Mustang Day entertains
Artists create new mural
Mustangs vs. Falcons
Welcome Week offered free food and games to students on Mustang Day Jan. 28 — page 3
A mural by students in an ART-10 now adorns the ticket booth in the Little Theater on campus — page 4
The Los Medanos College women’s basketball team gets defeated by Solano College — page 6
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New spot opens up
Left: An exterior view of the front of the new Student Union Complex. Below: Students have a study session in the new Student Union building on the second floor. Photos by Jordyn Toscano • Experience
Feb. 14
College closed in observance of President Lincoln’s Birthday.
Graduation 2020 nearing It’s graduation application time again. Graduation day is Friday, May, 22 and the deadline to apply is fast approaching. You need to sign up by March 1 by going to your InSite portal and clicking on graduation. Fill out the form completely and then click the submit button and you’re done. Don’t forget to put it on your calendar.
Bookstore, cafeteria still on the way By JORDYN TOSCANO and KRYS SHAHIN Staff writers
‘Coffee with a Cop’ returns
The new Student Union building had its soft opening Monday, February 3 at the Los Medanos College Pittsburg campus. The Student Union was expected to open the first day of the spring 2020 semester but was delayed until two weeks after the deadline due to complications with some of the vendors. While the building is now open to students and staff: the main hallway, bookstore, conference
spaces and food ser vice program on the first floor are still under construction. Students will still be able to access these facilities where they are currently located in the College Complex until the construction in the new building is completed. Because there are many moving parts in the construction of each room, there is no expected opening date for any of the above facilities. The entirety of the Union building is predicted to be complete by the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester, at the latest.
Prep for virus in works
Want to talk to some of the police officers on campus and learn about the work they do? Have a cup of joe with officers Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the new Student Union’s outdoor patio. The event is hosted by Student Life.
“We don’t want to disrupt the students who are currently in service at the bookstore and so on, so we’re waiting to integrate some things until later on,” said Carlos Montoya, President of the Safety and Security Committee. Some of the delays are a result of complications with new and entertaining items, all of which are intended to be in the new hang out area for students. “We had an issue with the ping pong table for the student lounge; it came to us broken. So we See NEW, page 5
No. infected by Coronavirus*
30,000
Estimated number of positive tests for Coronavirus in China
12
Positive tests for Coronavirus in United States of America
30,400
Estimated number of positive tests for infection worldwide
By JORDYN TOSCANO and KRYS SHAHIN
*According to CDC as of Feb. 6
Staff Writers
Student gov’t wants you! Los Medanos College Associated Students is recruiting senators for student government. You can print out an application to apply from the LMCAS website. Turn in your completed application to the new Student Life office within the new Student Union building. Applications are due Feb. 24. To be accepted, you have to attend two meetings minimum.
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Jordyn Toscano • Experience
A memorial in honor of Holtmann on his office door.
Prof is mourned
Math teacher dies unexpectedly By KRYS SHAHIN and JORDYN TOSCANO Staff Writers
The Los Medanos College community mourns the recent death of Erich Holtmann — a friend, colleague and math Professor on campus. Holtmann started teaching part-time at LMC in August 1998 and began his full-time tenured position just a year later in August 1999. He previously served as Academic Senate president, a
member of the Curriculum Committee and has been a key par ticipant on the District and College’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) committees. “His contributions to our college community were wide-ranging and notable, both inside and outside the classroom,” wrote Bob Kratochvil in an email to the staff of LMC about Holtmann’s death. See PROF, page 5
Experience • Krys Shahin
The Contra Costa Community College District has set in place an emergency preparedness plan in the event that the rapidly developing Coronavirus affects anyone within the area. While there have only been 12 proven cases of Coronavirus in the United States as of Feb. 6, and six cases in California, the district has recognized the severity of the situation and has begun to develop a plan of action in case anything does occur. “What we have is an emergency operations plan. An emergency operations plan is district-wide and it informs us of what to do globally in an emergency. And one of
those emergencies are health emergencies; contagious disease emergencies. So we have our plan set in place, if it becomes greater,” explained Ed Carney, Chief of District Police. While there is an emergency plan set in place, the chances of infection in our college community are extremely unlikely. The media’s focus on the spread of the virus and the lives it has taken make the Coronavirus seem more imminent than it actually is. “If we were to look at this from a logical standpoint, we certainly have far more important things to be concerned about when it
See VIRUS, page 5
Huff fills Wood’s shoes Executive vice chancellor selected for interim position By JORDYN TOSCANO @jordyntoscano
The Contra Costa Community College District has appointed an Interim Chancellor to the district “I am until further notice. confident After CCCCD Chancellor Fred that we’re Wood retired early during the 2019 semester, the district going to find Fall board members began to search someone for for an individual to fill in Wood’s the position.” position. Eugene Huff, Executive Vice — Eugene Huff Chancellor of Administrative
Services, was appointed as Interim Chancellor of the district January 23, 2020. His contract as IC has an end date of December 31, 2020, or until a permanent chancellor is selected for the District. “The Governing Board is excited and grateful that Gene has agreed to serve as our Interim Chancellor,” said Board President Rebecca Barrett. “His many years of steady administrative leadership in the District has prepared him for this opportunity, and we are confident the District will be in good hands until a permanent chancellor is on board.” See HUFF, page 5
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“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
Weston Hopkins
Adriana Ivanoff
WESTON’S WORLD
VOICING THE VOICLESS
Stop that lack of Votivation
Value every living creature
