Rowling film ‘fantastic’
Jazz hits its note
Stangs play for charity
The box-office hit “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” debuted Friday, Nov. 18 — page 4
LMC’s Jazz Studio Band performed alsongside the Brentwood Big Band Wednesday, Nov. 30 — page 5
The LMC football team went up against Monterey in the bowl game and lost 28-21 — page 7
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Almuni gets board seat Walker-Roberts appointed By TYLER MORTIMORE
tmortimore@lmcexperience.com
Former Los Medanos student body president and district student trustee Gary Walker-Roberts has been selected as the replacement for recently deceased district trustee John Nejedly. Walker-Roberts was one of five applicants for the role and was approved with a unanimous vote by the board’s four members during a special meeting Nov. 29. He will be the first openly LGBTQ person to serve on the board. “His service as the student trustee for one year means that he knows what the board does. The other four applicants have
not been on our board,” said trustee Greg Enholm. “Given what’s happening with our new chancellor arriving, I think the board feels more comfortable adding someone who knows what happens at the board.” Along with Dr. Fred Wood, the incoming replacement for outgoing chancellor Helen Benjamin, Walker-Roberts is a district success story, having received two associates degrees from Los Medanos College before earning a BA in Ethnic Studies: Gender & Sexuality from Cal State East Bay and a Masters in Experience archive • Cathie Lawrence English from Arizona State. He served as the LMC student body president during Gary Walker-Roberts was sworn in July 2015 as the See GARY, page 5 student trustee by the late John Nejedly.
‘Boeing’ set to take off Finals week upcoming
Enholm plans for next term
Dec. 12 marks the start of finals week for the fall semester. A reminder: classes that start at 4 p.m. and into the evening will hold finals at normal time. Confirm with your instructor as to the specific times for your finals.
Kennedy-King spots open The Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship application is now available. The deadline to apply is Feb. 3, 2017. The scholarship gives awards to members of underrepresented minority groups in California. For more information and to apply contact the Scholarship Office at 473-7520 or visit kennedyking.org.
CSUEB offers free summit There’s a free education summit sponsored by Cal State East Bay taking place for first generation, African-American, Native American and Pacific Islanders and their families Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information or to register go to http://www. csueastbay.edu/events/ education-summit/
Trustee talks victory By ADRIA WATSON
awatson@lmcexperience.com
Experience • Beatriz Hernandez
Los Medanos College students Jimmy Darling and Austin Trenholm act in a scene as Robert and Bernard in the Drama department’s lastest production “Boeing Boeing.” The show is set to open at the California Theatre in downtown Pittsburg Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. (See story and photos on Page 4).
College district says goodbye Longtime leader retires
By CASSIE DICKMAN
cdickman@lmcexperience.com
“I’ve tried to do every job I have with passion and commitment and to be an example to people.”
— Chancellor Helen Benjamin
After almost 27 years of working in the district and a lifetime spent dedicated to education, retiring Contra Costa Community College Chancellor Helen Benjamin is looking forward to not getting up for that first day of school after Christmas vacation for the first time since she was 6 years old. “I’ve been going to school for 60 years,” said Benjamin, but starting in January she won’t be. “I am excited about that feeling.” Benjamin, who will leave her post at the end of this year, said she was grateful for the time she’s spent in
the three-college district and has enjoyed her work because she never felt the need to be somebody else. “I’ve been comfor table here, the majority of the time,” said Benjamin, but that is something she has experienced at ever y job. Laughingly she said it might because she adapts well or is foolish. But although she ended up making the district her home for almost three decades, Benjamin’s beginning was rocky and it took her awhile to settle in. “I was trying to get out,” she said, because working at a California community
See HELEN, page 6
Former president, chancellor dies at 86 By TERESA GAINES
tgaines@lmcexperience.com
John “Jack” Carhart, 86, of Walnut Creek passed away Friday, Nov. 4. He was the first president of Los Medanos College from 1970 until 1984 and the fourth Contra Costa district chancellor from 1984 until 1991. Although born in New York, his mother, a lifetime resident of Martinez, decided to raise him in her hometown. Carhart was a skilled high school football player at Alhambra High School and attended the University of Southern California with a full-ride scholarship until a series of injuries
caused him to quit the football team. He then attended San Jose State University to focus on his studies, eventually graduating in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree. While at San Jose, he met his wife Barbara and together they had three children. In 1970, three and one-half years before the opening of LMC’s campus, Carhart was appointed to head up the construction and education plan for the third Contra Costa Experience archive community college. Through the process and responsibility of opening a new community Founding LMC President college, he developed an enthusiastic sense and former District See JACK, page 8 Chancellor Jack Carhart.
Ward 5 voters have spoken and re-elected incumbent Greg Enholm to his trustee seat on the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board. As of Nov. 23, with a 100 percent precinct reporting, 60.55 percent of Ward 5 voters selected Enholm who had been challenged by Fernando Sandoval. Although it was a competitive campaign, there was no surprise for Enholm once the votes started coming in. “This is my sixth public election so I’ve had that experience six times,” he said adding, “I know from my prior election in 2012 that the vote-by-mail margin was much bigger than the poll’s mar gin. So when I saw the voteby-mail being, basically, 2 0 - p e r - GREG ENHOLM centage points –– I do teach mathematics and statistics –– I knew that I won, typically incumbents to our board win.” Throughout the election, Enholm’s campaign focused around improving facilities for students at Los Medanos College, raising awareness of the College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) program and ensuring successful planning of the new Brentwood Center campus so that it meets far East Contra Costa students’ needs. He emphasized that he is an advocate for is the CCAP program because of his firm belief that the best preparation for college is by taking college courses while in high school. “You have a 70 percent chance when you come prepared and a 30 percent chance when you come unprepared, we as an institution should try to switch as many of those students who would’ve been unprepared in that prepared category,” said Enholm, adding that this would be the easiest way for them to increase student success at the college. “I’m hopeful that we can actually partner with the high schools so that we shift the percentages.” But having adequate facilities at the main Pittsburg campus and the Brentwood Center is
See WARD, page 8
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“Now that I’ve met you, would you object to never seeing each other again?”
— Aimee Mann
Patriece Rogers
Jake Libbey
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Helping moms helps everyone
B’wood center will turn out OK
In 1995, I began taking long drives and dreaming of living in the suburban area of Antioch. I was single then and apprehensive about living in a “bedroom community” alone. By 2001, I had made a thousand trips to Antioch to tour the model homes and let my daughter play in the green, litter-free parks. It was a nice change from our “urban” community in Alameda County. By 2008, with the crime rate constantly rising in Oakland, my children getting older, it was time to move to Antioch. Although I had been visiting over the years, I didn’t realize that the bedroom community had changed. When I arrived, the bedroom was occupied by moms while the dads slept on the couch or had left altogether. I saw lots of women and children milling through the city without a male presence. I ignored it because I was not affected by their circumstances. In less than two years, the seemingly airborne germ of single-parenthood had my family in its grasp. My first year as a single mom I sought daycare. I learned that there were no reasonably priced childcare providers here. I looked for summer programs, but only found high prices for camps with short terms and inconvenient hours. I struggled to find someone to transport my children to and fro during those off-times. No neighbors would assist. No team parents would assist. No scholarships were available. There was not even a Boys and Girls Club available. I resorted to transporting my children back to Oakland daily, where I work. Oakland provided reasonably priced and scholarship funded assistance to single mothers. Back in the urban setting I realized that the programs were designed to aid single mothers. That was the missing element in Antioch. The bedroom community was designed for a dual income family unit. That vision now competed with the attempt to salvage mortgages, as many property owners loaned their properties to the Section 8 program. This program is predominantly for single women with children. I don’t think that was considered during the collapse of the housing market. I was disenchanted, but not enough to leave because I enjoyed the square footage of my home, which I could not find in Oakland at a reasonable price. As we settled in, my square footage lost its appeal. The children at my daughter’s high school were violent and practiced bullying like they were doctors practicing medicine. There were rumors that the high school had the highest dropout rate in the county. When combined with the broken family epidemic it created an element of crime that wasn’t there before. The confirmation came for me when I arrived home one day. I couldn’t put my finger on it right away, but it wasn’t long before I realized that my suburban community had an urban feel. My camcorder, two laptops, jewelry and money were missing. That’s right! I had been robbed in the suburbs. The police said it was probably kids taking what they could carry. They didn’t seem surprised at all. I understood when I researched and learned that, according to City-Data.com, the violent crime rate in Antioch increased 13 percent between 2002 and 2014. Property crime in the same period nearly doubled. I began to take notice of the social climate of Antioch. I noticed that it was being polluted with bored juveniles, which can lead to crime. The home invasions, homicides, and even freeway shootings began to glare at me from newscasters and conversations in grocery stores. It seemed to be everywhere. It makes me wonder if things would be better with cost-friendly recreation for juveniles. After all, the bedroom community has befriended the single mother.
