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F.Y.I. Important Dates May is National Bike Month May 14 Registration for returning, matriculating and exempt students.

May 24 Last day of instruction and graduation.

Study slam for your exams Get your cram on in the Center for Academic Support on Wednesday May 15 from 4 to 9 p.m. Reading and writing consultants and peer tutors will be available to help you. No appointment is necessary, just drop in. All subjects are covered.

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Symposium successes Handful of LMC students present work at Stanford

By SADE S. BROWNE Staff Writer

Six students from Los Medanos College’s Honors Program were among 82 students from all around the state who presented their original research projects at the sixth annual Honors Research Symposium at Stanford University on Saturday, May 4.

Dishan Jones presented his report on the overlooked stories of America’s Black pirates.

“I wrote a paper in anthropology and my teacher suggested that I present the paper,” Jones said.

Jones’s said his inspiration for the paper came from the Disney film “Pirates of the Caribbean.

“I don’t know, something came to me and

just said, lets do something with my heritage.

I don’t want to do slavery,” Jones said. “I was thinking about Pirates of the Caribbean and thought about the Asian pirates and then the African pirates. I wonder how many black pirates there really were back then and I embarked on that mission.”

As a result of his research and presentation, Jones was one of two students at the symposium to receive a Heslet Scholar Honorable Mention award.

“I was immediately shocked. I didn’t know so many people were interested in hearing Photo by Sade S. Browne my presentation. Standing on stage, all I could do was look over at Jen Saito and blame her. Aubrey Manzon presents her ‘Game of Thrones,’ See HONORS, page 8

based work at the Honors Research Symposium.

LMC bids adieu

Students have right to appeal Grade change goes through teachers first

By HALEIGH FREIER Staff Writer

Finals are coming up

Finals week is coming up. Check the graphic above to see when you exams are scheduled.

Go overseas and learn Spend a spring semester in Florence, Italy or a fall semester in London or Paris, and get some college credit whike you learn abroad. Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College students are eligible to participate in this district program. For more information contact the Study Abroad Office at www.4cd.edu/ed/studyabroad.

Celebrate achievement Students who are transferring or getting scholarships can get recognized at the student success ceremony on Friday, May 10. Register at www.losmedanos.edusuccess. The reception is at 4:30 p.m on the cafeteria patio. This will be followed by the Stellar Awards, the student engagement and leadership awards ceremony, at 5:30 p.m.

Photo by Irvin Trigueros

Ana Gutierrez and Maria Tuttle write their thoughts and memories of Richard Livingston on post-it notes outside the Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center during his Retirement Celebration and Luncheon.

Three posters inside posed questions about Livingston for people to answer and stick their notes on.

Catalog rights mostly unknown

By JOSEPH DELANO Staff Writer

Catalog rights. Have you ever heard of them? Most students have not. Even though they are a small but crucial aspect of the college experience, catalog rights are often never brought up until the last minute, or worse — when you have been denied for graduation.

But you took all the classes you were supposed to right?

Unless you went out of your way to confirm your catalog year, you may be in trouble without even realizing it.

Catalog rights, according to the Los Medanos College website, are the rights of a student to use the graduation

requirements of any one catalog released while they have been a continuously enrolled student at LMC. LMC releases a new catalog each year, and some of the requirements for various degrees may have changed from the previous year. Catalog rights allow for a continuously enrolled student to choose which catalog year to graduate from.

The LMC website defines continuous enrollment as “the period of time in which a student’s record reflects completion of at least one course, for one semester or term, during a given catalog year, from the time of original enrollment.”

Photo by Irvin Trigueros

A student is bound to the requirements according to the catalog used when enrolled.

“A student,” the website adds, “who has a break-in attendance must use the catalog that is in effect at the time of readmission.”

For instance, a student who has been enrolled continuously from 2008 through 2012, has the right to choose any of the catalog requirements

from one of those four years as a guideline for graduation requirements.

But for students who skip a semester, their catalog rights reset to the year that they continue at LMC. Not following a designated catalog year could mean

See RIGHTS, page 8

If there’s anything a college student should fear, it’s the thought of getting a poor grade for the semester. But what if there was a mistake?

Or if something inadvertent happened that caused a student to fail a class? There’s actually a process to help fix that.

The Grade Appeal process, formerly known as the Grade Grievance process, can help students get grades changed, but the grade must be appealed within a year of being recorded.

“It starts just as between the teacher and the student, but it can go up to the [Contra Costa Community College] District board, but that’s normally discouraged,” Art Histor y Instructor Ken Alexander explained.

The first step of the process is informal — the student must talk with the teacher who awarded the grade to request a reason why the grade was given. If the teacher agrees with the student of the need for a grade change, steps will be taken to make a grade change in the student’s record.

Students who are unable to contact their teachers because they are no longer working at LMC should contact the department chair for an informational hearing. Department chairs also facilitate meetings between students and teachers who are unable to come to an agreement on the need of a grade change.

But if the students and teacher, or department chair, cannot come to mutual agreement on a grade, a student may file a formal grade appeal.

“Having the grade appeal process provides students with

See APPEAL, page 8

Brown proposes CC’s take on adult education

By STEVEN LUKE Staff Writer

Dance your butt off LMC’s dance team will have auditions on May 28 and May 30 at 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the LMC gym. Contact amber Woods74@ yahoo.com if you are interested in participating. You must be enrolled in LMC or DVC, good spirit, on time ready to dance hip hop and modern dance routines.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s latest budget proposes change that would affect not only K-12 schools, but community colleges as well.

Brown would move the adult education program from the purview of K-12 school districts and into the California Community College system. This could have a major impact on both systems, and mean a big change at LMC. But, the potential change would have the most impact on the students of adult education.

Students in the adult education program most commonly go back to

school because they are motivated enough to get the education that eluded them in the past, and are ready to try for their General Education Development test. Antioch Adult Education instructor Diana Glaser, who teaches both GED and English as a Second Language classes, said that students often come back after 10 to 30 years out of school.

“They appreciate their second chance,” Glaser said, adding they are often different because, “they’re motivated students that want to be here.”

Even though these students have made the decision to go back to school they are often anxious and unsure

of themselves. Glaser said she often remedies that anxiousness by giving one-on-one attention to those who are unsure.

Jeannine Stein, a math professor of 31 years at LMC, doesn’t think that one-on-one time is something that would be practical at the college level. As a professor for MATH 4: Basic Math and Study Skills, Stein says that she, too, often deals with students who are anxious. With an average of 34 students per class at the beginning of the year Stein can’t give those anxious students the oneon-one time currently given to them in Adult Education.

But Math is not the only thing that

could be affected by the proposed move. English and ESL programs would have to take on new students as well.

Glaser said that her ESL students, in particular, are comfortable where they are and have told her that logistically and geographically, it would be harder for them to get to the LMC campus.

LMC ESL Instructor and Program Coordinator Paula A. Gunder, understands that the students may have a problem if they have to move to LMC. But she said the program is currently set up in a way that moving these students would not require new courses because they already run a See BROWN, page 8

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Perspectives

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“Leaders believe in their ability to make a difference and inspire others through their actions.”

— James Coleman, Jr.

Kellie McCown

Samuel Gonzalez

SO IT GOES

SAM HAS ISSUES

A diploma does not define you

Fewer limits, more success

Excitement has filled the air as we at LMC enter into the last few weeks of the spring semester.

For some students, this is a more exciting time than for others.

For some students are graduating, finally receiving that covenant piece of paper validating all their efforts and hard work.

And while the diplomas that will be handed out on May 24 are important, I encourage all graduates to remember that the dipolmas that they receive do not define who they are to the world.

Education, is without a doubt important.

It is a key for freedom.

A good education can take someone to places that they never dreamed of.