The 2020 Presidential election cycle has begun and it is going to be one of the most important elections in recent history. The country is divided and neither side is willing to compromise. We have a president who is currently in the midst of a huge scandal, nearing full-on impeachment even.Yet through my day-today I don’t see or hear my peers getting excited about this. Most people my age can’t be bothered to care about something they deem boring. Most people are content with just bitching and moaning about our current administration actions while never taking any steps to do anything about it What I’m trying to say is please register to vote. Especially those of us that are young, which historically is the group constantly being underrepresented. According to a Census Bureau report, “In 2018 35.6% of citizens aged 18-29 voted in the midterm elections.” If that number seems low, compare it to the turnout for the 2014 midterm elections where only, “19.9% of citizens aged 18-29 came out to vote.” This improvement in voting is promising but we are far from close to being fully represented. And to be fair I know being politically active can be extremely boring. Having to constantly keep yourself up-to-date on the latest scandal or mishap is taxing and time-consuming. Political jargon is a barrier to entry causing most people to not understand what is being said about a topic. But you don’t need to know everything about every issue, most people don’t. Find an issue that you care about and become active in that area. Use social media to your advantage and join groups that are advocating for the same issues you are. If you don’t have a subject that you are particularly interested in, another thing you can do is take a good look at the candidates on both sides. Figure out who stands where on an issue that interests you and follow their campaign. They will post to Facebook about issues and or ways you can help. Through these means, you can become more informed and maybe even become more politically active. Ultimately having an issue to invest yourself in leads to a need to vote in order for change to occur. It is crucial that we as US citizens exercise our right to vote. There is an amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing those of us 18 and older to vote. Time-and-time again the youth are choosing to not only not vote, but to ignore the political landscape altogether. According to InfoPlease.com ,“4,021,726 citizens will turn 18 in 2020.” If 35.6% of these people vote that rounds to 1,431,734. In a world where technology connects us seamlessly from person-to-person and issue-to-issue why aren’t we taking advantage of this technology in having our voices heard? Why have we not found a way to raise youth voter turnout to that of the older generations? According to that same Census Bureau report, “Ages 45-64 turnout at 59.5%.” To be fair being able to vote in the presidential election online would help the youth and part of me believes that is exactly why you can’t vote online yet. The people in charge don’t want the youth to help create change. We need to create change ourselves no matter the parameters. In the meantime register to vote online if need be, just please register. Voting is the most American thing one can possibly do. The government is held accountable by the people, but this country has lost its grip on that idea. It’s time for a change, it’s time for we the people to fulfill our roles.
There are intersections in belief from all across the world when it comes to spirituality and the existence of life and consciousness. This interlocked ideology has occurred in different eras and even completely diverging historical foundings and social structures that believe that people are connected to animals by the same form of spirit. Yet many people in western teachings are taught to believe that true life is only completely traceable in acts or complete forms of consciousness. Meaning that, because animals aren’t able to speak or explain their actions that they can not feel. One of the most impactful waves of progress that started to change societal thought about animals having the ability to feel in American society came from Koko the gorilla. A gorilla that had been taught sign language by Penny Patterson. Even after Koko’s death people still scarcely believed that Koko could understand language. Even though the BBC published an article in June. 22, 2018 titled ‘Koko: Gorilla death coverage rekindles language debate’ clearly mentions the years of research accumulated by the team that followed Koko around her whole life, which was 46 years. “Ms. Patterson and her researchers documented that the gorilla understood some 2,000 words of spoken English. The abilities of the gorilla to understand spoken English were documented by Ms. Patterson and her researchers.” To combat those who would not believe that Koko was able to communicate through human language, the BBC ended the article with this. “Whether she used sign language or not, her command of gestures was extraordinary for a gorilla. She connected not only with some humans but also with animals, especially kittens.” To many people, animals that don’t have the ability of stating consciousness aren’t as deserving as life as mankind so many people have no qualms with sending them to the slaughterhouse. Not all animals are able to communicate like Koko however, wolves howl at the loss of their companions who live and die beside each other surrounded in families that they call packs. There are support animals that have empathy and the ability to resonate with humans in order to help people Elephants lay down beside their fallen lifemates until they die themselves. Information relayed by RSPCA.org in their article ‘Wild Animals in Captivity’ also reveals that any animal can have emotional responses. “Placing an animal in surroundings that are unsuitable for the species can cause stress and behavioral problems.” Perhaps the idea that animals had no soul began with Christianity teaching people to believe that only humans were in God’s graces. If you’re Christian think of it this way, God sent man to protect his flock; his beloved creations time and time again in what he had seen as the most humble of jobs. Some religions believe in this idea of reincarnation that you can live over a hundred lifetimes in different forms. Some who have lost people find solace in believing their beloved and lost family member was reincarnated into another animal. I’m a vegetarian. I’m someone that once joined a protest by putting myself in a cage similar to what they used for chickens and cows. I want to say just once without backlash or causing anger that I understand your love of meat and wanting that feeling of being completely full. I once went vegan and felt like I was constantly starving so that I would not hurt something that could feel. I just want you to realize that animals are as alive as you and I.
Katie Loughran • Experience
Editorial
Don’t let panic be prejudice
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wine flu. Ebola. MERS. All global health scares, mucking up mounds of panic in countries all over the world. What’s more, all are examples of disease which have caused many to display xenophobic sentiment toward infected populations. It’s no secret that the new “coronavirus,” a viral infection originating from mainland China, is creating similar global sentiments of impending doom. Just last week the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global health emergency, with it being reported in 23 countries outside of China. But fear of doom is no excuse for discrimination and prejudice. Fear over the disease is no excuse for racism, no matter the origin of the epidemic. The Chinese have historically been characterized as a population which breeds more diseases than the rest of the world and this is not okay. The practice of demonizing a people, however, is not just restricted to those of Chinese and Asian descent. After the Ebola outbreak in 2014, many were shunned for visiting Africa — or worse, being born in Africa. After some U.S. cases of Ebola were first reported, many African immigrants experienced discriminatory behavior from peers in their communities. The result of fear is often to ward oneself from the infected; but we must remember that the people who have become infected are still people. Similarly, sensitivity must also be extended to national travel regulations. On Feb. 5, a plane carrying 178 American evacuees from the region in China where the virus originated, arrived at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, located only 40 miles away from Los Medanos College. None of the evacuees have been diagnosed with the virus yet, though a child on-board is said to have a fever. We do not believe that fear of a disease warrants racial prejudice or xenophobia to any degree. The outbreak of the newest epidemic in China is no exception. If we witness this kind of behavior, we have to react, to tell people it’s not right.