The Contra Costa Community College District governing board gave their approval in 2010 of a site in Brentwood that would expand and create a new second permanent campus for Los Medanos College. The Pittsburg campus, opened in 1974, underwent major renovations in the past few years, including a new library and updates for the science and math buildings. In 1998, a Brentwood extension was added that used to be home to a supermarket, but is now the second campus for Los Medanos. The Pittsburg campus in total is 120 acres, while the Brentwood extension is only 22,000 square feet. In total, there are around 9,000 students enrolled during a semester, but with the Bay Area growing more and more every year, LMC will need a full campus, not just an old supermarket. As a student who currently lives in Brentwood, I am signed up for all my classes at the Brentwood extension, which benefits me since I don’t need to waste gas driving out to Pittsburg for a class or two. The worst part though, of course, is the parking situation. Since the campus is part of an ongoing shopping center, students who attend continue to struggle finding parking, since there is limited space. If you don’t leave early and get one of the best parking spots, you drive round and round, constantly looking for the one spot you find when somebody backs out. If not one of the lucky people, you are forced to park in front of Dollar Tree or McDonald’s. But in a couple years, all of those problems will be non-existent, as there is a planned new site for a bigger and better (and permanent) second campus in Brentwood. The planned site for this new campus will be located on Marsh Creek Road, next to the Vineyards Parkway intersection. The campus is expected to debut in the fall of 2018, which will be two-stories high, 44,000 square feet, and will also include a bookstore, lecture halls, classrooms and 750 parking spaces. To me, this sounds like an amazing plan that will benefit students, teachers, and the community as a whole, not being stuck in an old shopping center, being its own standing campus. But BART officials and residents around the area have been less than enthusiastic about the site. BART officials wanted the new site to possibly be completed with the new e-Bart station, which is also been under construction for a while now as well. The e-Bart station is near the intersection of Highway 4 in Antioch. This would create more traffic, since the BART building is already going to be near a busy area in Antioch. Despite the questioning of the site, the board decided not to move the already planned site, not only because of a 4-1 vote from last year, but because the land already was purchased to begin construction. Now the next obstacle to conquer would be the residents in surrounding neighborhoods. The current residents near the site of the new Brentwood campus are mostly middle-aged, and have their doubts about this new location. A nearby street, Fairview Avenue, is always used by residents to travel places, but drivers often speed, which frightens the residents, and they believe that with the influx of students, the traffic is going to get worse. George Schmidt, who’s on the Summerset Vista Board of Directors, believes the combination of elderly drivers and risky, young drivers will be a dangerous one All in all, the new planned site for the LMC Brentwood campus does have some obstacles that can be resolved and completed, but overall they will succeed greatly with the new campus that will increase the college’s capacity, hopefully letting more students get the chance to continue their life path after they receive their high school diploma.
Experience • Sarah Gonzales
Editorial
Options are important
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egistration for Spring 2017 classes began this week. As usual, classes fill up or aren’t offered on certain days, which can create problems for students. But what’s the deal with all the online classes being offered? Some classes may be convenient in an online format, but this is not true of all courses. For instance, those seeking enrollment in an English class were met with an overwhelming number of online-only courses. English 145 is offered both online and in person. Sounds great, right? The catch is the class that meets in person is offered only to students in the Honors Program instead of offering an Honors contract, like many other classes do. This is because the course is designed to be more rigorous than its online counterpart. For some, online classes are beneficial because there is no scheduled meeting time, but for others, this is a problem. Not being in a class with a professor creates a lack of structure. Students may need certain classes that are only offered online, which isn’t a problem for all, but it is a problem for most: according to USA Today, 78 percent of college students in 2013 said they preferred traditional classes to online classes. Many classes have been moved online due to a lack of interest in the subject and low enrollment. For students still interested in the course, or that need the course to meet a general education requirement, there is no other option. The overwhelming migration from physical class meetings to online “interactions” diminishes the community in community college, a fundamental blow for an institution that struggles to build a social atmosphere already.
IOC needs to step into 21st century
This summer, we had a large focus on the Olympics, but what most people failed to notice was the gender inequality in swimming. Women have fewer options than men in the number of events. For example, the men’s longest race happens to be 1500 meters, while women’s is 800 meters. The Olympic Committee insinuates that women cannot compete in the 1500m because they cannot compare to men. However, this is false because time and time again, women prove that they are just as capable as men. Look at Katie Ledecky. She beat the world record in the 1500m, quadrupling the five-second gap she already put between herself and the rest of the field with an incredible time of 15 minutes, 25.48 seconds. With this feat, women are obviously able to succeed in long distance swimming, so why is it still excluded from the Olympics? Many fail to comprehend that this is the 21st century and not the 1800’s anymore. Women have more strength and independence and have proven to the world that we will be driven down no more. But there are still biases set in society that prevent women from achieving what they are meant to as a human. Society claims that men “are just more uniquely capable” or that “women are useless,” so why bother with it? This logic prevents women from achieving before they even attempt greatness. Moreover, the event deficit in the Olympics prevents us from seeing as many stellar performances as we should. As we all know, the Olympics are a major, global event. We as the audience want to see
Kaylee Stull GUEST COLUMNIST
a long challenge that sets you on edge, and the 1500m can do that. Since it is such a long test, the swimmers are fighting to maintain their pace and place. Currently, the longest event at the Olympics for women is the 800m. Since this was added in 1968, why can’t just add one more? It couldn’t hurt for it will reel in the viewers. People will want to see something new. I know I would. It is always entertaining to see something new come into view, for you will not know what is going to happen. Considering the demand for change in gender inequality is constantly brought up, you would think that FINA and IOC leaders wouldbe open to fixing these gendered biases. It is simply unfair to subject women to past societal judgements. By withholding the 1500m in the Olympics, Olympic leaders ultimately prove that swimming is a male-dominated sport. If they continue to be so reluctant to change, then the Olympics will always be separate and unequal. Women are just as capable as men and should be seen this way. When the next Olympics come around, will we uphold this discrimination?
Reader Opinion Policy
The Experience welcomes Letters to the Editor and Guest Columns. All members of the Los Medanos College community — students, faculty and staff — are encouraged to write. If you are interested in expressing your opinions on campus, national or world issues, bring your submissions to room CC3-301 and put them in the Perspectives Editor’s mailbox or mail them to Experience c/o Los Medanos College, 2700 E Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565. You may also send them electronically through the Experience online newsite lmcexperience.com. Letters and columns must be typed, signed and include a phone number for verification. They may be edited for clarity, content taste and length at the editor’s discretion.