But, a good education does not make for a good person.

During my time at LMC, I have been praised for my writing skills by professors and my peers, and I would be a liar if I didn’t say that there was this little part inside of me that feed off of those elated feelings of validation.

And while I do give myself credit for my progress in journalistic writing, I also know that merely being a good writer will not make me a good, productive member of society.

Meaning, a good education with a lack of manners and courtesy does not equal success.

Time after time at LMC I have been cut off in the parking lot, bumped into without an apology, and have dropped notebooks without anyone so much as giving me a second glance.

I have seen people blatently littering, cigarrette butts scattered by the Math Building, and have been victim to less than stellar bathrooms.

All these things committed by smart people who are graduating.

My father always told me that it didn’t matter how smart you are, if you didn’t know how to hold a door open for someone.

I remember he first told me this after I had laid into my mother for her collection of Daniel Steele novels, essentially accusing her of not being as intelligent as I was when at the time I was reading Steinbeck, Vonnegut, and writing lengthy research papers on “Paradise Lost“.

At the time I had rolled my eyes, saying that my father’s comment made no sense.

But now, being older and back in school and seeing how some of the younger students act towards each other and towards LMC, I understand what he was saying.

Your education doesn’t define you, how you decide to use it does.

Being able to utilize critical thinking skills along side social skills is what makes for a truly successful person.

It’s not only about being an educated person, it’s about being a good person. And how we act towards each other as fellow human beings is what makes all the difference.

It’s what seperates the students who simply know how to get a 100 percent on a test, from the students who know how to get a 100 percent on a test and then go out and utilize all the concepts and theories that they learned in college, and truly make a difference.

To go out and truly make the world a better place.

Perhaps Minor Myers Jr. said it best.

“Go out into the world and do well. But more importantly, go out into the world and do good.”

With that, I encourage all of LMC’s 2013 graduates to set out onto the next stage of their journeys with their eyes not only down set on the text books, but also to raise their heads high set their eyes on how they can make their stamp on the world.

Congradulations.

Before I write one more sentence, I submit an unconventional, but long overdue correction: In the Feb. 8, 2013 issue of the Experience, my stor y about the Drama Department incorrectly attributes Sonia Azizi as having said that the department has a website called Funnystuff.com. The department has no such website, but they do have a link on LMC’s website where they can post videos.

With that on record, I dare write about accountability, and the reform movement underway for community colleges.

Having spent the last couple of years writing for this paper about the college system in tiny little bits at a time, I now see a topdown reform movement being pushed on the California Community college system.

I doubt many of the new and proposed policies will help the very students they’re supposed to, because the main effect of these policies is to place more and more limits on students.

The latest policy is the three strikes and you’re out (not the official wording) rule for repeating certain classes. I admit bias on this one, since I have failed algebra too many times and now have to go out of district to take the class.

The new repeatability rule is effective in taking the community out of community colleges. The message this rule sends, to me at least, sounds like, ‘We’re done trying to help you out, you are no longer worth our time and money, please try another district, that is, if you can manage the commute to a campus in another county.

I don’t blame anyone at LMC for my failure, but it would be nice if I could try again here at home instead of having to commute to Alameda for one class. Considering that enrollment has dropped all across the state, maybe this policy is worth a closer look.

There was also the proposed unit cap and changes to the priority enrollment structure, which did not make it through the state legislature.

While that idea won’t be implemented, I don’t think it’s the last we’ll hear of it, and like the repeatability rule, it’s all about placing more limits on students.

The ideas coming down from Sacramento also carry a nasty undertone that pits tax-fearing voters against students who don’t fit the states narrow, statistically based definition of success.

This attitude is visible on Internet forums attached to articles about this reform movement, where students who don’t complete degrees, transfers and certificates are written off as losers who aren’t worth a taxpayer dime.

Articles about this reform movement, the ones in the big papers at least, treat it as if it were Jerry Browns fight to help poor community college students, and as if each proposal was a proven incentive for success.

Really, the data the state uses for measuring success is incomplete and lacking context.

The same goes for the dozens of think-tank policy reports and recommendations out there, which are nearly identical in their ideas and funding sources.

For these experts, there is no life beyond the walls of the institutions, no recession, no mention of the millions of people who lost their homes and jobs for no direct fault of their own.

The last time I checked, it wasn’t community colleges that dragged the economy down, and I don’t understand why we have to pay for it.

In my opinion, the reformers show a real lack of imagination in trying to do what’s best for college students, and considering the budget cuts and economy of the past few years, I wonder why there isn’t as vigorous a reform movement being pushed on those who push reform on the rest of us.

Cartoon by Karl Compton

Editorial

Keep on pushing forward

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time of culmination is just around the corner for the Los Medanos College community. For some it is time to face the challenge of finals or find out, to an extent, how well they’ve communicated their knowledge. For others it is a chance to look forward to a bit of a break.

After the tests is the graduation celebration full of pomp and circumstance with kind of silly hats. When the tassels are moved one chapter in people’s lives will close and another begins.

Amidst the crowd may very well be another kind of a graduating class those who are letting the sun set on their career at LMC. For all it will be a chance to reflect on what has come so far. To wonder what is coming next. For those applauding in the crowd it is a chance to wish both graduating classes well and hope the struggles will prove well worth it for them.

Speeches will be given to mark the occasion and attempt to express the significance of what is occurring. No matter how carefully prepared they won’t be able to capture what the moment means for each person there. The challenges braved. The long nights of preparation and the hours spent in the many labs. The hours of crafting lectures hoping they will find their mark.

The efforts of the staff to keep the college running smoothly so this moment could come to pass. For others it is a time to hope they will be out in that field soon.

To all it should be a time to hope the good memories will stay vibrantly bright as the new days come.

It is a time for thank you as well for all the support that has been received by those who have emulated a saying of Nelson Henderson. “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” In other words doing good for others without seeking personal gain.

May all the efforts prove worthwhile and the graduating class be even larger next year.

Capital punishment does not work Capital punishment is still being used in some states in the United States today.

It is a hot topic debated nationally and there is wide support for its abolition.

There are many reasons supporters of the death penalty use to argue their case for its continuation but one common misconception is that the death penalty deters crime. In fact, the death penalty doesn’t deter crime at all and that is why it should be abolished.

Capital punishment has been around since ancient times.

Old societies used to make trial judgments quickly and then execute criminals swiftly and in front of the public. The death penalty was used as deterrence because the townspeople saw the criminal being executed and it caused fear throughout the community.

If capital punishment were still like this then it might possibly be a deterrent. But in America, trials take too long to come to a conclusion and most criminals who get sentenced to death sit on death row for years during the appeals process before they are executed. This takes away from any fear the execution is trying to instill in future criminals. No one really sees or hears about executions much anymore.

The death penalty is also statistically proven to not have any effect in lowering murder rates.

According to a survey of police chiefs around the country, 61 percent of police chiefs do not agree that the death penalty does anything to stop crime. In fact, most of them believe politicians who argue for the death penalty are actually using it so they won’t have to confront the true causes of crime.

There was also a survey of leading criminologists in the country and 87 percent of them also agreed the death penalty is no deterrence to crime.

In addition, states with the death penalty typically have higher murder rate then states without the death penalty. According to a New

Voices

Kevin Orozco GUEST COLUMN

York Times survey, the homicide rate in death penalty states was 48 percent to 100 percent higher than in non death penalty states. The murder rate in non death penalty states has remained consistently lower since 1990 and the gap has grown.

The New York Times also reports that 15 of the 17 states without the death penalty have homicide rates lower than the national average while more than half the states with the death penalty have homicide rates above the national average.

The death penalty does nothing to deter crime because if it did, these statistics would be the reverse, and police and criminologists would support it.