I want you for safer security force How safe do you feel on campus? As Los situations with any students or staff? The alert system should evolve for students Medanos College gets upgrades, like the new Police Office at our Pittsburg Campus, I have to have access to report anonymously on noticed that campus security has been more alarming behaviors and incidents on campus visible. The location for the new headquarter via text rather than calling campus security. is ideal since it faces the front of the campus, Campus Safety should perform active shooter which is the most trafficked area on campus drills and suspicious behavior training to teach stdents on what to do if they encounter danger. and is easily accessible. Having emergency preparedness proceBad incidents still occur, but they are being addressed effectively. I signed up for dures readily available allows students and Emergency Alerts on staff to focus more on the LMC website to education. Let’s take receive notifications, what has happened at they are usually a test other campus locations but it’s proactive. The and learn from them by new Wi-Fi that we have posting more safety tips on campus, allows me that explain what to do to get alerts while at if you get out late. Post GUEST COLUMNIST school. Classes are distraction posters to equipped with evacremind students not uation posters and emergency buttons that to be distracted while walking on campus. The LMC website has information on action contact Campus Security. These assets that have been added this past plans such as : evacuation points for campusyear I find comforting which allows me to es, current crime awareness reports, safety focus on my studies more. I would like to ask tips, and a link to sign up for text and email if our staff are prepared for emergencies? Do alerts. You can find the information through they know CPR, or have access to Automated the safety committee and their plans that are ExternalDefibrillator’s (AED) and other First talked about by reading this information online Aid items? Do they actively report red flag and it gives me some sort of peace.
America Rodriguez
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
What did you think of the Super Bowl? Compiled
b y
Jordyn
Toscano
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Selena
Buitrago
Experience L M C e x p e r i e n c e . c o m
Member California Newspaper Publishers Association
“Were it left for me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” — Thomas Jefferson
Editor-in-Chief .......................... KRYS SHAHIN Managing Editor ................SPENCER BATUTE
“I’m actually a Steelers fan so I was just watching it, but I was rooting for Patrick Mahomes and I’m happy he won.” — Andrew Murphy
“My team are the Niners, they didn’t win…” — Hugo Henriquez
“After watching the Super Bowl highlights, I am no longer a football fan.” — Hunter Heuer
“I’m a huge Shakira fan, so I actually really enjoyed the halftime show.” — Ninnette Alfaro
“My mom’s a lifelong 49ers fan, so I was rooting for her.” — Sheri Woltz
“My team didn’t win, but it’s alright.” — Jesus Guerra
Perspectives Editors........ ADRIANA IVANOFF and DANTE HARROLD Campus Editors ................ HILLARY HETRICK . and CHARLES REED Features Editor...................KATIE LOUGHRAN Sports Editor..............................ERICK AMAYA News Editor .......................JORDYN TOSCANO 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 FAFSA deadline March 2
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“The most important thing in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I will’.”
— Charles Dickens
Mustangs welcomed
Do you want help paying for school? Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online at www.fafsa. ed.gov. The priority deadline is Monday, March 2. For more information or help applying go to the Financial Aid office, located in the Student Services Building, level three (SS3). More support is available by going to the LMC website and looking for application workshops offered by the Financial Aid Office.
Transfer advocates wanted
The Transfer Center is looking to hire advocates. What does a Transfer Advocate do? They are LMC staff, faculty, administrators, or even alumni who have pledged to help students plan their journeys and career goals for achievement. For information on sign up procedure or questions, contact the Transfer Center at the LMC website at www. losmedanos.edu/transfer/advocates.aspx or come to the Transfer and Career Services desk on the fourth floor of the Student Services Building or by calling (925)473-7444.
Rotaract Club seeks members
Are you looking to make a positive impact on your local community? Then this club is for you. The group is part of an effort to bring peace and understanding to the world through a framework of socialism and community service. Some of the things offered are fun and exciting ways to improve the community involving projects, networking opportunities, and other activities meant to help make LMC a better place. For questions or other information email rotaractlmc@ gmail.com.
S.A.C.H.E needs leaders
Do you want to become a leader? This semester, DSPS is offering the return of S.A.C.H.E., a group for Students with Abilities to Coordinate and Help Each other succeed as they go through their educational goals. For more information regarding club activities, times and locations for the meetings, contact the S.A.C.H.E president at deemusa1@gmail.com.
Christ Crucified wants people
The Christ Crucified group is seeking members with a purpose to glorify God by making disciples. Meetings are held on Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m. For more information, location or other questions please contact President Gianno Confetti at giannoconfetti@gmail.com.
Tutors needed at high school
High school student tutoring positions are available. Subjects are Botany/Gardening, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Anatomy. Positions offer $13.50 per hour and most shifts are available after 2:30 p.m. at Pittsburg High School. To apply go to www.losmedanos.edu/stem or email Abbey at aduldulao@losmedanos.edu.
La Raza Unida seeks members
The La Raza Unida club is seeking members. They are meeting Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. in Room CO-102 starting Feb. 11. This group works to unify Latino students here at LMC to create awareness and promote Latino students through community service. For questions or other information contact Pres. Fernando Rivera at (925)852-8946 or V.P Gilary Carrasco at (925)470-7258.