Voices
LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE
Experience
What are your plans for the Holiday season? C
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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
“I’m going to San Diego to visit my girlfriend.” — Austin Herington
“I’m going to Lake Tahoe with my family.” — Edwin Rodriguez
“I’m working. My family doesn’t celebrate holidays because they’re Jehovah’s Witnesses.” — Kamani Portlock
“I’m just attending one of the Kwanzaa celebrations.” — Kwadgo Poku
“I’m going to visit my family in Green Bay.” — Jason Hare
“I am lifting.” — Kyle Mull
Editors-in-Chief ..........BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ and KIMBERLY STELLY Managing Editor..................CASSIE DICKMAN Perspectives Editor.........TYLER MORTIMORE Campus Editor .......................ADRIA WATSON Features Editor ................SARAH GONZALES Sports Editor ....................... GARRETT BELME Web Editor .........................LISSETTE URBINA 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 Delmar offers resources
Maurice Delmar from the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs will be available for consultation Wednesday, Dec. 7 at LMC on the third level of the College Complex in Room 800. Delmar, a former Marine, currently works as an Outreach Specialist for the Concord Vet Center. He is also a UC Berkeley and Diablo Valley College Alumni. Stop by with any questions veterans resources can provide between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Employment help is available
Students who are interested in work should check out LMC’s CCN database. Any employer that connects with LMC is directed to post in this database. If you are interested in helping the youth learn and believe that a positive academic mentor is important for them, join the Homework Club team. All that’s required is a basic understanding of 8th grade-level concepts. To learn more and apply for this position, log onto CCN and search for ID number Volunteer Crisis Line Counselor (job id 4636373), Child Activities
Experience archive • Cathie Lawrence
LMC students participate in a previous study slam, located in the Center for Academic Support.
Study Slam providing support
Get help with that last minute push before finals. The Center for Academic Support is staying open late and providing reading and writing consultants and peer tutors for you on a completely drop-in basis. Pizza and snacks will be provided for Study Slam participants. The Study Slam will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Outreach ambassador needed
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“For many, the American dream has become a nightmare.” — Bernie Sanders
Protecting students
Ca. looks to shield the marginalized By KIMBERLY STELLY
kstelly@lmcexperience.com
Earlier this month, California’s Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom called on the state’s college institutions to make their campuses sanctuaries for their undocumented students. The Sanctuary movement has been considered by many of this state’s schools including Los Medanos College. In a letter sent to the heads of Cal State, University of California and two chancellors from the community college systems, Newsom expressed that many students are concerned about their citizenship since President-Elect Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton. Contra Costa College District Chancellor Helen Benjamin mentioned in an email that employees in this district have been discussing the process of turning LMC, DVC and CCC into sanctuary campuses. She also mentioned a meeting, taking place in which further talks about creating a sanctuary district would be discussed in more depth. The topic also came up in a student LMC Student Senate meeting Monday, Nov. 28, where students have also voiced their opinions. LMC English Instructor Laurie Huffman, who has been approached by members of the
Hispanic, community said “A compromise to the security and success of any student on this campus is unacceptable — deportation being one of the most threatening under this new administration.” Huffman has longtime experience working with the community. Since the ‘70s, she’s been working to “create a safe and equitable space where the undocumented can easily and successfully access community support systems, education and legal assistance.” In addition to assisting students with concerns about their citizenships and immigration status, the CCCCD aims to protect other minority students including Muslims from the impending policies proposed by the Trump administration. “If we fail to act in the face of President-Elect Trump’s stated priorities relative to deportation and the treatment of Muslims, the guiding values that we have affirmed regarding diversity, social justice, and inclusive excellence in the Contra Costa Community College District will appear to have been little more than empty rhetoric,” reads a petition addressed to members of the CCCCD District Governing Board. Over 100 LMC faculty, students and alumni have signed as well as 205 from CCC and 29 from DVC.
“A compromise to the security and success of any student on this campus is unacceptable ... it is the responsibility of our college to make certain this campus is a safe haven for all students.”
— Laurie Huffman
According to the petition, the goals of the CCCCD are as follows: n Affirm the District’s commitment to support and protect all of its students and workers, regardless of their citizenship status, religion, ethnicity or national origin n Take a stand against any federal registr y of Muslim Americans and other targeted groups n Affirm current admission and financial aid policies regarding undocumented students n Create a District policy to not cooperate with federal ICE authorities regarding deportations or immigration raids and assure the entire District and its colleges that District Police will not engage in helping the federal government with deportations or with inquiries regarding the immigration status of students n Af firm the District’s commitment to create an atmosphere of respect by denouncing hate speech directed at students or employees, including immigrants, people
of color, Muslims, individuals with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals, and by informing the college communities of existing resources for reporting and responding to bias or hate incidents n Provide strictly confidential counseling and legal services for undocumented students, DACA recipients, employees and their families. In addition to these actions, the DACA forum held Nov. 17 was also part of the effort to inform students of their rights especially under Tr ump’s administration. “Given the current and future student population at LMC of undocumented and DACA students it is the responsibility of our college to make certain this campus is a safe haven for all students,” said Huffman. For more insight into the goals set by the CCCCD r egar ding these issues, the petition is available at https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-VlxxCfj9yl2iGMnDBAEZtomWrtU-3mvOhCHtAoSa4jYKxw/ viewfor
Much to be thankful for
Students who want to work on campus and make an impact in their community are recommended to stop by the Welcome Desk to learn more about becoming an Outreach Ambassador. You can pick up an application packet, or check out the job posting on LMC’s online job board at www.collegecentral.com/losmedanos. Job ID #4689058.
Counselors ready to assist
Looking to make an educational plan, or review your current one? LMC offers general counseling at both campuses. Drop-in hours are offered weekly. Students must have a student ID number and a photo ID to meet with a counselor.Appointments at Pittsburg can be made in person, by calling the Counseling Department at 473-7449, or by visiting 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.
Career assistance offered
Students who need help figuring out their career path can talk to Career Counselor Kristen Freeman. Schedule an appointment by calling 925-473-7444. Freeman is available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Learn about entrepreneurship
Students interested in learning more about entrepreneurship, social media use and small business management can do so by logging on to CCN and searching for ID #4572957. A background in social media is preferred, but not required. The salary is a $1500 scholarship.
Tutoring help is provided
Students who need help and are seeking tutoring in Math, Chemistry, Accounting and Spanish, contact Ramon Coria at racorias@yahoo.com or call at 778-6071 if you have any questions.
Daily cancellations online
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.
Get your updates on the ‘Go’
There’s a new app accessible for students this Fall 2016 semester called Ellucian Go. Students can now check their class schedules, regster, manage education plans, manage waitlists, access Canvas and more through this app. Ellucian Go is available to download from the iPhone and Android app stores. Once the app is downloaded, students can search for “Los Medanos College” and login using the same username and password they would use to log into InSite.
What’s lost may be found
Los Medanos College’s lost and found has numerous items found on campus. If you have lost an item, check with Police Services, which is located on Level One. Inquiries must be made in person. — compiled from press releases and staff reports
Experience • Beatriz Hernandez
One student offers a bottle opener to another at Los Medanos College’s Fall Potluck, put on by Student Life Nov. 22 to bring in Thanksgiving before the short break began. The event was open to all members of the LMC community and featured food, music and celebration.