On the other hand people argue that the death penalty provides a sense of closure and justice to victims’ families. But executing criminals does not bring lost loved ones back — they just want revenge, which is wrong and immoral.

It also costs more to keep and then execute death row inmates than it does to keep them in prison for life without parole. And there is no way to bring back an innocent convict who may have been wrongly accused, convicted and put to death — and this has happened numerous times so it is not an idle argument.

So since the death penalty is immoral, costly and it doesn’t provide any benefit to society it should be abolished nationally. It’s time for America to start being the good example again and this is a step toward that.

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE

Experience

How will graduation change your life?

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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.”

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Editor-in-Chief.................... PETER COSTANZA Perspectives Editor........... VANESSA FLORES

“One step closer to what I really want to do.”

— Ahjae Kendrick

“Job career opportunities and the ladies like guys with careers.”

— Andrew Stallard

"Being an international student, coming to the U.S means more job opportunities."

— Ai Vo

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“Graduation gives me a sense of achievement.

Not really change much, but I feel that I did something important.”

“Better future and more possibilities, and it makes you feel that you conquered more.”

— Jocelyn Valesquez

— Jose Orellana o n l i n e a t l m c ex p e r i e n c e. c o m

“We are open to job opportunities and a better living.”

— Sam Rainey

Campus Editors ................... KELLIE McCOWN and TERESA DATAR Features Editor....................BRENDAN CROSS Sports Editor ................ DAKOTAH ZABROSKI Photo Editor ....................... IRVIN TRIGUEROS Web Editor.................................. JESUS CHICO Graphics Editor......................KARL COMPTON Video Editor................................. ERIC MARTIN The LMC Experience is published Fridays by the journalism program. The newspaper serves 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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“Always do what you are afraid to do” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Students cough up cash

Scantrons back on sale on campus

By KELLIE McCOWN Staff Writer

Once again, students will be responsible for purchasing their own scantrons for tests and quizzes beginning in the Summer 2013 semester.

“We had been informed previously that we could no longer require students to purchase scantrons,” said Vice President of Instruction and Student Services Kevin Horan in an email.

“The Chancellor’s office has reconsidered its interpretation and communicated that we can indeed ask students to purchase scantrons via our bookstore.”

This semester, it has been the professor’s responsibility to make sure that their students have scantrons for all tests and quizzes in their classes. The professor requests a certain amount of scantrons from Central Services, and Central Services gives the professor the allotted requested amount.

“They should have never changed it in the first place if they were unsure about it,” said student and bookstore employee Dayn’l Beeler.

“It should be the students responsibility,” said Teresa Datar who also works in the bookstore. “I don’t really see how it’s different than having to buy your schoolbooks. They are also required classroom materials.”

At the end of the Spring semester, all faculty members will be required to return any unused scantrons to Central Services.

According to The Los Medanos College Corner Bookstore Manager Robert Estrada, there was little to no profit to be made off of the sale of scantrons, so their absence has not been felt financially. However, the absence of procrastinating students has.

“The only difference we’ve noticed is the absence of frantic students knocking on the bookstore doors 5 minutes after we’ve closed, looking for scantrons,” said Estrada.

Pictures by Irvin Trigueros

Bald is beautiful Cancer survivor Karen Hernandez talks to Arthur Perry and Marco Lozano while promoting her head shaving event for the St. Baldrick’s

Foundation. The event, which will take place May 14 from 2 p.m. to 4, is to raise funds and promote awareness for childhood cancer research.

It also allows volunteers to shave their own heads to show support for those going through cancer treatments that result in hair loss.

Hernandez has a goal of raising $1,500 for childhood cancer research to add to the already over $100 million raised by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation since 2005.

Student makes a difference through service at LMC How Byron Montilla made Circle K a success are in attendance. Since LMC is a community college, Montilla strives to give his Circle K LMC student and soon-to-be University chapter the right lasting impression.

During Circle K’s first year of inception of California Irvine transfer Byron-Thomas at LMC Montilla and other members of his Montilla is energetic and passionate.

He balances a full school schedule, working board attended these events and other schools as a tutor at Bristow Middle School in Brent- had no idea what LMC was, let alone where wood, and was promoted from LMC Circle it was located.

Montilla admits the first year of the club was K President to Lieutenant Governor of the Golden Gate Davison, meaning he now over- challenging with just nine general members, a looks and inspires Circle K at such schools as president, vice president, secretary and treasurSan Francisco State, UC Berkeley, DVC and er. Only the four board members attended the other community colleges and universities in first big function of the year. Montilla decided from that moment that he the Bay Area. wanted things to change He is a Linguistics for his school and his club. and International Stud“I wanted to prove to ies major and hopes to everyone, not just to the become a teacher abroad school, what LMC could in Japan one day. do,” he said.

Montilla radiates pure This year LMC’s Circle energy; from his need K has tripled its memberto succeed. That drive ship, their service hours has led him to excell , as hit the roof with 3,651, president of LMC Circle and members have raised K, the collegiate division more than $1,500. They of the Kiwanis Club, an also brought home first organization dedicated to place awards from such servicing the community. events as FTC, a gathering Under his reign as presthat brings together all ident Montilla brought of California’s collegiate many awards to LMC, Circle K clubs as well as such as last year’s first Kiwanis chapters. place Best Video which Now that he will be depicted a fun energy transferring in the fall that advertised LMC’s Montilla can’t help but Circle K. feel a sense of nostalgia His initial drive for and hope for the club’s helping others stemmed future. from joining Key Club, It will be very hard to the high school chapter leave behind LMC Circle of Kiwanis Club, during K. I know that I’ve left his time at Deer Valley — Byron Montilla a legacy here” he said.

High School. Montilla “However, I know that admitted his first foray into service was a bit preconceived due to people will live on the successful year that we the fact that a lot of his friends were already brought in the past. I’ve left the club in good hands, and I know I’ve set an extraordinary enrolled in the organization.

But his desire to work with his friends led example for others to follow behind myself him to the position of bulletin editor, and re- and my board.”

Donna Eaves, the new LMC Circle K vice sponsibilities included updating information for the newsletter and dispersing them to his club. president of service intends to continue down Shor tly after he created his ver y own the path that Montilla has laid out for the club.

“It’s tough to try and fill his shoes,” she said title-spirit chair, a position of leadership with the goal of keeping his members enthused so adding that she feels “strongly that the general members made the right decision in the sethey would return to the club to serve.

Despite his success there, Montilla looks on lecting the new board. We have an incredible the past with some regret, and feels guilty for team this year and we’re motivated to shoot far not achieving more during the four years he and above than what Montilla expects of us.”

When Montilla hears this his broad grin was an active Key Club member in high school.

“I’m in Circle K to make up for my lost widens.

“That’s exactly the kind of mindset that I’ve opportunities in leadership, and I’m here to always wanted for LMC Circle K to adopt, to make a difference for myself,” he said.

To gain recognition within other schools, always go further with their service, leadership, each college’s Circle K club is encouraged and goals, I’m glad to hear that the new board to attend events where a plethora of schools is already scheming to do better than me.”

By ALEXANDRA TAGLIAMONTE Sfaff Writer

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“The best thing about the furture is that it comes one day at a time. ”

4/5 Celebration for dean’s 39 years of service

— Abraham Lincoln

FRIDAY,

MAY

10,

2013

By BRENDAN CROSS

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Profile of a Livingston legend

By CHARLES POWELL

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or 39 years students at Los Medanos College have been preparing for finals as the Spring semester draws to a close, a tradition that is not changing. But this is the last time they will do so with Richard Livingston working in the background on their behalf.

Livingston is retiring from the Contra Costa Community College District as its senior dean of instruction, a position he previously held at LMC. Prior to becoming a dean he served as the founding professor of the college’s journalism program for 13 years.