Taco party at end of semester
Transfer and Career Services is hosting a taco party at the end of this semester. Requirements to enter are: n Wear transfer gear from any Four-year school on any Tuesday. n Stop by the Transfer and Career Services Center (on the fourth floor of the Student Services building) to get some candy and enter your name in the drawing for an end-of-term taco party. Students, staff, faculty, and administrators are eligible to win. For any other information, questions, or comments stop by The Transfer and Career Services Center or call (925)473-7444.
Crisis counseling available
Are you going through a rough time? Los Medanos College offers Crisis Counseling for any student or faculty member who may be going through a hard time and feel they have nowhere to turn. LMC transfer counselor Phil Gottlieb is available every day to help students. All counseling sessions are confidential. Gottlieb is a certified crisis counselor and said he has many resources and referrals available that students may not be able to find on their own. For more information, contact the Counseling Center at (925)439-2181 ext. 3334, or call Gottlieb at ext. 3382.
Student Union Building hiring
The new Student Union building is seeking Federal Work Study Students for a job in the Student Lounge. Apply by submitting your resume and hours of availability to Director of Student Life Teresea Archaga at tarchaga@ losmedanos.edu.
Read-ins needed for Umoja
The Umoja Scholars Program has partnered with Foothill Elementary School to conduct the Black History Month Read-In. The “read-in” is an opportunity for LMC students, staff, and faculty to read books to children (grades K-3) at Foothill Elementary School. This year they are expanding the Black History Month Read-In to Highlands Elementary School, another local school in Pittsburg, CA. The Umoja Scholars Program is continuing their tradition and hopes that you will join them this year. They are seeking volunteers to go to the classrooms and read, read, read (books will be supplied). Read-ins are scheduled Monday, February 24 through Thursday, Feb. 27. — Compiled by Charles Reed and Selena Buitrago
Krys Shahin • Experience
A student interacts with Fabian Ortega (right) before spinning the wheel of prizes during Mustang Day.
Food, contests, prizes and good times By HILLARY HETRICK @hillarymhetrick
Los Medanos College started its Spring 2020 semester off with Welcome Week, a week full of fun activities and events to welcome students back after a long winter break. One of the events during Welcome Week was Mustang Day, which took place Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Indoor Quad. During the festivities, Student Life and the LMC Food Pantry partnered together to give out free hot dogs, pizza, chips and school supplies to anyone on campus who stopped by. Renee Savage, interim Student Life coordinator, helped hand out the food during the event. “We’re just wanting to give everybody some fuel for the day,” said Savage. “You can either get a hot dog or a pizza slice.”
Nearby, Jessica Quintos, LMCAS Publicity and Outreach coordinator, was volunteering at a table where students can enter a drawing to win a free parking permit. Several students took the opportunity to enter the drawing, and the winner of the free parking permit was announced that Friday. Other than Student Life and the Food Pantry, other clubs, departments and outside organizations were present at Mustang Day. The Shenanigans improv club, Transfer and Career Services, EOPS, DSPS, Rubicon, and Stand and Census 2020 were a few among them. Transfer and Career Services Adviser Edward Beanes took the time to demonstrate what the upcoming Opportunity Fair will include. The Opportunity Fair will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 26
in the indoor quad from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “It [the fair] is going to promote programming for students to be able to access opportunities that relate to the majors,” said Beanes. “We want students to start thinking about … what kind of experiences and skills can help them define their major rather than trying to figure a major out taking classes and not having any work experience whatsoever.” According to Beanes, the Opportunity Fair can assist students in gaining work experience in relation to their major so that they do not graduate college with a blank resume. “Employers are going to ask you questions about your skills and your resume’, not your academic transcript,” said Beanes. “They’re going to want to
Ybarra named as interim VP By ERICK AMAYA Staff Writer
The search for an interim vice president of instruction concluded with the appointment of Nancy Ybarra. Ybarra began her new role in early January and will continue until June of this year. Ybarra has served the Los Medanos College community for 38 and a half years. She formed part of the English Department for 32 years, and the previous six and a half years as the dean of Liberal Arts. She took the role of interim VPI as a form of closure for her time serving the LMC community. “I felt ready to take on new challenges and hopefully contribute something of value based on all those years of experience before I retire in June of this year,” said Ybarra.
Given her experience as a faculty member and dean of Liberal Arts, Ybarra decided to apply for the position because she knew that she would be able to perform well without a lot of training and orientation. “I was already involved as a dean in many of our ongoing initiatives including Strategic Enrollment Management, Guided Pathways, Student Equity and Achievement, Accreditation, and General Education. I am able to continue my involvement and work on all of these in my new role,” she said. As dean of Liberal Ar ts Ybarra worked closely with department chairs. Her new role allows her to work with deans to avoid any confusion when planning for current and future semesters.
See DAY, page 5
Photo courtesy of John Schall
Vice President Nancy Ybarra (right) with Dean of Workforce and Economic Development Natalie Hannum, who will help fill the hole left by Ybarra’s interim promotion. “The VPI suppor ts the deans and department chairs by clarifying college policies, practices and procedures that guide all these activities, and facilitating discussions that invite innovative ideas about how to improve this work to better serve students and our
community,” said Ybarra. Ybarra admits that the first few weeks in the interim VPI position allowed her to adapt and be able to transition before the start of the spring semester. During the time as interim VPI, she hopes to help “develop See VPI, page 5
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“The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings.”
— Dave Weinbaum
Theater booth gets a facelift Art mural is finished By YESENIA MENDEZ @Siincita
Photo courtesy of Jose Vigil
Art students paint The Girl in the Red Hood mural late last semseter in the ticket booth of the Little Theater at the Los Medanos College Pittsburg Campus. The project was part of Eric Sanchez’s Art 10 class.