Skunks bring funk to LMC By ADRIA WATSON
awatson@lmcexperience.com
Los Medanos College students and instructors with classes in the P.E. portables have been dealing with a pesky situation. Skunks are just one type of a several species of creatures infesting various areas around campus due to local community members leaving food for stray cats. According to Grounds worker Andre White, some of the places where skunks have marked their territor y are the baseball field, tennis courts, football field and the lake. He explained that there is a woman –– whose name was unidentifiable –– that comes to LMC between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. to make her rounds to feed the animals. Grounds workers have explained to the woman that she doesn’t need to feed the cats everyday because this makes them stay around campus longer. “They used to just leave, but now they stay around as if they belong,” said White. P.E. Department Chair Colleen Ralston said the same woman also slides a tray of cat food under the circuit training room, which attracts the skunks to the area, creating foul odors that circulate
through the block of portables. “This has affected the learning environment,” said Ralston. “No one wants to exercise in a room that smells like a skunk has sprayed inside it –– which, in essence, it has.” Ralston added that some students reported seeing skunks roaming around the campus in broad daylight, an oddity since skunks are nocturnal animals. “When a skunk is out running around in the day, sometimes that could indicate that they’re not real healthy and I wouldn’t want to think that we have a rabid skunk family surrounding an area where students are,” expressed Ralston. Lieutenant Chad Wehrmeister shared similar concerns regarding the potential impact to public health this could have on the campus. He added that there are multiple people who come on to the campus, feeding stray animals –– geese and ducks at the lake too –– and how it’s been a common issue because LMC is adjacent to a large trail system that houses a variety of animals. “There isn’t a policy, procedure or law for that matter, so what we’ve tried to do is work with our community and get the
message out that leaving food out attracts everything from wildlife to pests –– which is the big thing,” said Wehrmeister. In the worst case scenario, the college could file a restraining order against the community members but Wehrmeister said most of the people who the police department has spoken to about the issue have been helpful and work with them to move the feeding areas outside of the campus. “When we see bowls of food left out, we dispose of them because of the potential public health consequences,” said Wehrmeister He said the college has taken reactive steps, bringing in contractors to use nokill traps in order to remove skunks and other critters from areas where they are seen on campus. “Many people in our community, out of the goodness of their hearts, are feeding cats, ducks and geese,” he said. “I know that their intent is to help the animals but leaving food behind, unattended, creates a big potential for some negative consequences.” — Sarah Gonzales contributed to this report
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“I love house elves. My uncle is a house elf.”
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‘Boeing Boeing’ springs to stage Show comes to California Theatre By BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ
bhernandez@lmcexperience.com
The Los Medanos College Drama Department is bringing the show “Boeing Boeing” to the LMC community at the California Theatre in downtown Pittsburg beginning Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Drama Department Chair Nick Garcia will be directing the comedic play, which was written by Marc Camoletti. This semester’s shows have all, with the exception of one, been comedic shows. According to the cast, they felt that it was important to choose a play like “Boeing Boeing” that would provide some humor to the community in light of recent events. “Boeing Boeing” follows the story of a 1960s playboy, Bernard, who finds himself in trouble when his American friend Robert and his three airline hostess fiancées all end up in town at the same time. “I feel like me and my character are one and the same. She’s a romantic, but she’s also a realist,” said LMC student Yazmyn Rahimi, who plays Bernard’s Italian fiancée Gabriella. While most of the cast felt they were easily able to relate to their characters Katie Garcia, who plays Gretchen, expressed her initial struggles to connect to a character who was so unlike herself. “I’m not as passionate as Gretchen is,” said Garcia. “She’s one of the hardest characters I’ve ever had to portray because of the fact that we don’t relate.”
Photos by Beatriz Hernandez
Nicole Cabbines and Austin Trenholm rehearse a scene “Boeing Boeing.” Below, Katie Garcia and Jimmy Darling. LMC student Austin Trenholm, who plays Robert, expressed excitement about the opportunity to take the show to the California Theatre. “The show is a very big opportunity in my life. This is my second play … and it’s very scary,” Trenholm admitted. Assistant Stage Manager Jayda Nunley echoed similar sentiments. “This is my first semester at LMC so of course being in this show with all these amazing people definitely put a really good taste in my mouth about the program,” said Nunley.
One warning Rahimi had for the audience was to listen carefully when the fiancées are speaking throughout the show as they have thick accents. “Boeing Boeing” opens on Dec. 7 and runs through Dec. 10 with 7 p.m. showings. Tickets will be $12 for students with school ID cards or those with military ID, $15 for the general public and $10 for middle school and high school students with an ID. For additional information about the show, visit pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.
‘Beasts’ finds greatness By ATREYU HINCKLEY
ahinckley@lmcexperience.com
When the Harry Potter film series ended in 2011, J.K. Rowling was not finished just yet. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a prequel of sorts to the Harry Potter franchise, and follows magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), who was recently expelled from Hogwarts. The film begins with Scamander arriving in New York City, attempting to find more magical creatures to add to his suitcase, which is full of different species he wants to return to their natural habitat. However, he accidentally swaps the wrong suitcase with a non-magical baker named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogel), and that’s when all the fun begins. While the movie’s focus is on the creatures who escape Scamander’s case, we learn there is also an American school of magic named Ilvermorny. We are also introduced to Porpentina (Katherine Waterston) and Queenie Goldstein (Allison Sudol), two magical sisters who follow Scamander and Kowalski along the journey. Redmayne gives charm and wit in his character. While he is no Harry Potter, it is refreshing to follow a main
REVIEW
Photo curtesy by Imbp.com
Redmayne and Waterston in a scene from “Fantastic Beasts.”
Gilmore Girls brings back fond memories By KIMBERLY STELLY
kstelly@lmcexperience.com
To the delight of people who watched the original Gilmore Girls series, Netflix revamped and released a four-episode follow-up just in time for the holiday season Thanksgiving. After months of teaser trailers and promotion, the miniseries finally appeared on Netflix Nov. 25 at midnight and the show was met with rave reviews. This is understandable especially for fans of the series but there were a few bothersome things I couldn’t help but notice. One of the “dramatic” things about the pre-production of the series, was whether or not Melissa McCartney’s lovable character Sookie would be returning. She initially stated that she hadn’t been asked but later went on to say that she would be written in. The problem with this is that it was painfully obvious that they wrote her in extremely late. They tried to tackle this by way of cameo and it just didn’t work. There was the excuse that Sookie had taken off to “find herself” but that was a thinly veiled way of saying there was tension between the
writer and McCartney. To cut them some slack however, show writers seem to always have a hard time coming up with reasons characters aren’t returning so can’t be too hard on that. One of the other problems was the pacing of the show. There’s that awful time jump between the winter and spring episodes. It’s clearly a completely different season and aesthetically, it seems as though months have passed. However, plot wise, it continued as if it was the very next day. Yes it’s only four episodes but the episodes could have transitioned smoother. In terms of character development, the fact that Lorelei and Emily Gilmore, the infamous constantly fighting mother-daughter duo has decided to work on their relationship is refreshing. However, in a rush to fit as many characters background stories in a four-episode special, some of the characters ended up coming off as flat. Rory’s father Christopher made a brief appearance but he added nothing. Also, I get it, people love Jess’s character but his ap-
REVIEW
character with different personality traits. There were many other solid performances within the film, such as Colin Farrell as Percival Graves and Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone, whose character you should keep a close eye on. “Fantastic Beasts” is full of wonderful effects and writing. We see different creatures such as the cute and often scene-stealing Niffler, who steals shiny things and stores them in its bottomless pouch. We also see the Thunderbird, a multi-winged relative of Dumbledore’s Phoenix. One thing the movie does lack is character development. While the cast brings their A-game on, you don’t fully learn some of their background. This may be due to the film’s two and a half hour running time, but it leaves something to be desired. The second half of the movie also has some dark elements of the film that some viewers might not see coming. J.K. Rowling plans to make the series into five films, with a sequel coming out every two years. She will continue to write the screenplay while David Yates, who also directed the last four Harry Potter films, will continue to direct. “Fantastic Beasts” is nothing short of fantastic, but it is not perfect either.
