accepting the Santa “What really attracted me here is the ability for Sierra holds an associate’s degree in psy- this will no longer be the case.
healthy
lifestyles
HELPING YOU thrive
Put Some Power On Your Plate by Dr. William Lide
N
ot all foods are created equal. While some offer relatively little nutrition, others are packed with beneficial nutrients that research shows can help prevent disease and maintain health. And they taste great, too!
Here are a few examples of “wonder foods” that deserve a place on your table: Avocados: Rich in fiber and oleic acid, which helps lower overall cholesterol levels while raising “good” HDL cholesterol. Quinoa: A deliciously nutty South American grain that delivers an abundance of complete protein, plus manganese, magnesium, and iron. Low-fat yogurt: A great source of muscle-building protein and bone-building calcium, plus beneficial bacteria that help boost the immune system. Onions: Full of quercetin, a powerful flavonoid that protects against cancer; research indicates eating onions may also reduce heart disease risk. Chili peppers: Their heating element, capsaisin, appears to inhibit inflammation, clear congestion, and reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots. Parsley: More than a garnish, packed with Vitamin C, heart-healthy beta-carotene, and cancer-fighting folic acid. For more tips on eating well, check out Kaiser Permanente’s Web site at www.kp.org/nutrition. This article is proudly sponsored by Kaiser Permanente. William Lide, MD is a Physician Site Leader for tha Pleasanton Medical Offices.
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“I really wanted to start crying and turn around and run back to the bullpen.”
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— Madison Bumgarner
Bay Valley title is in reach Photos by Cathie Lawrence • Experience
Mustangs win fourth in a row beating Marin in three straight sets. Stangs outside hitter Taylor Scriven dives to one knee to save the ball (left). Middle hitter Nicole Sobolik high fives little sister Lauren (top). LMCAS sold Mustang shirts with pink writing to raise money for breast cancer awareness (bottom).
Second annual v-ball Dig Pink event a success By STEVEN LUKE and CATHIE LAWRENCE sluke@lmcexperience.com
With a three set to zero win over the College of Marin and a three to two set victory over Napa Valley College, the Mustangs have raised their winning streak to five games. With the wins, and Solano College losing three out of their last four
games, the Stangs are now alone in second place, one game behind first place Yuba College. The win over Marin came on the second annual Dig Pink event run by Los Medanos College Associated Students to raise awareness of breast cancer. The event itself was a success in getting information out about breast
cancer. On the court is where the Mustangs shined as they won in three straight sets to raise their winning streak to four games. Even though it was a three set win the games were close and that was enough of a positive for Marin head coach Lindsay Bacigalupi. “We made a couple extra errors,”
she said. “Other than that the games were really close. It’s not like they beat us by a lot of points. It wasn’t like it was out of reach and we didn’t compete with them. It’s that we made too many errors and they didn’t.” Mustangs head coach Lou Panzella echoed her sentiment. He said that he felt Marin gave his team a battle, but his team didn’t give up.
“One of the really special things about this group of girls is that there is not a lot of quit in them,” he said. “They just play. They really don’t pay a lot of attention to the score, they don’t worry, they just go out and play, and that’s what they are supposed to do.” With the win the team has a chance See VBALL, page 8
Finishing strong AVAILABLE NOW
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The Mustangs defeated the College of the Redwoods 35-20 Saturday, Nov. 1. Shane Pooler pushes off of Redwoods linebacker Kyler Smith during one of his 11 carries where he amassed 77 yards. After a promising 3-1 start to the season, a three-game losing streak has nearly dashed the Mustang’s hopes of earning at least a share of the conference championship. The only chance would be if the Mustangs win the final two games, and the teams ahead of them in the standings lose at least one or both of their remaining games.