Drama Director Nick Garcia commissioned a new mural last fall for the Little Theater ticket booth. The mural, named “The Girl in Red,” was executed by students in Eric Sanchez’s ART-010 2-Dimensional Design class. The design team included Ashley Cer vantes, Donna Ashley, Ginger Cole, and art director, Lana Nguyen. Sanchez helped with budgeting and facilitating. The class of 29 students was split into five groups, each coming up with a design for Garcia to choose from. He chose Nguyen’s, which made her art director of the class project. The mural is a dark take on the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood, with various shades of red and black that are meant to guide the viewer to a forest clearing. Once the viewer enters the ticket booth, the red and black walls are covered with images from left to right: a house in the woods, a girl in a red hood, a lumberjack and a dark wolf with sharp teeth. “It’s supposed to be like a comic strip layout but instead of being constrained by panels, it’s a continuous image.” said Nguyen, continuing, “The scent of red from the wolf connects to the trail that connects to the girl’s hood.” Nguyen and her classmates had to work with a minimal color palette. “The Girl in Red” was a mock commission piece, meaning that although Garcia was the client, work experience
was the payoff rather than actual money. “This project is tied as a design challenge in which students work with a real world project that may or may not come to fruition. If the client is not satisfied, then we redesign or cut our losses.” explained Sanchez. “It is nerve-wracking and energizing at the same time. If the client says no, there is no project and we go back to class, if they say yes, we have to deliver.” Students learned how to work in a team, create their budgets and execute a design from paper to wall. Their deadline was before the campus closed for winter break. When it came to his vision for the piece, Garcia looked for a stor ybook aesthetic, something dark and edgy with a limited color palette. “With the ticket booth originally being red and black, naturally the words ‘red’ and ‘storybook’ alone would lead to Little Red Riding Hood,” said Nguyen. “I wanted a piece that could make sense if you were to view it from left to right or right to left because of the positioning of a person that were to approach the ticket booth.” “Guests can see a girl in red approaching a house who went through the forest followed by a wolf or a wolf smelling the girls path to the house,” Nguyen explained referring to the switch in perspectives. “Working in a small space with 29 students in your design team was a big challenge,” Sanchez recalled. See MURAL, page 6
Advocacy is recognized
Professor honored for educational leadership
By KATIE LOUGHRAN @Katie__Loughran
Los Medanos College Professor Silvester Henderson will be honored with the African American Male Education Network & Development (A²MEND) Educational Leadership Award. The ceremony will take place at the organization’s annual Scholarship Awards Dinner Thursday, March 5th 2020 at 6:30 p.m. According to dinner coordinator Murrell Green, M.S., in an email to Henderson, the A²MEND Educational Leadership Award will be honoring the LMC professor’s “advocacy, mentorship, and support for increasing the success of African American males in both community colleges and beyond.” Continuing, Green wrote, “Your leadership and fortitude in fostering
institutional change within the community college system to improve the success of students, and in particularly African American males, certainly deserves recognition and on behalf of the entire A²MEND organization, we would like to thank you for the inspiring work that you do.” The organization honoring Henderson consists of volunteer faculty and administrators from community colleges who work towards the growth of institutional change within the community college system. Furthermore, their first African American Male Summit in 2008 brought many like-minded individuals together to comprehensively address various strategies that have a major impact on the success of male African American students. The award dinner event also
doubles as a fundraiser event for participants in the organization’s student mentoring program. Included in the many LMC faculty and staff to congratulate Henderson was Child Development Professor Janice Townsend, who’s worked at the college for 17 years, and has known Henderson for a little over a decade. “We deeply bonded over our efforts to help make this college a place where all students can succeed,” said Townsend. Townsend also spoke highly of the professor and his efforts to close the opportunity gap commonly found with African American men in the community college system. This was exemplified by his appointment to the State Academic Senate to lead diversity work for all the community See AWARD, page 6
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‘Gretel & Hansel’
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Movie Summary: “Gretel & Hansel,” starring Sophia Lillis and Sammuel Leakey, was released Jan. 31. Siblings Gretel (Lillis) and Hansel (Leakey) become lost in the woods while searching for work and food. After finding a house and believing their problems were solved, the children discover a sinister evil. The movie runs for 1 hour and 27 minutes and is rated PG-13.
Jordyn Toscano • Experience
Professor Silvester Henderson during choral rehearsal last fall.