Marquee Movies released
n “Things to Come” Rated PG-13 Genre: Drama n “The Duelist” Rated R Genre: Historical Drama/Thriller n “Jackie” Rated R Genre: Historical Drama/Biography
El Campanil Events
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Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel in the opening scene from “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.” pearance didn’t add anything to the plot other than “inspiring” Rory to write her book, thus creating cheap tension between her and Lorelei. However, the writer made up for this by bringing back so many of their audiences favorite characters and it was nice to gain insight into the developing personal lives of the characters we’ve all missed. The most notable issue with the show was the effort to make current topical references. This doesn’t just include referencing things from this year, but also references to make up for the ten-year gap between the
season 7 finale to the premiere of the miniseries. There are many cringey attempts to stay relevant including a scene in which Lorelei yells something about a safe space/trigger warning. All in all, it wasn’t bad as far as revamps go. And fans of the original series will happily look past the flaws if it means the show continues. The ending seemed to allude to a continuation of the series and the fact that it hasn’t been confirmed is frustrating. But that isn’t so much a flaw with the show as it is in regards to my own impatience.
The El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W Second St. in Antioch. For ticket sales and additional information visit elcampaniltheatre.com or call 757-9500. n George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” will be presented by a trained chorus and orchestra consisting of local east county residents. The concert will include the first section of “Messiah” known as the Christmas section and two other parts of the composition including the “Hallelujah Chorus.” The concert will be on Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. with $12 admission . n Charismatic senior performers “The Golden Follies” will bring their heartwarming tunes to the stage with A Very “Follies” Holiday! Those in attendance can expect a display of choreography and Christmas spirit. The show will be held on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. with tickets starting at $25 for adults and $17 for seniors.
California Theater
The California Theatre is located at 351 Railroad Ave, in Pittsburg. For ticket sales and additional information visit pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com or call (925) 427-1611. n Children and adults can expect an entertaining and festive show featuring the performances of D’ann’s Acadeny of Dance . The show will be held on Dec. 11 at 1 and 3:30 p.m. with tickets starting at $16. — compiled from press releases and staff reports
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“The best idea Satan put in that apple was jazz.”
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Jazz Band puts on a great show Another excellent LMC concert By KIMBERLY STELLY
kstelly@lmcexperience.com
The Los Medanos College Jazz Studio Band along with the Brentwood Big Band or B3, dazzled students, staff, faculty and members of the community during a concert Wednesday, Nov. 30 in the Recital Hall. The hall was nearly filled as loved ones supporting both bands shuffled in, programs in hand in participation of the night’s events. LMC Music Instructor Steve Earnest directed both bands. After opening with a performance of Sammy Nestico’s “88 Basie Street,” they followed it with Doug Beach’s “Esperanto.” There was a drum solo midway through the song that brought tears to my eyes. As Percussionist Kirk Brys drummed furiously, his long hair tangled around his face adding to the effect of the performance. Because the band played so smoothly without any noticeable hitches, it was hard to determine what the best piece was. Ultimately though, it comes down to their take on Dave Barduhn’s “My Romance” and “Aquatic Ambience,” arranged by LMC Jazz Studio Band pianist Jon Haislip. “My Romance” is dreamy piece though something about it brought on mild melancholic feelings of nostalgia. Some of
REVIEW
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Experience • Sarah Gonzales
Jazz Studio Band saxophonist Chris Hauger plays his instrument during the Nov. 30 concert. the audience swayed along to the rhythm while others just appeared to look to the musicians in awe. “Aquatic Ambience” was gorgeous in its own right. The piano, drums and saxophone melded so well together. Clearly, LMC has talented
individuals in all departments and Wednesday night was just another example of this. After a short intermission, B3 was set to take the stage. Though they played consistently well, the latter half of their performances are what really made them stand out.
community colleges,” he said. “Partnering with Latino students so they continue to feel safe and can continue their education is very important to me.” Walker-Roberts is filling the vacancy left by the death of John Nejedly, the longest-serving trustee on the board. “There was a talented pool of people who applied, and I feel privileged to be selected. It comes with a huge responsibility of filling the large shoes left by John,” he said. “During my time as a student trustee, he helped me
navigate through the bond oversight process. He emphasized budget adherence, being good stewards of taxpayer money.” In addition to his advocacy for marginalized groups, Walker-Roberts said he wants to focus on campus safety, citing the repeated requests for security cameras on campuses and more preparation for active shooter scenarios. Because the seat was filled by the board and not by popular election, a 30-day provisional period must pass before it becomes official. If a petition is filed with enough signatures in that time, the position will be put to a vote.
Their best performance was of “Pieces of a Dream.” It was such a delicate piece and the entire ensemble played off one another so well. Ernest, in between introducing all the pieces, turned on the charm making jokes and casually engaged with
audience Lastly, Members from both bands closed the show out by performing the last few selections together. It was a pleasant end to a stellar display of talent. Much like this event, there are other things happening this
month including the Fall Stories Concert Monday, Dec. 5. Also, the Holiday Academic Scholarship Presentation takes place Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., which is free to attend. Finally, there is an Honors Piano recital, also free to attend Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
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the 2014-2015 academic year and as the district’s student trustee during the 2015-2016 academic year. During his time as student body president, Walker-Rober ts worked with the college administration to bring the veterans center and gender-neutral bathrooms to LMC. He hopes to continue his advocacy for these and other underrepresented groups during his term. “It’s important that we focus on our students who are utilizing HB 540 and Dreamers so they feel at ease at our
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HELEN From page 1
college at first was not what she thought it was going to be. In 1990, Benjamin was hired as the Los Medanos College dean of Language Arts and Humanistic Studies and didn’t have any goals beyond working in the depar tment she was hired for and “doing exciting things.” She had come from a community college in Dallas and a department she described as having amazing programs. And she thought a forward-thinking, new-frontier kind of place like California would better for all of her ideas and plans for her future in education. But soon realized the new environment she found herself in was completely different than she anticipated and immediately felt like it wasn’t the right fit. “I thought I would have the opportunity to do more things but [the faculty] weren’t accustomed to having managers as leaders and creating programs, and things like that,” said Benjamin. “So, that was kind of a disappointment to me when I came, that I couldn’t fur ther use those skills and abilities that I had.” On top of issues with the inner workings of faculty and management, the technology wasn’t up to the speed she was used to, the district had just gotten a new chancellor and her children were having a hard time, all of which led to Benjamin thinking, “I got to get out of here.” But she went to work and did everything she was supposed to do, all the while constantly looking for another job — without much luck. She said it “was just a mess.” As Benjamin was chasing down every job lead that could help her leave the district, the new chancellor, Bob Jensen, had been trying to get a hold of her to to offer and Benjamin had been refusing to pick up the phone or call him back. “I am not calling him,” she said. “I don’t know who he is. Why is he calling me?” Finally Jensen got in touch with her and told her he knew she was trying to leave California. Benjamin was confused because she hadn’t told anyone she was looking for another job but said the new chancellor was connected. He asked her to meet with him, so she went to his office in Martinez, and when he asked her why she wanted to leave the district, she told him — her kids were unhappy, it wasn’t what she thought it was going to be, the district didn’t have computers or email and the place was kind of backward. “This was not progressive enough for me,” she told him. “I can’t stay here.” But what she was describing she wanted was what Jensen wanted this district to become and he thought she could help him because she had seen it elsewhere. He wanted her to apply for an open position of associate chancellor, but Benjamin still insisted she wanted to leave because it would be too much work. “No. These people are not ready. They don’t even know what I am talking about,” Benjamin told him, remembering her first day on the job when she asked someone about email and they didn’t even know what it was. “They didn’t have email. In 1990, they didn’t have email.” In the end Jensen won, because she just couldn’t find a job anywhere, and she applied for the district level job available. “I had to really make adjustments to this new environment,” said Benjamin, adding she wasn’t going to change into somebody else. “It would have meant that I couldn’t be the educator I had become, and I saw myself as an educator who was a facilitator and really did help faculty so