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I have been a professional wrestling fan since I was born. It’s always satisfying to watch World Wrestling Entertainment and Impact Wrestling, or discover other wrestling promotions such as Ring of Honor Wrestling or Wrestle-1. Professional wrestling has been around for over 100 years, and it manages to overpower popular TV shows and other sports with ratings of 3.2. Somehow pro wrestling is ousted because it is “fake,” so it is not considered a sport. But if wrestlers are athletes, isn’t that a contradiction since pro wrestling deals with competition like other sports, shouldn’t it be considered as a sport? According to an article on dearsportsfan. com, wrestling “is fake but not as many know that behind the veneer of unreality, it can be all too real for the wrestlers.” Despite pro-wrestling being unrealistic, the athletes performing can get injured just like athletes who play basketball, football, and baseball. Yes it is seen as entertainment but the wrestlers that perform and could get hurt. Whether their characters are a face (good) or a heel (bad), they perform moves such as the Boston Crab or a Sleeper Hold to keep the audience engaged. This topic is still being widely debated about. With today’s definition of professional wrestling, it’s hard to make it seem real, and categorize it as a sport. We see wrestlers in reality shows such as “Total Divas” and “The Amazing Race” so it seems celebrity-based.
Jazmine Gordon EARTHTHINKER
People should know that wrestlers could get killed while practicing certain stunts. On May 23,1999, Owen “The Blue Blazer” Hart (Bret “The Hitman” Hart’s younger brother) died during a Pay-Per-View event by falling from “90 feet and hit his head in front of 16,000 fans” during his introduction. CNN described it as “a stunt he had performed there” and the WWF (Now WWE) was “saddened by the tragic accident that occurred.” Isn’t that similar to a Football player dying of a head injury after colliding with an opposing player? So the fact that wrestler plots are predetermined and the moves are choreographed doesn’t make it a sport? If competition is affiliated with it, then it’s a sport, just like a football coach going to the drawing board to talk to his team about plans to beat the other team? Like Ed Grabianowki said, “Simply calling wrestling ‘fake’ is like calling a action movie fake.” In other words, if it entertains you, and it affects fans when their favorite wrestlers get injured or die performing the wrestling moves then professional wrestling is a sport.
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Basketball ramps up
Experience • Bethany Gella
Donald Dugon makes a dunk during basketball practice at the Gymnasium on Tuesday Oct. 21. Tournament play starts Nov. 13. The first game is on Jan. 2.
AYERS From page 3
“When she was first diagnosed, I didn’t really believe it. I think I was in shock or denial, it didn’t even click with me,” said her daughter Beverly Ayers. It finally clicked when her mom started going through chemo. “When she lost all her hair. That’s when it started to seem real.” Still a strong supporter for Brentwood Relay for Life, Wahl and his family formed Team “Save the Ta-Ta’s.” He explains, “We raise money by selling and/or
CITY From page 1
at its Sept. 10 meeting. But he did inform the governing board in the letter that “Brentwood residents appeared before the city council [Oct. 14] to express dissatisfaction with the Vineyards location, citing concerns about possible negative impacts attributed to traffic, public access, circulation, and public safety” and expressed their desire to have the campus moved to “a more central location in the city.” Summerset Vista Homeowner’s Association Board of Director’s President George Schmidt spoke out at the city council’s Oct. 14 meeting regarding these issues. He said 8,500 cars currently travel along Fair view Ave. every day and “it only takes one of those to hit one of our residents,” adding the number of accidents and injuries will grow with the number of cars. Diablo Valley College President Garcia, who coordinated the Brentwood Center project as former LMC dean of economic development, said in an email that interview, no complaints were brought forward during the planning process. “The developer and existing residents saw the value of a community college on the Vineyards site and understood that our value would extend to their property,” said Garcia. Along with the comments from the Summerset and Trilogy residents, the mayor also acknowledged in his letter that the council was aware of the feasibility study the district is currently conducting on the alternative location and urged the governing board to keep the city informed during the process. “Any plans to include a community college should be considered in the context of continued cooperative planning between the district and the city,” said Taylor in the letter. Council Member Gene Clare said at the Oct. 28 meeting he is pleased with the college district for taking recent concerns and suggestions seriously by “doing a study and considering all the facts prior to moving forward.” “I wanted to commend the community college staff and board for listening to the public and doing their due diligence,” said Clare. Keller had insisted at the Oct. 14 meeting, that even though it is late in the game, the city council take action and rescind its support of the current site at Marsh Creek Road and Vineyards