Over his career he has given multiple tours of the campus and helped newcomers find their way, while their first memories of the college are being formed. Livingston said his own remembrances of LMC stretch back to a home in Berkeley where he was interviewed by the college’s first president, Jack Carhart, and the founding dean, Charles Collins, who hired all of LMC’s first faculty members.

What brought Livingston to that moment was his own time as a community college student at Sierra College in Placer County, a time in his life Livingston said he absolutely loved.

“The person who had the most influence on me was my journalism instructor Stan Smith. He told me I could write and that gave me some confidence,” said Livingston. “I became editor of the paper, then I got involved in student government.”

For Livingston, Sierra College represented a new lease on his academic life after viewing his high school performance as subpar, stemming from what he typified as, “a lack of interest in much of anything.”

From his positive experiences in Placer County came his certain desire to become a community college teacher, and a belief in the learning institutions themselves.

“I think it (community college) is a great experiment in higher education. Instead of being elitist, it provides access to the common people,” said Livingston.

Livingston followed up on his successes at Sierra college by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Stanford University.

Then later a Master’s degree in history from the University of the Pacific after serving the people of Costa Rica as part of the peace corp.

Before coming to teach at LMC Livingston honed his journalistic skills on the Tri City Herald which serves the Washington cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland.

To Livingston, LMC offers its students in Pittsburg and Brentwood quality education at a reasonable cost.

“The opportunity is there. When students don’t take advantage of it either they don’t understand the value of higher education or have personal issues that keep them from taking advantage of it,” he said.

At a reception honoring those retiring from LMC, current President Bob Kratochvil shared that he didn’t think there was anyone in the room who hadn’t benefited from Livingston’s efforts.

“You can’t say enough about what Richard has contributed to this college for 39 years,” said Kratochvil.

One attendee who joined in the following applause to these statements was Cindy McGrath, who succeeded Livingston as the journalism adviser to the LMC Experience.

Prior to the reception she told Livingston, “I wanted you to know you are loved.”

McGrath’s appreciation for Livingston began 25 years ago when she took over for him in a position Livingston remembers as being fulfilling, but draining.

To McGrath, Livingston has been a constant source of professional development by sending her articles on the newspaper industry and about teaching journalism.

Prior to the clippings was McGrath’s first production night with the student newspaper where Livingston modeled what it means to be an adviser.

“When I was hired in 1988, I was a professional journalist with plenty of newsroom experience but no formal teaching so Richard was my mentor from the very beginning. He introduced me to advising by suggesting I play to each student’s strengths first to build a strong staff, then focus on tackling individual weaknesses to build strong journalists,” said McGrath.

Looking back on that chapter of his career Livingston shared that night has special significance for him as well.

“One of the things I feel best about is Cindy. I feel like she is a godsend to replace me,” he said.

Livingston’s move to becoming a dean came about when the permanent dean went on leave and he filled in for a year — which turned into 25 years of service in management.

Many students at LMC may not be able to say exactly what a dean does.

Livingston said he could probably list 30 duties, but it boils down to supporting the faculty who are doing the teaching.

The form of that support is varied from scheduling, developing and approving classes to hiring and evaluating the faculty who teach them, and dealing with student complaints.

To Office of Instruction Supervisor Eileen Valenzula, Livingston has continued a level of dedication to students, which Experience archive photos show once lead him to stand inside of garbage can as he imparted his wisdom.

“He’s always had the students’ best interests in mind during college meetings,” said Valenzuela.

Both Valenzuela and McGrath view Livingston’s tenure of service as making him the college’s de facto historian, so that when people needed to know something they would go to him and he would either have the answer or direct them to who would.

Over his career Livingston has seen many changes, from the growth of the student population from the 2,000 students being served at the start to the 9,000-plus students today, coupled with a greater amount of diversity in the student body. In addition to these changes Livingston has been witness to changes in technology, such as the electric typewriters used to produce the first issue of LMC’s student newspaper abandoned in favor of the iMac computers now in the newsroom.

“I think about how much has changed and how much is the same. I think what hasn’t changed the most is the need for good teaching,” said Livingston.

To him, one of the college’s strengths that can contribute to student success is how incredibly supportive its faculty is.

Livingston said he views his retirement from a state of ambivalence.

“I am really going to miss LMC. It’s been my life, but I am looking forward to having time to do things for myself, which I haven’t had.”

To students exploring the options in their own lives, Livingston had one final bit of advice: “Take advantage of this opportunity. It has the potential to change your life.”

Nine retire with 243 years of combined experience

Photos by Irvin Trigueros

Richard Livingston and wife Sherri laugh at the remarks made by Jack Carhart, the first president of LMC. Carhart hired Livingston back in 1974.

Ana Sandoval, Anthony Sorci and Tracy Nelson, all previous students of Livingston’s, share their memories of what it was like studying journalism under him.

Jennifer Saito, sings “To Sir, With Love,” with Byron Montilla and Jen Gutierrez as back up, at Livingston’s retirment party May 5.

Left, Eric Sanchez drew pictures of people at the event. Above, one of three mock chalkboards on which people posted comments and memories of Livingston.

enior Dean of Instruction Richard Livingston was honored last Sunday for 39 years of amazing service to Los Medanos College and the Contra Costa Community College District at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center in Antioch.

Two portraits of Livingston, created by art instructor Curtis Corlew, graced the entry and banquet hall in the style of the Barack Obama “Hope” posters. One read “Change,” the other “LMC loves R.L.” Guests could also grab a pen and post-it note and respond to three questions on posters inside the event center designed to look like mock chalkboards: “What at LMC reminds you of Richard?” “What is your favorite memory of Richard?” and “When and where did you meet Richard?”

Speech and Debate instructor Kasey Gardner and Honors Director Jennifer Saito emceed the event while the Bryan Simmons Trio, featuring LMC student musicians, played music.

Before the actual program began, a buffet lunch was served while guests looked at a newspaper style pamphlet on each table. The pamphlet, featuring a knock-off of the 1970s student newspaper mast, had quotes about Livingston from some of his students and colleagues throughout the years, as well as a timeline of his 39-year journey at LMC and the district office. The back featured a reprint of an LMC Experience editorial written by journalism student Charles Powell last fall about Livingston leaving the school and the everlasting mark he left on it.

The afternoon was full of speakers who shared stories and memories of Livingston. Kate Boisvert, a founding “mother” of LMC, was not a speaker but said Livingston was completely honest, had high standards for his students and colleagues, and had an “unflinching sense of ethics.”

The first speaker was Jack Carhart, the inaugural president and founder of LMC who actually hired Livingston. He said he was proud to be a part of the college and has allowed him to reach his 80s.

He explained that in the hiring process they “gambled with hiring young and aggressive people” and Livingston fit the bill perfectly. He added that Livingston had turned the student newspaper, the LMC Experience, into a Top 10 junior college paper within the first three years of its inception and said, “I am so proud about LMC, it just made my life.”

The first tribute of the afternoon came in the form of an “epic” karaoke performance by astronomy teacher Scott Cabral who did a cover of “You Shook Me All Night Long” switching the lyrics around a bit to “You Deaned Us All Night Long.”

Former LMC president and current Diablo Valley College President Peter Garcia also attended the event and spoke highly of Livingston.

“One of the characteristics I have loved about LMC over the years is that there is a fearlessness about it, and any of you who have sat in a meeting with Richard for any period of time that have not wanted to hear the truth know that it will not happen,” said Garcia, who went on to describe the sense of “fearlessness about Richard, regardless of the topic or day or atmosphere. He lives his discipline, which is journalism. Regularly what Richard does is he tells the truth and writes it with an eloquence and commitment to the college, which is unparalleled.”