they could get things done with students.” Eventually she learned to navigate the waters of the district, and spent time developing different ways to approach those around her. She ended up “using skills I didn’t know I had,” said Benjamin, who eventually built trust and established strong relationships with colleagues. Her experience here was different than she had anticipated, but because she put so much time and effort into the district for so many years she received a bigger payout than just a good work environment. “They just became my friends,” said Benjamin. “The best friends I have are here.” Benjamin ser ved in various positions throughout the district — she went back to LMC as interim president, then became vice chancellor of educational programs and services, then went to Contra Costa College as interim president and president — before permanently settling in the chancellor’s seat in 2005. “I love this place,” said Benjamin, adding that “it was just like home to me.” Benjamin watched major changes in the years she has spent in the district — financially, demographically and the growth of each campus — and said the student of today is completely different than the student of nearly three decades ago. But when she entered her current position 11 years ago, she herself became one of those major changes. “I don’t think I stopped to think about that part, at that moment,” said Benjamin about being not only the first woman to lead the district since its creation in 1949 but also the first African American. “I [didn’t] have time to basque in that.” But later she said she did to stop consider that fact for a moment and understood it was a significant achievement. “The fact that I’m black is important, because I know — for women, for people of color — it’s really an important symbol,” said Benjamin. “So, I’ve tried to do every job I have with passion and commitment and to be an example to people. Not to do things wrong so that I mess it up for everybody like me behind me.” Paving the way for others can be good or bad, she explained, and doesn’t want them to say they do not want “one of those again,” adding laughingly, “that happens!” Benjamin explained how the role models in her life helped pave her own career path, and although she has always been interested in education and loved going to school, she never planned to end up in the position she will be vacating officially Dec. 31. After entering the higher-education workforce, Benjamin was firm on never becoming a college president, but then she did. And after serving in that position at two different colleges in the district — as interim president of Los Medanos College and president at Contra Costa College — she swore she would never become chancellor of a school because she didn’t want to have to answer to a board, but then she did that too. “And now I have been reporting to a board for 11 years,” she said. “So, the lesson is never say what you don’t want to do.” Not always having a plan was nothing new to Benjamin, who said things just happen in your life. But what she did know early on was that she wanted to be a teacher. “It might have been because I grew up in a segregated environment,” explained the Louisiana native, who added that where she lived “there were not many role mod-
els of African-American professionals.” Benjamin doesn’t even think she knew a black registered nurse growing up, and recalled that when she went to the doctor’s office the nurses were white and when she went to the hospital they were white there too. “We had two black doctors in our town. There were examples of that, but those were men,” she said, adding that was not something she ever thought about. “The professionals that I knew, who were like me, were teachers.” But her parents, both of whom are still alive, also played a part in who she became. Born to a navy veteran and a domestic worker, Benjamin described her parents as intelligent people and, like many people in the black communities, she said they saw schooling as their children’s only chance at a successful life — so, doing homework was a must. “What they knew was that education was our way out,” said Benjamin. “We lived in the segregated south and, so, that’s what they stressed. The whole family did, and nobody in my [family] had a college degree.” Benjamin was one of four children who grew up in a tough, Christian home. Benjamin remembers her father making her and her siblings memorize whole chapters from the Bible and having to recite them back. “We had a very strict household,’ said Benjamin, characterizing her mother as the more stringent of the pair. “There were all kinds of rules and regulations, and if you did not abide by them you were just in trouble.” And as soon as any of them turned 18, they had to move out. “So, I went to college,” said Benjamin, who added that all her siblings were good students and are professionals now as well. Benjamin said she thought her parents “were way overboard,” but spoke of them fondly, and explained that when you become a parent you are doing it for the first time and just trying to do what you think is best. And even she didn’t resist all their parental influence. “I could often hear their words coming out of my mouth,” said Benjamin. When she went to college she counted on pursuing a degree in education but was informed she had to put a primary subject down on the paperwork. “I looked in the catalog and I saw these majors listed and I said, ‘Well, I like English. I’ll major in English,’” recalled Benjamin, who was also required to decide on a secondary education major as well. “I’m telling you, I didn’t have a plan.” But she eventually received a bachelor’s of science in English and Spanish from Bishop College in Dallas before moving on to receive master’s and doctoral degrees from Texas Woman’s University. And, after spending about five or six years teaching in the public school system, Benjamin decided she wanted to become an administrator but didn’t end up getting into the program required for the job. “I just gave up on that,” she said, in a go-with-theflow attitude, which has been reflected throughout her career. “It’s not anything I had to do anyway.” But Benjamin knew she liked to take charge and had always been in leadership roles while working on her educational goals in high school and college — student body president, student government, yearbook editor. So, she decided to do something about it. Benjamin, who was pregnant with her second child, went to the the principal’s office of the school and told him she wasn’t coming back.
Experience Archive
Chancellor Helen Benjamin in her office shortly after she was hired to be the dean of Language Arts and Humansitic studies at LMC. He asked her if she had lost her mind and wanted to know what she was planning to do. “I don’t know,” she told him. “But I know I don’t want to do this anymore.” Just like that, she was ready to move on despite her boss’ pleas for her to stay. She just knew she didn’t want to go back to teaching at a high school. So, she became a department chair at the predominately black college where she received her undergraduate degrees, but left after about six years because the college was going bankrupt. At the time, she had already started working part-time at a community college, and when a division chair job opened up she applied for it. “I was shocked,” remembered Benjamin, who said she had only met the minimum requirements for the job. “I couldn’t believe I got it.” Her first permanent position at a two-year institution was eye opening because she knew nothing about community colleges, and said it was completely different from her previous work experience. So, Benjamin started going to conferences and participated in a national leadership program. That’s when she realized she could do more. So, after finishing up her doctorate in English, she decided it was the right moment for a change. “It was just time for me to do something else,” said Benjamin, who described her decision to leave as similar to the way she left K-12 instruction. “I kind of scare myself that way, you know, but I just one day said, ‘I want another job.’” The journey to Contra Costa County from Dallas was long, both figuratively and literally, for Benjamin, whose lively description of the events leading up to her depar ture from Texas made the situation seem like an uncanny twist of fate — at the end she even added in her imitation of “Twilight” music for effect. Her story involved multiple people from opposite ends of the country — in places like Florida, Texas, California and North Carolina — who all happened to either know each other and/or worked or had worked for the district. And it all lead up to her sitting outside a door in Pittsburg, California waiting to see if a hiring committee would decide to give her another interview for dean the next morning — they did. “I went back to Texas, and they called to tell me I had the job,” said Benjamin. Her children were not exactly thrilled about the move from big ‘ol Dallas, Texas to tiny Pittsburg, California, but she did her best to help them adjust. They even made a pact to not go back to Dallas to visit for a whole year because it might make the transition even harder. But her son, who was a junior in high school at the time they moved, didn’t make it. “He was just so awful,” said Benjamin, and after about six months she finally relented and let him visit his hometown. Her 11-year-old daughter seemed to adjust better, even though she had originally said she was going to go to a historically-black
college and never stay in California. But she grew to like her new home and ended up graduating from UCLA and is currently a resident of Oakland. “Because she was younger, I think, and she made friends, and all of that, but [my son] had left so many of his friends in Dallas,” said Benjamin, adding that he did not grow to love the area. “When he graduated he got out. He does not come back often at all.” Benjamin wrote an essay about how her family responded to the relocation of their lives from Dallas to California and the kinds of things she tried to do with them to make it an easier experience in a book she co-edited called “The Chocolate Truth: An Anthology of Perspectives from community College CEOs.” “I wrote about my experience, moving from one state to another, and the whole impact of that,” said Benjamin of the essay she sent to her children to read before it was published. “I was just about as miserable as they were, but I never let them know it.” After they read what their mother had written, they immediately called her because they had no idea how she had felt. “That was the first time that we ever talked about it in that way,” said Benjamin, of the conversation they had about five years ago. “I never complained about it because I was trying to to be very positive in helping them make the adjustment.” Benjamin says she doesn’t have any current plans for the future, but, while she is “kind of playing it by ear” and doesn’t want to do anything work related for the first six months of her retirement, the three-college district chancellor has committed to one thing -- helping CEOs get through the issues that keep them up at night. For four or five years, Benjamin has been a facilitator, along with two others, of a two-day conference called the Vineyard’s Symposium, which happens every April. “When the CEOs come they have to write a little essay on what keeps them up at night, and then those topics become the curriculum for our 48 hours,” said Benjamin, who also used to attend the conference before helping to orchestrate it. She said the event is spent learning how to work through those issues. The conference doesn’t require a lot of work but it is her passion because she loves helping people, whether they are students or managers or faculty. “I’m just so committed to that,” she said. “I know I want to keep doing that.” She even just published a book about it called “Harvest from the Vineyard: Lessons Learned from the Vineyard Symposiums,” which she cowrote with a friend, about her experiences with the conference, only with a little more detail. “We’ve taken those issues and just expanded on them and talked about how you deal with certain issues when you’re a CEO,” explained Benjamin. As she sits at her messy desk in the office nearest to the elevator, to which she moved from the back