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Spencer says: Good bedtime story
Selena says: It has potential
“Gretel and Hansel,” to put it simply, feels like it relies heavily on one thing; the starpower and name recognition from “It” actress Sophia Lillis. This film is one of 2020’s first horror movies to hit theaters. Loosely based on the 19th century German fairy tale, director Oz Perkins takes a shot at adapting it to the big screen. The movie had choppy editing, slow pacing and sloppy cinematography that made me feel like I was spinning on a carnival ride; it was solely Lillis’ acting that kept me from falling asleep in my seat. The film was also very dark and I don’t mean in the sense of horror. The poor lighting throughout only added to the struggle to view what little action the movie had. However, it did pair well with the medieval set design. I actually quite admired the work they put into the Witch’s house. The scenes where the house was present added some much needed creepy vibes. All-in-all, if you’re looking for a horror film that will keep you constantly engaged with suspense and nail-biting jump scares, then I wouldn’t recommend this movie. — Spencer Cameron
After watching the film “Gretel and Hansel,” I’m still unsure of how I actually felt about it. One thing I do feel certain about saying is that this movie had potential to be good. Throughout the run time, I found myself finding similarities to the 2015 horror movie “The Witch,” directed by Robert Eggers. Though their plots differ greatly, the cinematography, acting and overall feel of both movies are just about the same. Even then, there were inconsistencies with the style. I enjoyed the cinematography the most out of everything in the movie and also found the bits with the shaky camera to be annoying. The components of the movie that bothered me the most were the hastily thrown together plot points that were never comprehensively explored. An example of this was the untouched theme of sexuality and fear within Gretel. At times, they’d hint that she has worries of being a woman in their society or being taken advantage of, yet never fully expand on it. Overall, I found the story to be confusing, the acting to be alright, the pacing to be slow and the cinematography to be only okay. — Selena Buitrago
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Grief support was offered by the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) and Counseling Department to those in the Math Department as well as students or others who were affected by this tragedy. “I had the good fortune of working closely with Erich many times over the years, when he was LMC’s Academic Senate President and when he chaired our District Governance Council, and he was one of the most dedicated teachers and colleagues I have ever known: kind and supportive, thoughtful and insightful,” wrote Jeffrey Michels in an email to LMC staff. “I’m at a loss for words. I know his memory will be a blessing, but we will miss him.” The Math Department on campus has been reacting to From page 1 this sudden and tragic news by Huff has served the district decorating Holtmann’s office for 20 years now, beginning door with a small memorial of butterflies and condolences. his career in the Human Re“Professor Holtmann was sources Department in 2001. Prior to his daughter’s semy colleague and friend. nior year of high school, Huff When I was the chair of the math department 2017-2019 had not considered a career in he was very supportive and a community college district. helped me with important As his daughter began to apply projects,” said Math Profes- to colleges Huff recognized sor Mara Landers. “I talked the importance and value with him almost daily, and of community colleges and now every day I am looking decided to make a career at his empty office next door change. As the current IC Huff is in to mine.” charge of every day operations His contributions to the LMC community helped not within the District office while only his colleagues but also the permanent hiring process the students he taught and worked with on a daily basis. “He was a really nice man. He was very organized, and From page 1 serious about teaching. We’re all really sad about his pass- had to send that back and get ing,” said Student Math Tutor a new one, which is hopefully here soon,” said Montoya. Banglun Zheng. Despite the delay of some There will be a memorial held for Professor Holtmann features in the student lounge, Saturday Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. at the there is already a foosball taMt. Diablo Unitarian Univer- ble, TVs, a variety of comfortsalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane able chairs, a wall graphic and in Walnut Creek. Students, more set up for student use. Furthermore, the second friends and colleagues are floor of the Student Union welcome to attend. is finished and all facilities are open for use. Student programs, such as Umoja, Student Ser vices, LMCAS
know what you’ve done that demonstrates your major.” Representatives from Census 2020 were offering information to students about temporary par t-time and full-time job positions they have available. The jobs will last several weeks and give people an opportunity to earn extra income and help their community. There are thousands of jobs available offered that have flexible hours, paid training and weekly paychecks. For more information and/or to apply, visit http://2020census.gov/
Fabian Ortega (left) watches as student Martos Mendez spins the wheel of prizes to earn something for Mustang Day. Krys Shahin • Experience
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is underway. “My job is to address any issues that come up on a dayto-day basis,” said Huff. “The Interim Chancellor position requires all the same things as the regular chancellor, from meetings to accreditation this semester and so on.” While Huff is excited to take on the challenges of interim chancellor, he intends on returning to his position as executive vice chancellor of Administrative Ser vices after a permanent chancellor is hired. “I do not intend to apply for the chancellor position,”
said Huff. “In fact, it is part of the Interim contract that I will return to my previous position after a new chancellor is hired.” According to the district press release of Jan. 24, 2020, the district “Continues its national search for a permanent chancellor and is assisted by the Collaborative Brain Trust (CBT) and Dr. Brice Harris, a longtime California community college educator and Chancellor Emeritus of the California Community Colleges.” It is predicted that a new permanent chancellor will be
hired in April of 2020, if the the national hiring process is successful. “I’m confident that we’re going to find someone for the position. We’re a big district, and very well represented and structured.” said Huff. The district is looking for student input regarding changes they would like made on the Los Medanos College campus, as well as what they are looking for in a new chancellor. To contribute your thoughts on this topic, please email losmedanos.experience@ gmail.com
and so on, are cur rently working to move into their new conference room on the second floor as well. “All of the groups who are moving into the Union Building right now are going to result in a lot of energy in the building for a few weeks. All of the groups operate very differently, and I’m very excited to see them all working together and moving in,” said Montoya. Some students who are greatly involved in the student community at LMC, such as
Thyra Cobbs — a member of LMCAS, Umoja and Honors, have benefited greatly from the construction of the new building already. “It is nice to have some of my major communities in the same building,” said Cobbs. “I think there was definitely a huge benefit for Umoja. Our old room was very small and the new room is spacious and open. The new meeting room for LMCAS and student organizations look professional so I am very happy and impressed. I can’t wait to see everyone
enjoying the new Student Union later this semester,” said Cobbs. The construction of the Student Union building will soon be finished, come the final updates and add ons. After years of effort and $61.8 million in construction fees, the majority of the Union building is complete and open to both students and staff. The current Student Life hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
of the momentum for the rest of the game. Coupled with these dunks Maggert began to dominate the boards even more so which led the Falcons to panic. Multiple sloppy possessions late in the game put the final nail in the coffin for the Falcons. With only 1:55 left in the game, the score was 90-81 with LMC ultimately winning 91-83 after the Falcons were forced to foul to stop the game clock. “The plan coming into this game was to use our size and strength advantage to win the rebounding game, which we did. Keenami Magger t really helped down the line in
helping make our game plan successful,” said Head Coach Derek Domenichelli. With how high stress the game was, the team is left to reflect on how to enhance their skills for the next battle. “We always play hard, but need to improve on our execution as a team. When we come together and execute we can be hard to beat,” said No. 5 Charles Stanford. With the playof fs right around the corner, every game matters for the Mustangs. LMC continues their conference play when they host College of Marin Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m.