Current LMC President Bob Kratochvil followed Garcia at the podium and talked about important events of 1974, which was Livingston’s first at the college. Kratochvil added, “It is because of his participation and leadership that LMC is what it is today.”

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LORI BILES

MITCH SCHWEICKERT

SANDRA CASTILLO-ALWARD

JEANNINE STEIN

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MARGARET HERTSTEIN

CONNIE TOLLESON

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Counselor: “Bill retired from the Counseling Department last fall.

He is a very dedicated counselor who was extremely popular with students.”

Administrative Assistant – Office of Instruction: “Margaret came to work at LMC in 1994 and started in the Admissions Office, and she retired in fall 2012 from the Office of Instruction.”

The annual Retirement Reception May 6 in the Library was well attended by members of the LMC community to bid a fond farewell to those who are moving on. Guests and retirees chatted among themselves before the formal presentation. President Bob Kratochvil highlighted each retiree’s career and presented them with a parting gift — a clock engraved with their name and the number of years they had served LMC and the district. After the gifting ceremony, attendees lingered for cake, refreshments and collegiality. Under each of the retiree photos to the right is a short excerpt from Kratochvil’s comments.

Physical Education Instructor: Lori is loved and respected by her colleagues for her professionalism, student-centered focus, and joyful spirit. ”

Physical Science Instructor: “He has been described by some of his fellow faculty members as ‘the greatest talker they’ve ever heard’ and ‘he coolest guy at LMC’.”

Nursing Instructor: “She transferred from CCC to LMC to serve as the Director of our R.N. and V.N. programs in 2006.

Her experience served our nursing programs well.”

Math Instructor: “Began as a Learning Specialist in the Math Department and serving as Honors Director, and Director of Transfer Achievement Program.”

Science Lab Coordinator: “Her coworkers appreciated her personality.

She prepped labs, masterfully and made it possible for them to serve thousands of students over the years.”

Administrative Assistant – Honors Program: “Connie was an Honors Student at the USC at age of 17. A strong advocate of women, she has been a welder, and feminist.”

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“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”

— Pablo Picasso

Marquee Music events

The Los Medanos College Music Department offers various performances. Some performers will be students, faculty and visiting performers. Many concerts are free or low cost, and are held in the Recital Hall. For more information, call 439-2181 ext. 3218. n Tuesday May 14, 7:30-10 p.m. LMC Spring Choral Concert. Admission: General $5, Students/ Seniors $4 n Friday May 17, 7:3010 p.m. LMC Concert Band Concer t. Admission: General $5, Students/Seniors $3

Moraga art The Moraga Art Galler y has a new show entitled “Divine Inspiration” featuring paintings from LMC marketing department’s own Barbara Cella and beadwork by guest artist Mona Bourell. The galler y is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. until June 1. Visit moragaartgallery. com for more information.

For more information on the art of Barbara Cella, visit barbaracella.com

Play festival Want some relief during final exam week? Enjoy the New Play Festival May 23 and 24 during which 15 to 20 one-acts, all performed and written by LMC students, will debut in the Little Theater at 7 p.m. each night. The festival is produced by Drama Department Chair Nick Garcia. Tickets are $5 general admission and $3 for students. Call ahead for reservations at 439-2181 ext. x805. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Movies Just Released n “Star Trek Into Darkness” Rated PG-13, Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy n “Erased” Rated R, Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Action, Adventure

Photo by Irvin Trigueros

A watercolor piece by student artist Teasha Huntsman entitled “Inner/Outer Self Portrait” hangs in the Art Gallery in the Library Building as the Student Art Show is open until May 16.

Student show impresses all

By PETER COSTANZA Staff Writer

Bronze scissors with legs for blades dangled from the ceiling of the LMC art gallery casting a shadow against the wall as if it were dancing towards the next piece of art. “Running with Scissors,” by Alexandra Goncharova, is one of over 50 pieces that were chosen for this year’s student art show that may have some in awe of the creative ability of LMC students. The student art show is in full effect and is scheduled to run until May 15.

Out of hundreds of submissions, 44 students were chosen to have their work run in this year’s showcase. Categories included ceramics, digital photography and sculpture.

Students who have taken an art class this semester or last were eligible to submit their work,

up to two per each category.

Curator Judy Pettite says the show is important for students for the experience of what it is like to submit their artwork for a gallery. “I think it’s good for the students, students have experience submitting their work, having it juried, that’s a real world experience,” said Pettite adding “students love it, and you know it’s hard because some get rejected and you have to deal with that.”

Some of the artwork seems to bring you right into the picture. One painting that was not identified by a name or title, hung on the wall with a lion in the middle of two individual picturesque scenes of what looks to be the Serengeti.

The vibrant reds and bright yellows brings a sense of being right there in the hot African sun swatting flies away from

your face.

A very detailed wood carving of a mans face by Steven Fottel titled “Red Beard” sits in the middle of the second room looking out to the gallery. On the bark, you can see hair, clothes and a patch over one eye, the creative imagination of seeing something in an raw object and then stripping away the unnecessar y parts is a talent that should be admired.

Students had their art judged by an outside juror, Art Department Chair Anna Trent picked winners from each category.

Students were awarded with a gift bag filled with art supplies from Dick Blick. The Discovery Art League of Discovery Bay awarded each of the students with $125 scholarship choosing from four different categories.

Art Department Chair Ken Alexander said that the student

art show has been going on since before his time and commented on the quality of the art work. I looked through the work and was very impressed with many of them,” said Al-

Coming Soon

By STEPHANIE PATTISON Staff Writer

Photo by Stephanie Pattison

Professor Rebecca Talley helps a student out in her Art 25 classroom.

REVIEW CREW

“I love what I do,” said Rebecca Talley, artist, creative director and professor.

She’s been teaching at Los Medanos College for 15 years. LMC offered her a job while she was a creative director for a publishing company in Walnut Creek.

“We need somebody that has real world experience,” Talley said they told her.

At first, Talley was disinterested, saying she didn’t have enough time in her busy schedule. Reluctantly, she came to the campus to see what it was like.

“I fell in love with the size, the students

‘Iron Man 3’

Movie Summary: The third film of the Iron Man series shows Tony Stark in a new light as he not only battles enemies such as The Mandarin, but is also battling bouts of anxiety and potentially losing his love, Pepper Potts.

Directed by Shane Black. Runtime: 2 Hr, 15 Min. Rated PG-13. Genre: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Kinsley and Guy Pearce.

and the energy of the department,” Talley said excitedly.

She was hooked and started with just a night class once a week, but her schedule has grown over the years to as many as five classes per semester.

“The creativity is wonderful and can be contagious,” Talley said.

When she finally taught day classes she loved teaching even more, and explains how it was a much different from teaching night classes.

“When I taught day classes it was a younger group, I loved the energy,” See TALLEY, page 8

HHHH

HHHH

Brendan says: Too much Stark, not enough Iron Man

Dakotah says: Even when vulnerable, Downey Jr. shines

By BRENDAN CROSS

By DAKOTAH ZABROSKI

The third installment of the Iron Man franchise definitely delivers when it comes to laughs and action, but lacks in a story that I could really sink my teeth into and really enjoy. Tony Stark/Iron Man, played

by Robert Downey Jr., certainly takes a lot of screen time, but more as Stark than Iron Man. As funny as the Tony Stark character can be, ultimately what people want to see is Iron Man showing off new suit mechanics and beating bad guys to oblivion, which there was not enough of.

The focus of the story was The Mandarin, played by Ben Kingston, joining forces with Aldrich Killian, played by Guy Pearce, in hopes to bring a new breed of terror to the world. Meanwhile, Stark suffers from bouts of anxiety, which affects his work and causes him to lose sleep. Perhaps the first movie in the franchise left the bar raised to high, but I feel as though the franchise has lost its identity a bit.

