Vol. 92 No. 4 - March 6, 2020

Umoja reads to students

Basketball season ends

Review of LMC play

Students went to two different elementary schools to read to the students for Black History Month— page 3

The LMC men’s basketball team lost their last game, kicking them out of the playoffs — page 4

“Two Sisters and a Piano” showed in the Little Theater from Feb. 27 through Feb. 29 — page 6

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Virus prep is underway District bringing home study abroad students

March is Women’s History Month March 10

UC Davis Appointments / Drop-Ins 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

By JORDYN TOSCANO and KRYS SHAHIN Staff Writers

March 29

Spring Break, no classes and school is closed.

Veterans Center open Attention Veterans: The Veterans Resource Center is open for Los Medanos College students who have served in the military. Get free testing materials, school supplies, an open computer lab, a relaxing lounge and many other benefits for eligible students. Located in Room CC3-821, for more information and questions call (925)4737511 or email veterans@ losmedanos.edu.

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Krys Shahin • Experience

New signs have been posted around campus to inform students and faculty on health and safety measures regarding COVID-19.

The Contra Costa Community College District, along with other schools in the Nor thern California Study Abroad Consortium, are responding to the Novel Coronavirus outbreak in Europe by bringing home all students and staff currently studying abroad in Italy.

Over 100 students, who have been staying in Florence Italy, are expected to fly back home over the course of the next two weeks to maintain their health and safety.

“The decision was made, in collaboration with our consortium partners,

to return all our study abroad students and faculty from Italy now,” said Interim Chancellor Gene Huff in an email to staff.

COVID-19, a form of Novel Coronavirus, became a staple of the public eye in January of this year. Originating in Wuhan, China, the virus has since been transmitted to individuals in 84 of 196 countries worldwide.

While the virus has provoked fear in citizens across the world, especially the United States, Los Medanos College officials and district higher-ups have been planning behind the scenes to combat the epidemic.

“Please be assured that while we See VIRUS, page 5

LMC hosts blood drive Are you interested in donating blood? Los Medanos College is holding their Spring Blood Drive March 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Library Room L-109. To schedule your appointment go to vitalant.org using sponsor code: LosMC or for questions on eligibility call 1-800-289-4923.

Thanksgiving play coming The LMC drama department is showing “The Thanksgiving Play” March 19-21, 23, 25-27. Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire, as a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month.

Krys Shahin • Experience

Construction worker closes the new divider between the cafeteria and student lounge on the first floor of the Student Union Building.

SU construction almost complete

Delays push back ribbon cutting

By WESTON HOPKINS Staff Writer

Speakers for grad wanted LMC is currently looking for students to give a brief three minute speech at graduation to share “words of encouragement” with fellow graduating classmates. The ceremony will be held on May 22, inside the LMC Football Stadium. Deadline to apply as a speaker is April 22. For more information and to apply please visit https://www. losmedanos.edu/graduation/ceremony.aspx

Construction continues on the new Student Union Building at Los Medanos College. While the bookstore and second floor — that houses the new Honors Center, Umoja and Student Life, have been open to the public, the rest of the building is still being finished.

The remaining work revolves around the new cafeteria, a student activity and lounge area, and one of the largest conference rooms in

Contra Costa County.

The cafeteria will have a similar setup to the previous one. There will be two monitors that show off the menu, and it is covered by a glass accordion door with the LMC logo on it. LMC will send out a Request For Proposal to seek interest from local businesses, related to food, that would like to be involved with the new cafeteria.

Currently, Fresh and Natural Foods handles all of the business

Zero cost books celebrated

By JORDYN TOSCANO and KATIE LOUGHRAN Staff Writers

Follow Us On: @lmc_experience @LMC Experience Photo courtesy of Thyra Cobbs

@lmc_experience

See SU, page 5

Krys Shahin • Experience

Vice President Carlos Montoya uncovers the new sound system in the Student Union, which has been opening in stages.

LMCAS President Thyra Cobbs initiated the celebrations for ZTC.

“The Los Medanos College Associated Students is a student organization that is devoted to advocating for the LMC students,” said LMCAS President Thyra Cobbs. “We are diverse and we represent the different aspects of the student population.”

LMCAS is the student government at LMC with the goal of providing “an official and representative student organization, to investigate

student problems and take appropriate action, to provide the official voice through which student opinion may be expressed, to encourage the development of responsible student participation in the overall policy and decision making process of the College community, to foster an awareness of the student’s role in the academic community, to enhance the quality and scope of education at the College, and to provide means for responsible and effective participation in the organization of student affairs.”

Among the current tasks of the Los Medanos College Associated Students is working on a celebration for the Zero Textbook Cost initiative started by Cobbs. Affordable instructional materials have long been a concern for many community college attendees. Combined with the rising number of housing issues and food insecurities faced by students, the program will aid in reducing their financial burdens and improving their overall educational experiences.

See ZERO, page 5

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Perspectives

FRIDAY,

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“I wanted to know you moved and breathed in the same world with me.”