AWARD WIN
Strategic Enrollment Management and Guided Pathways,” two plans that aim to make From page 6 higher education at LMC more From page 4 accessible for students from colleges in the state. coming into the second half. enrollment until each student “Silvester has worked tire- Both teams coaches corralled reaches their desired career lessly to change [the oppor- their teams and the play imor educational goal. tunity gap]. Our college and proved from the previous half. “Everything we do needs curriculum are not very culTrading baskets would to support that goal, and to turally relevant to the African lead this game to become a do so while providing students American Community. slobberknocker on offense. with a positive experience that With eight minutes left, Professor Henderson has demonstrates our commitment worked to change that though, LMC was holding onto a four to equity and inclusion. We by bringing the Gospel Music point lead but they continued want all of our students to succoursework and the major to struggle to put the Falcons ceed and to enjoy the journey concert he produces with our away. Unable to keep the to success,” said Ybarra. students. This is probably one momentum firmly on their There is one thing Ybarra of the very first and long-stand- side, this is when Keenami wants the LMC community ing initiatives at the college Maggert, No. 23, had two to know about her and that to help redesign our system dunks which ultimately led is the idea of the power of to get outcomes that we can to LMC finally grabbing hold collaboration and the inclusion be proud of. We aren’t there of diverse perspectives to meet yet, although we are getting the mission of the college. better at this, and Silvester “We need people who think led the way at this college differently, and approach issues … We should be very proud From page 4 with varying perspectives. This “I’m also ver y shor t so of Professor Henderson and can lead to conflict at times honored to have him work painting anything too high was because we don’t always agree, at LMC. I know I am.” said difficult too,” said Nguyen. “The but if we keep in mind our wolf was originally more hairy Townsend. common purpose and cultivate Townsend was not alone and you could see his legs, but respect and caring for each in her unbridled pride. Even, the commissioner asked for other as well as our students, a slight adjustment. I had to we can achieve great things LMC President Bob Kratochvil paint over the entire thing to expressed his appreciation, that none of us could possibly resketch and repaint it.” “This award is a testament do alone,” said Ybarra. Because the commissioner’s In keeping with that collab- to Professor Henderson’s opinion was final, they made orative spirit, the management outstanding contributions sure to make it happen. team is helping to fill the holes and leadership in support of “Overall, from Nick’s [GarAfrican American males at cia] response we have a sucleft by Ybarra’s move. The departments reporting Los Medanos College and cessful project,” said Sanchez, to Ybarra have been split up throughout the State. The en- “I believe we can continue between the two remaining tire LMC community is proud work like this through building deans, Nikki Moultrie and of him, and his recognition by design challenges attached to Ryan Pedersen, and former the A2MEND organization is a maker space.” a tremendous honor.” dean Natalie Hannum. Nyugen also expresses appreciation and pride in their work, ”I am very grateful to the teachers who arranged the whole project for giving me the opportunity to work on From page 6 something so big and public not get the ball to go through the hoop. and for choosing my design.” During the fourth quarter LMC’s offensive ability returned, The next time there is a scoring 13 points. The Solano College Falcons were able to Drama production, students score 16 points during the quarter. The final score was 42-74. will be able to see “The Girl Jeannette Luna led LMC in points during this quarter with In Red” when purchasing a six points. Arianna Farinas stepped up to the free-throw line ticket — or simply stop by the and made all three attempts from the line. Little Theatre to take a peek.
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comes to safety and precautions,” said Carney. “Out of this anxiety of the virus comes this fear, fear of strangers; fear of other people. And right now, sadly, it’s going to focus on the Asian community. From fear comes bias, from bias comes this outward aggressiveness or hostility to a group of people who don’t deserve it.” In an effort to prevent unconscious bias toward members of the Asian community, the district police department is working to send out text message and email updates on the Coronavirus as often as possible. The depar tment hopes that open communication on the subject will mitigate unconscious biases toward students and staff from the Asian community, and create a sense of community within each college. “Other people use it as an excuse to be racist and it’s not a race thing. China is doing their best to deal with the situation. People act like it’s exclusive to Asians but don’t think about the tourists who were there traveling,” said student Sam Garcia. While the Coronavirus is on the radar of the police department, other issues of health and safety take precedence at this current point in time. “I’m more concerned about the flu at this point, than the virus, with it having an upwards of 80,000 deaths a year in the U.S.,” said Los Medanos College Lt. Chad Wehrmeister. As the situation develops day by day, the district and campus police intend on keeping the community informed and reassured. For more information on the Coronavirus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
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“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
— Muhammad Ali
Mustangs outpace Falcons
Men’s basketball improves record to 8-2 in BVC play By WESTON HOPKINS Staff Writer
The Los Medanos College men’s basketball team defeated Solano College 91-83 at home January 31. The win improved the Mustangs to a 17-5 overall record on the season, and 8-2 in Bay Valley Conference play. From tip-of f, both teams played a fast paced, high-intensity game. Both teams held each other scoreless for the first minute of the game, which set the pace for the rest of the night. The defensive intensity shown by both teams caused their offense to struggle to keep up with the constant back and forth that ensued. Solano was able to push the ball up court through LMC’s full court press, but struggled to consistently make their perimeter shots. Because of the constant pressure being applied to LMC’s defense, the Falcons were able to drive to the lane and get fouled or get an easy layup.