Despite its flaws, it deserves a watch from anyone who has followed the Marvel movie time line in years past.

Iron Man 3 was full of action and it put the viewer on the edge of their seat. Robert Downey Jr. was flawless in his role as Tony Stark. He was sarcastic, egotistical, but yet serious when events began to get heated.

Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Colonel James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) are excellent supporting characters. Both keep Stark level headed help him to hunt down the Mandarin who is the main antagonist.

My only problem with the movie is that there is too much of Tony Stark and not enough of Iron Man. He spends a lot of time out of his suit, which leaves him vulnerable.

Yet, Stark uses his brains and wits to get out of sticky situations. It shows that Stark is still a hero even without his suit, but at the time he is Iron Man and him in his suit would have made for more explosions and action.

Stark’s sarcasm leads to some good laughs, which the viewer needs in such an intense movie, especially before an action scene.

This movie would be excellent to see with anyone, especially any fans of Marvel or superheroes.

Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Rottentomatoes

exander. He then emphasized, “We are always happy to have the show because it give us an opportunity to show what our students can do to the community.”

Talley lives, loves and breathes art

n “Black Rock” Rated R, Genre: Myster y, Suspense, Drama n “Fast & Furious 6” Rated PG-13, Genre: Action, Adventure n “The Hangover Part III” Rated R, Genre: Comedy n “Epic” Rated PG, Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family n “Before Midnight” Rated R, Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy n “After Ear th” Rated PG-13, Genre: Action, Science Fiction — Compiled by Brendan Cross

Photo by Irvin Trigueros

“Wise Mind,” a ceramic piece by Nicole Vreeland, features carved owls displayed in the Art Gallery.

Staff Writer

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“Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly.”

— Shaquille O’Neal

Luke Johnson ATHLETIC ALMANAC

The high life is not so grand

Photo by Brendan Cross

Santa Rosa Junior College pitcher Jason Alexander is ready to deliver as LMC’s Alex Laidley takes a lead from first base.

Playoff run comes to end Stangs heartbroken

By BRENDAN CROSS Staff Writer

The LMC baseball season ended Saturday with heavy hearts as they lost a best of three games series to the one seed Santa Rosa Junior College Bear Cubs. LMC was triumphant in the first game of the series Friday, winning 5-3, but lost a doubleheader the following day 4-2 in 12 innings and 5-4 respectively.

Friday’s win featured LMC ace Peter Nyznyk giving up 10 hits and two walks, but went seven innings allowing only three runs and getting the win with Jacob Jones and Wyatt Foreman coming out of the bullpen behind him each tossing a scoreless inning.

Offensively, designated hitter Matt McHenry and third baseman Alex Laidley collected two RBI’s each in the win. Santa Rosa had some trouble in the field collecting three errors as four of the five runs LMC scored came unearned.

Game two was a true pitchers dual as Jason Alexander from Santa Rosa went nine innings giving up two runs while striking out eight.

LMC’s Ben Polansky matched him well while throwing seven innings of two run ball. Santa Rosa struck first in the third as their designated hitter Taylor Martin singled with two outs to score the games first run.

LMC countered in the fourth with two RBI singles by Christian Kaplan and Matt McHenry. At that point it seemed like the LMC was ready to keep scoring, but they were stifled

by Alexander and JJ Jamerson who came out of the bullpen and pitched two scoreless innings.

Logan Overly came in for LMC after Polansky exited and pitched four great innings, the first three of which he did not give up a hit. In the eleventh inning however, a couple seeing-eye hits and an error at second base saw the Bear Cubs score twice Photo by Brendan Cross and go on to win the game.

Christian Kaplan sends the ball into the Santa Rosa outfield.

In game three, Jacob Jones, who had not started a game for LMC the and third. A sacrifice fly brought despite the loss.

Talking about the season as a whole year, faced off against Brian in the fifth run of the game for the Bynum. Jones, who normally comes Bear Cubs as they won the game whole, D’Albora said, “Regardless out of the bullpen was able to keep and series and now move on to the of the score today, I’m proud to be apart of LMC right now and I hope LMC in the game going three and a super regionals.

Talking about the pitching in the our guys are too. We showed up and third innings while giving up three second game, LMC head coach An- no one really gave us a chance. Today eared.

LMC was in need of a spark late thony D’Albora said, “For Peter to I think we were a great team. As a in the game was they were down come back and make pitches there coach I am excited to brag about 4-1 heading into the seventh inning. and get an out for us, that’s heart the sophomores who go to do great They got that spark and scored three right there. The kid was tired. Overly things and can lie and tell them I told runs, all with two outs. Ryan Lacy hit was ready to come back out for us. them everything they know. I think an infield single that scored a run Jacob Jones didn’t start one game what we did this weekend will help with the bases loaded then Christian all year and he gave us a pretty good build something special for a long Kaplan laced a single to right that one today. It doesn’t go to talent or time at LMC.” Santa Rosa head coach Damon scored two to tie the game which skill or physical ability, it just goes to absolutely fired up the LMC bench the type of heart and the type of kids Neidlinger said, “Los Medanos and fans watching in the stands.The that they are and I’m pretty proud College was well represented by the class and effort in which the tie did not last long though as Santa that those are our guys.”

The scene at the end of the game team competed. It was a great and Rosa scratched a run across in the eighth, aided by a controversial call was one of heartbreak, as LMC was hard-fought series on both sides. I mightily close to dethroning the congratulate LMC on a great season by the home plate umpire.

With runners on first and second one seed as the 18 seed, but came and a great team effort over the weekend.” and none out, Peter Nyznyk pitched up just short.

The sophomores on the team Christian Kaplan summed up the to a bunting batter that looked like he offered at it and hit it foul as the who had played their last game as togetherness of the team throughout an LMC Mustang embraced other the year and said, “That was my ball went to the backstop.

The call was that it was a wild pitch teammates and coaches and relished favorite team I have ever played on, and the runners moved to second in what they had accomplished, I just love this team.”

LMC closes out season

Softball team looks forward to the future

healthy

See GRAND, page 8

lifestyles

HELPING YOU thrive

Believe it or not, that’s exercise!

By DAKOTAH ZABROSKI Staff Writer

Despite finishing 5-19 in conference and 12-28 overall, the Mustangs softball team looks to bounce back next year and come out on top.

Los Medanos College enjoyed having a softball team after lacking one last year. Naturally, putting a team together Photo by Dakotah Zabroski in one season is no easy task, Head Coach Tim Griffith consults with his players. yet head coach Tim Griffith For the first season of LMC don’t know the steps yet. They was able to get a team that could compete with the rest returning to play, this was a learned quickly and next year of the Bay Valley Conference. fantastic achievement for the we will have returners that can lead the way,” said Griffith.

The season was a building girls,” said Griffith.

It was successful in more Along with bonding, the year, as the Mustangs worked out kinks and the team bonded ways than one; the team was team shared memories and able to build chemistry and enjoyed the season. “I think throughout the season.

“We spent a lot of time mov- bond to come back for next we did the best we could and even when we were losing we ing player’s positions around season.

“Even though our record kept our heads up. No matter and getting a feel for where everyone best benefitted the didn’t show it, we grew a lot as what out team stuck together,” team,” said pitcher Jenna a team throughout the season,” said infielder Monica Ibarra.

The team felt jolly and evLeavitt. Outfielder Vanessa said Leavitt.

In such a short time the team eryone got along. Ibarra talks Laxa added, “we had our ups and downs, but it was a learn- came together and was able to about how the team was always ing experience and we will hang with the top team. Many laughing and joking around come out tougher next year.” of the players have never played with one another.

The Mustangs will take next The season was seen as together and this was their first successful even though the year under the leadership of season by storm, especially Griffith. with the new recruits and the team was below .500.