of the top floor of the district building in Martinez because she needed to be “where the people are,” Benjamin said she knows that turning off the switch is going to be difficult because she has been r unning at high speeds for so long and doesn’t want to come to a screeching halt. “So, I am trying to pace myself,” said Benjamin, who, along with statewide projects, has served nationally on the board American Association for Community Colleges, and is currently working on The College Promise Campaign and the congressional advisor y committee for financial aid. She said she has already been attempting to slow down over the past year by been finding replacements for some of the things she has been involved in. And much like when she left previous jobs, she knows it is time to go. But Benjamin said she is always looking for someone to take her spot and hopes the things she does and says will inspire others to want to do that because, eventually, we all have to step aside for the next person. “We didn’t come here to stay. We did not end up on this planet to stay and we did not end up in any job to stay,” said Benjamin. “It’s foolish to not want to be replaced.” And as Benjamin gets ready to leave the students of the district, she offers them some words of wisdom and advice. “I know the value of an education, and I know how much it can change a person’s life,” said Benjamin, adding that the effects of getting a degree are exponential in the benefits that will trickle through generation after generation. “I just want our students to know that education opens up the entire world to them.” And although she knows there are many barriers in life that can delay completing a degree, Benjamin wants students to not put it off because community colleges have the resources to help them through financially and psychologically, and other things in life can wait. “If you make the sacrifice immediately, the return comes sooner,” said Benjamin, explaining that the current average amount of time it takes to complete community college is six years. “And I would love to see them shor ten that, because then in those six years they could have a master’s degree.” She knows that it can take a long time for students to get back to their education after high school or life events, either because of fear or they think they aren’t are ready or a good student. But Benjamin wants them to know that past performance isn’t an indicator of their future. “A lot of the reason they don’t come is lack of confidence and bad high school experience,” said Benjamin. “I wish that every high school student knew that what you do in high school is not a predictor of who you are going to become.” She said research and histor y proves this — lousy high school students have become presidents of the United States.
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“If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail.” — Mark Spitz
Red hot Stangs stall in playoffs Dominant year ends for Vball in round 1 exit By TYLER MORTIMORE
tmortimore@lmcexperience.com
Photo curtsey of Collin Miyad
LMC players are all lined up walking out to the field holding hands before The Living Breath Foundation Bowl game begins.
LMC drops bowl game Squad still enjoys great year of play
By GARRETT BELME
gbelme@lmcexperience.com
The Los Medanos football team capped off one of its finest seasons in recent memory with a bowl game appearance in the The Living Breath Foundation Bowl against Monterey. The team finished second in their division with a 8-3 record, which is a great improvement over their middling 5-5 finish from a year ago. Head coach, Chris Shipe assessed his teams season stating, “we made a bowl game for the first time in over 12 years. Also we had 8 victories which has not happened in a while as well, so I would say overall the season was a success. Almost ever y week the Stangs competed in tight contests with eight of their eleven games being decided by one score or less. Finding ways to win was something that Shipe praised his team for. “Something that impressed me about this team was their ability to compete for the entire game. We had a number of games that was decided in the 4th quarter and we found ways to win,” said Shipe. Across all sport, one common
denominator for successful team is chemistry. The bond that the team created fueled LMC dominate season according to Shipe. “What made this season significant would be the bond this team developed over the season. They had a tremendous amount of respect for one another and it showed on the field. They held each other accountable throughout the season and that was one of the main reasons this season was more significant compared to other seasons,” said Shipe. With all the close games LMC played in during the season, it was both bittersweet and fitting that their bowl game loss was a one score loss. Despite being down 14 in the fourth quarter, LMC pulled within 7 on a touchdown run by quarterback Gabe Taylor, but ran out of time to complete the comeback as The Living Breath Foundation Bowl Game ended in a 28-21 Monterey victory. Even though the season ended on a low note, there is reason for optimism for LMC football. Shipe expressed his excitement for next season stating, “[I’m] looking forSee FBALL, page 8
Photo curtsey of Collin Miyad
LMC players warm up before the start of the game.
The Los Medanos College volleyball team, Bay Valley Conference champions, saw their playoff hopes ended in the first round against College of the Sequoias in Visalia Nov. 19. The Mustangs went down three games to one to the Giants, who finished 17-7 overall this season. College of the Sequoias won the first set 25-19, but LMC battled back to win the second set, another 25-19. The Mustangs failed to build on their momentum and lost the next two sets 25-18 and 25-16. “The first set we were a little nervous. As the game went on, we started playing the way we should,” said coach Lou Panzella. “They were just little better than us. That’s how it goes sometimes.” Panzella said the team lacked playof f experience, and playing away from the LMC gym — where they were undefeated this season — proved difficult for the conference title-holders. Although their playoff run was brief, this season was a significant one for the Mustangs, winning the Bay Valley Conference for the first time since 2003 and making the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Sophomore Caitlin Sadler was named the conference’s Most Valuable Player, while freshman Vei Finau and sophomore Savannah O’Neal were named to the All-Conference team. Freshman Erica Wilder and sophomore Calissa Leming were named to the All-Conference second team. “It was just a phenomenal season for us. It was the first time anyone on the team had won a conference title,” said Panzella, who was named coach of the year. “Having had a lot of success this year, the returning players will know the effort you have to put in to win.” The challenge of any successful college sports program is continuity, and that challenge is doubled at the community college level. Panzella hopes to have all five of his freshman players return in 2017 as well as adding a fresh crop of players. “There are a lot of girls I’m talking to — there are a couple girls from Deer valley, two or three from Freedom. Until the first day of practice, we’re never 100% sure,” he said. “You’re only as good as the kids who come out to play for you. We’re really looking forward to the potential of next season.” for more info on the LMC women’s volleyball, visit http://www. losmedanos.edu/volleyball/
Soccer team struggles, but has bright futue Stangs look to make the leap with talanted core By GARRETT BELME
gbelme@lmcexperience.com
The 2016 season was one full of growing pains for the Los Medanos women’s soccer team under first year head coach, Zach Sullivan, but flashed signs of good things to come. The season started out rocky, as they lost their first three games by a combined score of 32-0. As Zach Sullivan put it, “This season was a year of improvement learning.” Ivette Ayala, Mariah Caitlin, and Carmen Diaz shined as freshmen as they were the top three scorers notching 17, 15, and 11 goals respectively. This nucleus of young and talented players should help the team take the next step towards being a winning club in year two as their collective 43 goals accounted for sixty
three percent of the team’s scoring. Ayala and Diaz joined fellow freshman Vanessa Kualapi for most assists on the team with Ayala and Diaz tied with five and Kualapai close behind with 4. The team started to flash improvement when then scored their first goals of the season and Sullivan era courtesy of Vanessa Kualapai and Gina Lopez in a tie against Marin. After a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Napa, LMC notched their first victory on the road against Merritt. The Stangs again went on a skid after their victor y, but Sullivan noted how resilient his team was even during tough times. “I was impressed with how the team came together and how close they were. They stayed positive even in our early games that were lopsided losses. Our commitment at practice got better as the season went on,” said Sullivan. The skid ended with a complete undressing of Napa. Both Caitlin and
Ayala finishing the game with a hat trick. Haley Weder came one goal away from also getting a hat trick as she finished with two goals of her own. Though the season was mostly marred by losses, Sullivan found a silver lining in how his team played other teams the second time they met. “Our biggest accomplishments are evident in the second time we played some teams in our league. The first time we played Napa we lost 1-0, the second time we beat them 9-0. The first time we played Yuba we lost 11-1, the second time we lost 5-3 and it was tied 3-3 at halftime,” said Sullivan. For as much disappoint there was last season, there is now equal parts excitement for the future as Sullivan “expect[s] us to have a solid group of sophomore leaders next year that will set the tone for the freshman recruits.” For more information on the Los Medanos women’s soccer team, visit http:// Experience • Cathie Lawrence www.losmedanos.edu/ LMC’s freshman Mariah Caitlin kicks the ball out of reach of a Yuba player. Soccer/
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Let them smoke?