LMC’s offense had similar struggles when attacking the zone defense being played by the Falcons. Open shots were created but not falling, causing LMC to force passes that were either stolen by the Falcons or not meeting their mark. Feeling the need to keep up the pace also meant both teams weren’t utilizing the entirety of the shot clock, with most possessions forcing shots up while there would still be 10 to 15 seconds left to use. In this fast paced game, the saving grace for LMC was defensive rebounding. By continually winning on the boards, LMC was able to control the momentum by not allowing second chance opportunities for Solano. LMC was up 35-30, but were not able to pull away and secure a big lead. A few blunders by the Mustangs on offense led to easy fast breaks for the Falcons. Going into halftime the score was 46-45 with LMC barely holding onto the lead. Both teams would continue the fast pace
Weston Hopkins • Experience
See WIN, page 5 The men’s basketball team gathers during a timeout against Solano College.
Students react to the loss of NBA star By ERICK AMAYA Staff Writer
Erick Amaya • Experience
Jeannette Luna, No. 12, attempts to dribble through the Solano College Falcons in an attempt to score for the Mustangs.
Women lose 42-74 to Solano LMC now 2-7 in conference play By ERICK AMAYA Staff Writer
The Los Medanos Women’s Basketball team hosted the Solano College Women’s team in a 74-42 defeat. The loss changed their Bay Valley Conference record to 2-7, and their overall record to 4-16. The Mustangs sit in the bottom half of the BVC standings, and are on a two game losing streak. LMC played the game with a short bench, only two players were available for substitution. This caused the Mustangs to struggle both offensively and defensively. They committed 19
turnovers during the game against the Falcons. Jeannette Luna led the team in points with 18, Rheeza Caoili followed with nine, Arianna Farinas had eight points, Syndi Johnson scored four points, and Mayah Barton scored three points. From tip-off the Falcons dominated the Mustangs, outscoring LMC 16-8. LMC had many chances to score, but the ball would hit the rim and bounce out instead of going into the hoop; this was the story of the entire game. The second quarter was the closest in terms of on-court match-ups. The Mustangs were outscored by the Falcons with the minimal score of 15-16. During this quarter, LMC was able to equalize and take the lead during a fraction of the quarter. The Mustangs overturned a 14-17 deficit into a 20-19 lead during
the middle of the quarter. The good run didn’t last long for LMC, who allowed the Falcons to score seven points with three minutes remaining in the quarter. The Mustangs went into half-time trailing Solano College 23-32. The third quarter was the toughest quarter of the game for the Mustangs, they were only able to score six points while the Falcons scored 26, the score at the end of the third quarter was 29-58, in favor of the Falcons. During this quarter LMC had many opportunities to score from the free-throw line. Ke’ara Perkins was one of six from the line. Jeannette Luna converted three of four freethrow opportunities. The Mustangs continued shooting free-throws and field goals, but could See LOSS, page 5
The death of Kobe Bryant impacted so many people around the world, including students in the LMC community. For his entire 20-year NBA career Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Lakers, he won five NBA championships, two of which he was named the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP). He was voted into the NBA All-Star game 18 times in his career and was named 2008 NBA MVP. “He was a champion and his way of winning inspired a lot of people,” said Maria Torres. The former shooting guard achieved Olympic glory in 2008 and 2012 representing Team USA. “At first I thought it was fake, and an hour later I checked up on it, again, and I saw it on the news. It was just really shocking. I feel that his death will moPhoto by Sgt. Joseph Lee tivate people Kobe Bryant stands to tr y harder ready to shoot a free in the spor t and shoot for throw in a 2005 game success,” said against the Warriors. LMC student James Taylor. Bryant was also known for his off-the-court work. In 2018, he helped launch Mamba Sports Academy, a facility that helps develop youth athletes. “I thought it was crazy, you can be at one point in your life just enjoying it with your family, taking your daughter to her basketball game, be at a place where you’re successful, and you can just lose it all in one instant,” said student Greg Holmes. “It’s crazy, he was an [NBA] great, he was a legend.” Bryant also served as a mentor for many athletes of different sports, not only basketball. “His loss impacted the entire sports world because his mentality and mentorship helped a lot of athletes believe in themselves,” said student Jasmine Mejia. Kobe Bryant will continue to impact the sports community because of the legacy he left behind. The “Mamba Mentality” will be a part of sports for years to come.
Fitness center opens its doors By BAILEE LEWIS Staff Writer
As you may know, the new Kinesiology & Athletics Complex opened up in November before winter break. The new complex features a fitness center, a dance studio, and multiple locker rooms for athletes. Students are required to be enrolled in a class within the Kinesiology department in order to use the new facility. If students have not taken KNACT-110 they are required to attend a one time orientation about the equipment and further explanation on the classes offered within the first two weeks of the new semester. Those classes are, PE-053 Beginning Jazz Dance, KNACT-004A Beginning Pilates, PE-057 Yoga for Health and
Fitness, or KNACT-110 Life Fitness Center. Because of the structural layout of the floor to ceiling windows within the building, allowing each room to be spacious and bringing in a lot of natural sunlight. “I think it’s incredible. I think it looks like a top-notch university,” said Inter-Club Council Advisor Renee Savage. “There’s so much natural lighting everywhere, it just makes you wanna workout.” The fitness center has new equipment including treadmills, free weights, stationary bikes and much more to work out with. The new dance studio allows students to participate in different class activities such as Beginning
& Intermediate Jazz dance, Cardio Dance, and different levels of Pilates. “The dance studio looks amazing, it looks like you walked into the New York ballet practice dance studio,” said Savage. Because of the new buildings amenities, its users are comfortable while using the supplied state-of-theart equipment. “The dance studio has new tiles, air conditioning, new vending machines, new everything,” said student Josiah Glover. “The instructors make sure everything is swept and clean which makes the dance program really fun.” Staff members are encouraged to participate in the Kinesiology classes Kyrs Shahin • Experience by registering in the following courses Kickboxing instructor Sarah Stretch leads students in activities. KNACT-110, 120, 130, and 140.