“They had to learn a new returning players.

“I would define this sea“We have signed some excelson as being far better than coach and a totally new proI had anticipated but not as gram. It’s much like trying to lent players for next year, they See BALL, page 8 successful as I had wanted. dance with someone when you

Professional athletes have it all don’t they? Fortune, fame, cheering crowds, and women constantly longing for affection are all things that we as Americans worship. So would make a professional athlete want to commit suicide?

As former hip-hop sensation Notorious B.I.G. would say, “Mo’ money, mo’ problems.”

Not only do professional athletes have big paychecks, but they have big egos. They aspire to be the biggest ballers on and off the field, and want to have stretch-limousine riding, G4 jet flying, high roller lifestyles. But they cannot always afford all that extravagant luxury.

Even boxing legend Mike Tyson was able to squander $400 million in lifetime earnings.

According to Forbes, in 2012 the average NFL salary was $1.9 million and the average for the NBA was $5.15 million. But in a statistic courtesy of sports illustrated, 78 percent of former NFL players have gone bankrupt within two years of retirement, and 60 percent of NBA players are broke within five years of retirement.

A lot of these athletes are entering the league at 20 or 21 years old. Now what do you think is going to happen when a 20-year-old is handed $5 million? He’s more than likely will not be responsible with it, and that is completely natural. When young people get money they are going to want to spend it.

The problem is professional athletes burn money thinking their annual revenue is going to last forever. Seldomly does an athlete have a career lasting 10 or more years. The average career-span in the NFL is three and a half years. That means and NFL player should be spreading that $1.9 million over a 10-year course.

But what about multimillion-dollar endorsements? It does not occur as often as people think. It is extremely rare for a player to get sponsors. Only the elite media hyped players obtain those deals such as Kevin Durant and Peyton Manning.

So after the playing days are over for an athlete, in a brief time-period, the stardom is gone and the money is gone which results in the wife being unhappy. The divorce rate in the U.S. is 50 percent, but the divorce rate for an NFL player is at a skyrocketing 80 percent; 60 percent of which come after three years of playing ball.

By Mary Klemm, DO

S

ay “exercise” and most people think of athletic gear and gyms full of equipment. But in fact many of the things you do every day—such as walking to your car or vacuuming a rug—are exercise, too. Here are some ideas for expanding and intensifying the physical activity that may already be part of your routine:

• • • • •

Take the long way. Prioritize exercise over efficiency—park at the far end of the lot, visit the least convenient restroom, take the stairs.

Cultivate your garden. Raking leaves, weeding, and other outdoor work is good for you as well as your yard.

Use muscles instead of gas. Walk or bike to the bank or store and leave the car at home. Use a hand mower instead of a power model.

Clean up. Vigorously washing windows, floors, or your car is great exercise.

Doing it yourself means savings plus a fitness bonus.

Take it outside. Cranky baby or fidgety dog? Going for a walk often improves everyone’s mood while encouraging the fitness habit.

For more tips on managing stress and staying healthy, visit my Web site at www.kp.org/mydoctor/maryklemm and click on “Get health advice.”

This article is proudly sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

Mary Klemm, DO, is a Physician Site Leader for the Antioch Medical Center.

Back Talk

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Unfor tunately there are women that see a profession athlete as a walking dollar sign instead of a human being. A website called balleraler t. com is designed to send text messages to women notifying when a professional athlete has arrived to a club so they can go get all cute and catch themselves a “baller.” There are currently over 7,000 members receiving baller alerts searching for pricey alimonies.

But women are not the only ones athletes can’t believe.

Financial advisers, friends and even family also try to scheme these men out their wealth. So you can say it’s, “Mo’ money, mo’ people you can’t trust.”

Along with all these outcomes from retirement most athletes have to deal with the aches and pains of nagging injuries. Many footballplayer experience post-caeer pain, sometimes unrelenting, that they endure for the rest of their lives. Numerous players requires surgery, even multiple ones, for injuries experienced years earlier.

Many athletes suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy or more commonly known as CTE, a diseased developed from repetitive head injuries that damages mental health.

This disorded is what famoulsy caused legendary linebacker Junior Seau to take his own life Along with Seau seven other athletes have committed suicide in the past two and a half years. Javon Belcher, Ray Easterling, Dave Duerson and O.J. Murdock of the NFL along with Wade Belak, Derek Boogaard and Rick Rypien of the NHL have all self-inflicted death.

A lot of these athletes go from being popular high school studs to top college recruits to big league millionaires. Then shortly after their career is over they become broke, betrayed by loved ones, mentally ill, physically shattered and emotionally torn apart. Their lives are like rapid roller coasters with steep crash landings at the bottom.

The life of a professional athlete is not as glamorous as it may seem.

Talley said energetically and with a smile on her face. “Art is my world.”

Her blonde hair and light blue eyes go with her positive attitude. She believes young people should be given a chance in the art industr y and be able to get a foot in the door, just as she did when she was a student.

Talley started in college as a graphic artist for a company called Armstrong Publishing.

“That is why I try to give students intern positions,” she said.

Talley gives one student per semester a chance to intern at a real world company and currently has four students still at their intern jobs. Three out of the four internships are paid positions.

“The student that isn’t paid, thanks me weekly for the knowledge they receive,” she said.

Talley talks about her own family and how they are also immersed in art 24/7. While growing up, her father and mother were both ar tistic and influenced her from the start. Her husband and son are musical, though Talley admits to not having that particular gift. She said when her son was just 4 or 5 years old she was singing to him and he stopped her and said, “Mom that’s not on key.”

Despite her lack of musical talent, “I love music and it is forever going in my classes and at home,” she said.

Talley always dreamed of being a teacher when she was young.

“My two ambitions were to be a ballerina and a teacher, so I decided to let the ballerina thing go.”

And she always knew she was supposed to be an artist.

From page 7

RIGHTS From page 1

that “the student is missing a requirement or two and they are not eligible for graduation,” said Susie Hansen, interim lead admissions and records assistant.

Ironically, determining what your catalog rights are is easy.

Generally, as long as you have been continuously enrolled, it is the year that you enrolled at LMC. To know for sure, LMC counselor Frances Moy advises students to best seek out a counselor’s confirmation.

Counselors can also help you figure out if you’re catalog year is actually the best fit for your graduation/transfer goals.

“If a new catalog comes out, the requirements change and it benefits the student to use that catalog year, they are certainly welcome to use that new catalog,” said Hansen.

Navigating through the graduation or transfer process is hard enough, especially without the guidance of a counselor.

LMC’s website recommends that students make an appointment to see a counselor once a semester. This will help to ensure that the graduation/ transfer track you think you are on is actually the best fit.

During appointments, counselors also can help students fill out a complete graduation application. Some of the most common mistakes, according to Moy, include missing or incomplete major declarations.

Deadlines to apply for graduation are as follows: for Spring, it is March 1. For Summer, July 1, and for Fall, October 1.

Students “need to know that they do not get their actual diploma at the ceremony,” said Hansen, clarifying that “diplomas are mailed about two months after graduation.”

For make an appointment with a counselor, you can contact the counseling department at (925) 439-2181 x3334, or you can stop by their office at the college complex Level 2: CC2–270.

From page 6

Photos by Irvin Trigueros

Kids climb for a cruise

Children climb meticulously with LMC Child Development students aboard a 27-foot Sportcraft boat owned by parents Doug Chance and Sandra Martinez during “Water Day,” a morning activity planned by the Child Center staff on Wednesday, May 1 behind the west side of the Library. Child Center Professor Peg O’ Malley said the point was to extend the children’s knowledge of water activities by engaging them inside the boat.

Follow the LMC Experience online at lmcexperience.com

“It was never a question what field I would be in,” she said.