Most of the professional sports have banned the use of marijuana such as NBA, NFL and the MLB. However, the use of marijuana is not banned in NHL, and that makes me wonder why it isn’t legal in every sport. Scientists have constantly proven that marijuana does not give you an edge in sports, yet it is still banned mostly all over the country. Some of the greatest athletes of our generation have been caught using or possessing it and still have achieved greatness. When Tim Lincecum was using, he was arguably the best player in baseball during that time and ended up a three-time World Series winner, four-time All-Star, back-to-back Cy Young Award winner and the pitcher of two no-hitters. Most pitchers would kill to have these stats. Michael Phelps, stoner and by far the greatest Olympic athlete in history, brought in 28 medals, 23 of them gold. Other athletes caught with marijuana include Marshawn Lynch, Randy Moss, Michael Vick, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and many others. The media makes it look like athletes smoke just because they don’t care and are just looking for a high, but that is not correct in many situations. So many athletes’ bodies are being destroyed on a weekly basis. This is just a way to clear their mind or relax from all the
pain they have encountered. Imagine getting hit in the head by athletes who are 6’6 and 350 pounds of pure muscle every play for 60 minutes, for 16 or more games a year. And at the end of the game you have to do it all again in a week or less. I don’t think that massages and ice baths will cut it for all the pain you receive through the long season. A record-breaking 182 NFL players recorded a concussion in the 2015 season, which is a 58% increase from the 2014 season and the largest in league history. Many athletes have come out to say that smoking marijuana is one of the only ways to cope with all of the pain they receive through the sport that they love. There is even a case where a former NFL player named Kyle Turly said that his use of marijuana saved his life, because of all the pains that football has caused him, including concussions. Sadly, there was even a case where a former 20-year NFL veteran Junior Seau had taken his life by shooting himself in the chest with a gun because of all the pain he received throughout his career, and he just wanted the pain to go away.
JACK From page 1
of what general education should mean to students. He was the first crucial figure in developing the best practices for delivering general education to a diverse population of students in Pittsburg. In a Nov. 9, 1984 article in the Experience, Carhart reacted to his promotion from LMC president to district chancellor. “I’ve found that at this campus I have really achieved most of my major goals that I set out to achieve. There are things left to be done; at this point, when there is an opportunity available...I’m really excited about it. I’m very sentimental about leaving, but I think it’s the right place at the right time. This campus has had more impact on my life than anything else,” he said. LMC professors Estelle Davi and Alex Sample knew Carhart since the beginning of LMC’s conception. “We worked very closely with Jack Carhart as founding members of Los Medanos College. He
was an inspirational leader that provided a framework and vision for the academic model that Los Medanos College is known for today. We will fondly remember Jack Carhart as a dedicated and supportive leader of Los Medanos College and the Contra Costa Community College District,” they said in a joint statement. “Mr. Carhart was strongly committed to the District and to LMC as its founding president. He was intimately involved in the formation of the college and responsible for hiring all of the original employees. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his numerous contributions,” said chancellor Helen Benjamin. You may attend a tribute to Carhart by the college district board at their 6 p.m. meeting on Dec. 14 at the District Office Board Room at the George R. Gordon Education Center, located at 500 Court Street, Martinez.
WARD From page 1
his number one priority going into this second term because, “from my own personal experience as a student and a faculty member, inadequate facilities are not conducive to the best learning.” He said when newly hired Chancellor Fred Wood takes office in 2017, the board needs to begin considering another bond measure to ensure the colleges have facilities adequate to serve all students. His campaign for wanting to improve LMC facilities did draw criticism this election with his continuing support to move the already approved site of the new Brentwood campus to a different location. He has previously acknowledged the move is unlikely but in an interview for the Oct. 28 Experience article “Ward 5 election update,” he explained that what he wants is for there to be recognition that the selected site will most likely not fit the needs of the community in his ward into the future and that there should be a planning process for a full college. Although what he campaigned for throughout this election still holds high priority, Enholm shared his concerns regarding Donald Trump being elected the next president of the United States and what may come under his administration. He explained that drastic events are unlikely to happen, but that the board and district, as a whole, should always be prepared for everything. “Where people get in the
most trouble is assuming that a low probability event is a zero probability event and not planning for it,” said Enholm. “We don’t want the department of education overnight to stop sending up checks, we need to be prepared for that sort of eventuality with this president and this congress.” He clarified that the district does have reserves so if that happens, the board would be able to draw from them but “clearly we would need to make very painful, difficult, unpopular, unnecessary reductions in what we offer to students.” LMC President Bob Kratochvil shared his appreciation and acknowledges Enholm performed well his first term on behalf of the students, faculty, and staff at the college. “Mr. Enholm has been a great supporter of LMC,” said Kratochvil. “I look for ward to working with him and his governing board colleagues over the coming years.”
FBALL From page 7
-word to this off-season to develop our returning freshman even more. They were a part of a good team, so we will need them to lead in the off-season to prepare for another year next season.” The Mustangs wont suit up again until next September, but for any and all information regarding LMC football visit http://www.losmedanos.edu/ football/
Brendan Mendoza GUEST COLUMN
Since then, the NFL has done a lot to change the game and avoid injuries to their players, but one step they haven’t done yet is to allow the use of marijuana to help these athletes. Weed doesn’t make you hurt anyone, do anything crazy, or even give you an advantage in your sport. It simply is a depressant that helps people calm their ner ves and get through all the pain they’re currently in. Obviously athletes aren’t going to play while intoxicated, but while they are on their own time, I don’t see anything wrong with it if they do it in a safe way. The negative effects of this are minimal and it is way safer than alcohol. I have never heard of someone dying from smoking too much marijuana, but I have heard people die from the effects of alcohol all the time. Athletes shouldn’t be severely suspended or viewed in a neg-
Experience • Beatriz Hernandez
Narrowing the gap The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce put on a “Narrowing the gap” event, which emphasized the importance of Hispanic and Latinx students in STEM career fields, Friday, Nov. 18 in the Recital Hall. Above, Stanford Alumni Antonio Hernandez speaks to local high school students about his own experiences growing up and how he found success. Other speakers at the event included Spanish professor Laurie Huffman, San Jose State student Shafik Huffman and Los Medanos College student Justin Rocha.