renting decorated bras as a way to call attention to breast cancer awareness. We also distribute informational flyers about breast cancer during the event.” With families, like the Wahls, volunteering for programs like Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society is able to get information out there. But for families like the Ayers, family, friends and faith keep them together. For them, when cancer rears its ugly head, sticking together is the best way to fight. Aside from one fainting spell the day of her daughter’s senior prom Linda has been Parkway, previously expressed in the 2013 letter from the city council to the District February 12, 2013. ”In addition to what the residents have been asking this evening, I would ask you to consider sending an additional letter to the college district requesting that they find a more appropriate site,” said Keller. But in the city’s letter addressed to Keller and the BAR T Board, the mayor described the partnership between the city and the governing board: “For the past several years the city has enthusiastically supported the Contra Costa Community College District’s plans for a future, expanded Brentwood LMC campus.” The mayor also recognized the objections voiced by Keller and Brentwood residents, but he made clear the city does not have final say on where the college is ultimately located. “I reminded the residents that all decisions relating to the future of the Brentwood campus lie exclusively within the authority of the College District Governing Board, and not the city,” said the Mayor in the letter but again avoiding support for either side. Instead, because BAR T has identified the area near the Mokulumne Trail and Highway 4 as a possible future site for an eBART station, the city recommended the BART Board move forward with its plans. “The city urges the BART Board to, in the near future, approve a strategy to either acquire land or establish a capital improvement project for this future station,” said the mayor in the letter. Council Member Steve Barr echoed the Mayor Taylor’s remarks at the Oct. 28 meeting regarding a future eBART station because he doesn’t want the city to make plans around a future BART station if it never comes to Brentwood. “I surely would like to see a commitment from BART,” said Barr. If you would like to watch the videos of the city council’s Oct. 14 and 28 meetings go to http://www.brentwoodca. gov/gov/council/granicus. asp. A copy of the letters to the BAR T Board and the District Governing Board can be found at http:// brentwood.granicus.com/ GeneratedAgendaViewer. php?view_id=38&clip_id=1917. The results of the feasibility study will be discussed at the District Governing Board meeting Nov. 12 at 4 p.m., located at 500 Court St. in Martinez.
able to keep going. “I’m a rather stubborn person and am determined to be here for my family.” Linda strives to keep their lives as normal as possible. “In all honesty it is my faith that gets me through. I wouldn’t be able to take my next breath without it. Family, Friends and Facebook acquaintances were a big part of keeping my spirits up as well.” Each family member stressed the same thing; stick together, don’t give up and keep fighting. Contact Linda Ayers at pinkfaith2@gmail.com for questions or advice on breast cancer.
VBALL From page 7
to do something special, win a conference championship. If they are going to make a run at the championship they still have things they can improve on first, Panzella said. “There is always stuff we can do better. Maintaining focus, be louder, intense and just play.” Panzella added that, “As long as we keep battling out there we will do okay.” The Mustangs also battled hard in their next game, which was a close win against Napa Valley. Standing in their way is Contra Costa College who has a record of 2-9 in conference play this season; both wins came against last place Laney College. If the Mustangs can get passed CCC, and run their winning streak to six games, it will set up a showdown at Yuba with at least a share of first place on the line. The critical match with CCC is at home Tuesday, Nov. 11.
SONIA From page 1
won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing. Series photographer Don Bartletti also won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography the same year. In 2006 Nazario rewrote the series, expanding it into a book entitled “Enrique’s Journey.” Enrique was on his eighth attempt to get through Mexico when he met Nazario. She spent weeks with him on his journey and then attempted to travel the same 1,600 miles from Tegucigalpa, Honduras Enrique had traveled for three months, step-by-step on foot and also while on top of a moving freight train. “I had only gone through one percent of what they had gone through,” said Nazario.
LAKE From page 1
munity to call campus police if they see anything out of the ordinary. “We hope that people call us,” he said. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Police Ser vices at (925) 439-1505.
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