— F. Scott Fitzgerald

Hillary Hetrick

Weston Hopkins

HILL’S LINES

WESTON’S WORLD

Take nature’s medicine now

Combating my daily struggles

Today’s indoor, sedentary lifestyle has slowly taken hold of people’s health. It’s not just physical health. Mental health has suffered just as much, if not more. Many people work long hours to make enough money to have material items. Health is put on the sidelines. Less time spent outdoors has presented itself in getting less sunshine.

What’s sunshine have to do with health?

That bright star in the sky does more than provide light, warmth and life to our planet.

It helps improve our sleep and helps boost our mood. Being outside for at least five minutes a day is enough to help us feel better.

Sunlight naturally boosts serotonin, a chemical that your brain produces. Serotonin enhances energy, keeps you focused and has a calming effect. It’s also found in our digestive system.

According to an article on Webmd.com, “doctors sometimes treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other types of depression linked to low levels of serotonin with natural or artificial light.”

Ironically, the abbreviation makes sense because if you don’t get enough sunlight, your mood suffers and makes you sad. Life’s stressful, so if what we need is supplied by nature, why not partake in it?

The sun’s ultraviolet rays help your body synthesize vitamin D, a nutrient that is important to keep your bones and hair strong.

It also supports your immune system. If you’re getting enough sunlight, your body will produce vitamin D, and your immune system uses that to stay strong.

According to sciencedaily.com, “The immune system defends the body from foreign, invading organisms [and] promote[s] protective immunity.”

This translates to getting sick less often and we can all benefit from this. If getting adequate sunlight can create this chain reaction, then maybe it can give us a better defense against the new coronavirus.

Getting outside daily can also help with sleep quality. Just the sensation of seeing light, especially sunlight, helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Early morning light is best.

According to WebMD, “Early morning sunlight in particular seems to help people get to sleep at night.”

As we get older, it becomes more important to get sunlight because our eyes are less able to take in light. This means having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night.

Sleepfoundation.org said, “Humans evolved spending a lot of time outside, where they were exposed to light beginning with the rising sun.”

People rose with the sun and went to bed after the sun set. I believe people were more in tune with their bodies and had less trouble sleeping when they were exposed to sunlight regularly. But in order to reap the benefits of sunlight, it must be done correctly. I’m not condoning going outside excessively. Five to 15 minutes is the maximum for light-skinned people, or 30 minutes for dark-skinned people. Too much sun exposure can cause sunburn, heat stroke or melanoma.

According to WebMD, “You can stay out longer and get the same effect if you use sunscreen.”

It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor. The answer to how much sunlight is beneficial is different based on age, health history, diet and skin tone.

If sunlight improves sleep, mood, vitamin D levels and immune health, then why don’t we get outside more? If going outside is too difficult, get an artificial light that mimics natural light.Even people working in office buildings get a lunch break. Spend it outside enjoying the sunlight. Put down that shiny gadget, and go for a walk.

I am someone who has struggled with addiction throughout my life. Most of my life, I was addicted to eating. Whether bored, upset, or if I just felt like it, I would eat. There was no rhyme or reason to it and because of that I have been heavier set for the majority of my life.

My parents, whom I love more than words can describe, were my codependents. They didn’t teach me how to eat healthy or to have discipline when it came to my eating habits.

Being young, I thought that this was normal. It’s hard to acknowledge as a child that I was forming habits that would damage my self-esteem and mental health in negative ways in the future.

According to the World Health Organization, “Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. Over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese in 2016.”

The struggle of obesity is something I, and so many others know all too well. It sucks.

I’ve hated my body for the majority of my life. On top of my food addiction, I began drinking when I was a junior in high school.

Nothing crazy. Just a bit of social drinking I would think, and at first it was just that.

This behavior continued until I graduated, and then I began to develop a pattern.

Each weekend my friends and I would go to a party and drink, but each time I would drink more and more. This continued until I had my first blackout. It wouldn’t be my last, unfortunately. I was severely depressed after high school, which led me to drink more often than I was before.

Just as with my eating habits, it became an issue that I was too stubborn and upset to address. I continued to search for the answers to life at the bottom of a bottle, and soon enough I was drinking everyday.

I thought that drinking was a way to cope with my depression, when in reality it only made me feel worse.

I always knew deep down that drinking wasn’t helping me at all, only hurting me.

Yet, I continued to drink until I couldn’t anymore.

The only purpose for having a job was getting my paycheck and using that to purchase alcohol or food. Day-in, day-out, this was the pattern I had created and continued to follow blindly.

For nearly 5 years, I was always on the verge of having an empty bank account.

If I could be shown the number of money I’ve spent on alcohol and food in my life, I wouldn’t want to see it.

My pride wouldn’t be able to handle a blow of that magnitude.

According to Addictioncenter.com,“About 300 million people throughout the world have an alcohol use disorder.”

Just as many others that inhabit this planet, I struggled with my addictions for as long as I can remember. It is however, struggling with these issues that has ultimately helped me. I wasted a lot of time making bad decisions, but I know now that these problems can eventually be overcome.