You wouldn’t know it from Talley’s campus persona, but she is a political person.

“I’m the Cal state representative for the National Organization for Women. I’ve always been an advocate for women’s rights and equal rights,” she said.

She was elected into the position and believes equal rights are an idea wor th making people aware of.

Talley’s family originates in Missouri, but she was born in Ohio. From there she moved to Texas, which is where she received the accent you can still hear when she speaks and attended The University of Houston.

“They have a huge art department,” she explains. To an artist, University of Houston is like being a kid in a candy store because there are so many classes available and so many different professors and instructors.

While Talley was a junior in college she was offered a job as a graphic artist and said she learned from the ground up how a book is made.

Ar mstrong Publishing loved her artwork and was encouraging about her talent, but said modestly, “They were just glad they had someone creative.”

Talley claims that even her hobby is art. She lives and breathes it all sorts.

“I probably draw more than anything,” she said. “I always have a project in mind.”

This southern bell gives out positive vibes to LMC’s art department and continues to help students get ready for the real world of the art industr y.

APPEAL From page 1

an objective review of their concerns/complaints,” said Senior Dean Gail Newman. “ If the instructor that gave the grade doesn’t agree with the student on what the final outcome should be, the grade appeals committee can look at the situation with a fresh set of eyes and provide their objective feedback.”

In the formal appeal the student must fill out a grade appeal form — which can be found in the Admissions Office, Information Center and the Student Life Office — to contest the grade as either a mistake, fraud, bad faith or incompetence.

The completed form, and evidence supporting the allegation, is then submitted to the Student Grade Appeal Committee that, Newman said, “is composed largely of

faculty members from various departments on campus.”

A unanimous decision is preferred, but a vote of 3-2 is enough for the appeal to get considered.

If the committee does see that there was a mistake, they make a rational decision behind the replacement grade for the student who appealed.

Once the change is agreed upon, the process to remove the original grade from the student’s records and replace it with the Photo by Irvin Trigueros newly agreed upon grade begins within 10 Richard Livingston is awarded with his retirement gift days of the closed-session meeting. from President Bob Kratochvil.

For students, the Grade Appeal process is “one more avenue for ensuring that the final grade is fair and appropriate,” said Newman.

HONOR BALL

BROWN

Standing on stage, all I could do was look over at Jen Saito and blame her. I think she set me up,” Jones said. Saito is LMC Honors director, and president of the Bay Honors Consortium.

“I was extremely thrilled and proud of Dishan, but not really surprised because his work was on such an intriguing subject,” Saito said. “He spent hours reading old letters and ship’s logs to piece together the story. I hope he writes a book on it someday.”

Aubrey Manzon, also from LMC honors, presented her research called “Not Just a Game,” which compared the book ‘Games of Thrones,’ by Cersei Lannister, to female political leaders such as Hillary Clinton, Corazon Aquino and Irene Saez.

“I’m so devoted to the ‘Games of Thrones,’ and I’m so stoked to talk to people about it,” Manzon said.

“And to actually find a pattern and to relate it to the real world, it’s just something awesome.”

Of 185 submitted proposals, 82 were selected for presentation at Stanford University.

“There’s a committee of honors faculty around the Bay Area who read all the proposals blind,” Saito said. “They don’t know what college it’s from, who the student is, and they choose the best ones. And it’s very competitive.”

Also representing LMC Honors at the symposium were Evan Mullicane, Kelly Challand, Ann Lawani and Vincent Hoeschen.

basic ESL level like that taught at the adult education level.

“The LMC ESL program was constructed to meet the needs of four levels of English language proficiency ranging from basic, to beginning, to intermediate, to advanced,” Gunder said.

Glaser is still worried about what could happen to her students.

She says that her GED students have told her they would not feel comfortable taking classes at a college campus. That could cause these students to give up on their education again.

“I’m worried that students in both programs could get lost in the shuffle,” Glaser said, and that is not something that she wants to see happen to them.

Stein also believes adult education should remain where it is, but for a different reason.

She said the GED program is too different from the way math and English are taught at the college level.

GED is taught to the students so that they can pass the proficiency test, while even in the beginning math courses at LMC the students are taught so that they can move on to the next level.

This is an issue that may not come to pass as members of the State Assembly Education Finance Committee unanimously voted against it.

The State Senate has decided not to take action on Brown’s proposal at this time, and it is not yet known when they will.

From page 1

From page 7

they are experienced ball players and will add a new dimension to the team,” said Griffith.

Not only is the team as a whole excited to play on the diamond but individual players such as Leavitt are looking forward to next year.

“I look forward to seeing my teammates again and with the new group of girls coming in hopefully surprising a lot of teams,” said Leavitt.

LMC has team goals as well as individual goals. Griffith admitted that there is room for improvement.

“Two things we need to work on is our overall conditioning and base running. We got into scoring position easily but could not cross home plate often enough. That has got to stop,” said Griffith.

Leavitt has her goals set high, as she plans to return as one of the aces for the team, “I would like to set and exceed personal goals with my pitching.”

While the season had both high and low points the returning players are hungry for victory next season.

Laxa talked about getting wins and focusing on softball.

As the Mustangs plan to take what they learned this season and take the conference by force next spring, Griffith continues to enjoy his job as the head coach and loves to see his players’ progress.

“Watching the players make daily strides in their ability is one of the big dividends I get from coaching,” said Griffith.

From page 1

RETIRE From page 5

A few more “epic” tributes followed as Kasey Gardner recited a lyric he wrote entitled “The Richard” adapted from an Edgar Allen Poe poem, and Jennifer Saito performed for Livingston what she called a “love-letter” song, “To Sir, With Love,” with the help of two honors students on backup vocals and guitar.

Afterward, Mason and Morgan Livingston, who both attended LMC as students, shared some thoughts about their father.

“All the qualities that have made you good at your job are the same qualities that have made you a good dad. If I can accomplish half of what you have done, then I can call that a successful life,” Mason said.

As Morgan stood, she said she felt “so very proud to be able to come from this strong legacy of the community college tradition and I hope to continue it throughout my years.”

Sherri Livingston, his wife and a former LMC student, noted that “as good of a teacher Richard was, he is a much better human being, husband and father.”

As the afternoon carried on, more memories and gifts were shared. Philosophy instructor Daniel Ramirez recited a few poems while history instructor Don Kaiper read an excerpt from a book about the Contra Costa Community College District in which Livingston wrote a few chapters.

LMC Athletic Director Richard Villegas presented Livingston with a Mustang hoodie and shirt as well as an LMC playoff baseball hat. Scott

Cabral then took his encore and presented Livingston with a gift from the entire physical science department.

The best gift of all, however, was presented by Eileen Valenzuela from LMC’s Office of Instruction and journalism instructor Cindy McGrath. The Richard Livingston Scholarship, created in his honor and contributed to by current and former employees and students from LMC and the district, was presented. The scholarship had already raised nearly $4,500 at the time of the event.

McGrath, holding back tears, simply stated, “Thank you for changing my life,” to Livingston.

A trio of surprise guests were one of the day’s highlights: Tracy Nelson, Ana Sandoval and Anthony Sorci were news staff members from the early days of the LMC Experience.

“LMC changed the course of my life. Livingston is a wonderful human being and probably the most wonderful teacher I’ve ever had,” Nelson said.

Sandoval said that she met her husband, Anthony Sorci, in Livingston’s class and that they had been married 29 years. Sorci added, “I found my profession and found my wife, so it was one hell of a class.

Richard was fair, inspiring, and a great man.”

The afternoon ended appropriately as the man of the hour stood up to say a few words of thanks and claimed he could not have gotten to where he did without the help of his peers.

“Los Medanos has meant everything to me,” he said. “I have not accomplished a damn thing by myself.”