You can get better but you need to just take it a step at a time. I remember how empty my life felt when I was in the midst of the worst of my addictions.

Now I’m getting better everyday through small accomplishments. I am working toward being healthier, both mentally and physically.

If you or somebody you know would like to learn how to eat healthier, you can visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/ healthy_eating/index.html which explains the components to a healthy diet.

If you or somebody close to you that you care for is struggling with an addiction, please visit https://www.addictioncenter.com/ or call (888) 978-3383. This resource will help you locate treatment near you.

Selena Buitrago • Experience

Editorial

A pandemic? Don’t panic

W

ith warnings of COVID-19’s imminent spread throughout the United States and reports of the virus’ transmission in Contra Costa County, an air of panic is only natural. However, we of the LMC Experience believe that panic should be avoided; instead, students and faculty should exercise more prudent health precautions. Here is why.

Panic makes things worse. Panic leads to actions like stockpiling, fear mongering and anxiety.

Additionally, uninformed fear leads to stockpiling on foods, masks, hand sanitizer and other essentials. While the Department of Homeland Security recommends that Americans have such supplies as a two-week source of food and water before a pandemic, any major stockpiling makes problems worse.

For example, by buying masks and hand sanitizer in bulk, people are effectively taking away these supplies from medical professionals who need it.

Not only does fear create issues for others, but it can negatively harm people simply by causing stress: by worrying excessively, people’s immune systems weaken, leaving them more vulnerable to sickness.

It can be argued that a sense of fear is important in motivating students and faculty to prepare for the spread of the virus within the school.

Of course, mental preparation should be undertaken, but only to the point of diligence.

Instead, students and staff of LMC should funnel their focus into practicing sanitary precautions. As recommended by Los Medanos College, students should practice such exercises as cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces, as well as washing their hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds.

In short, while fear over the danger of COVID-19 is valid, it is not valid enough to warrant panic within the LMC population. No less, panic would only create more chaos within the school. Instead, we urge that students and faculty practice caution and follow guidelines posted on fliers around campus as well as by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Letters to the Editor

Equalize the Brentwood campus DEAR EDITOR: Some common concerns among the majority of students that attend Los Medanos College are parking, unsanitar y water conditions, unhealthy vending machines and outdated tech.. With each semester, there is a new wave of people signing up for classes and attending LMC. With LMC Brentwood being the main campus I go to, since I live in Discovery Bay, I and many others have a hard time finding parking.

The Brentwood campus is small and can get crowded at times due to all the grocery stores and other businesses surrounding the school. During the beginning of this semester, I would find myself driving to school 15 minutes early just to make constant loops around the parking lot only to find a parking spot and have it taken from me from another student who is desperately searching for a spot.

While the Pittsburg campus is far superior to Brentwood, Pittsburg also has some similar problems with parking. These issues for the Pittsburg campus only last for about a month after the semester starts. I think within the first couple weeks the school should allow free parking because if they gave free parking for a month, students would be able to learn more about parking and find better spots, and would spread everyone out. There should also be people directing and letting others know about different opportunities for parking.

Another concern with LMC Brentwood is the poor water quality at the campus. When you go to the water fountains to have a drink, you soon realize how awful the water is. It barely spouts out, which makes you struggle

Voices

for any water.

This is gross because I have seen people touch the spout with their mouths, which is unsanitary and can lead to germs being spread.

Not only that, but the water is unfiltered and not cold. At least replace the water fountain with a purified one with a filter or the ones at the Pittsburg location.

Another concern is the poor quality of snacks in the vending machines at LMC. The LMC Brentwood vending machines do not carry any sort of healthy snacks. It’s all junk food when they should have healthy options for students.

After attending LMC Pittsburg a lot this semester, I realized how awful the computers are for the school. Students have spent decent sums of money to get into classes and attend college just to use some older models of computers that are sometimes too slow to work.

With that money being brought into school, I don’t understand why the computer systems are so bad. They need to have more up-to-date computers or at least the ones that are a couple years old and not over 10 years old. There have been many times when I have been in class, and my professors are having technical issues simply because the technology the school district gives to the teachers is awful. Either the speakers dont work, or the projectors are being funky and not turning on. I have even seen the computers just simply shut down and overheat in class. The lack of updated technology at LMC is hindering students learning experiences as well as professors teaching experiences without unnecessary and inappropriately timed incidents.

— Austin Kennedy

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE

Does the Coronavirus concern you?

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

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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

“Yes, sneezing and coughing can make you paranoid.”

— LaTerra Grays

“Anything is possible. “ — Lauryn Presley

“Yes, I don’t want it to be spread more than it already is.”

— Lindsey Bradshaw

“Yes, it’s closer to us and I’m more concerned.”

— Maliyah Davenport

“Kind of, I just think people are blowing it out of proportion and are misinformed.”

— Sabrina Martin

“No, absolutely not. It’s only affecting older people. I feel strongly that if you can clean after yourself you’ll be fine.”

— Samuel Perez

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 Scholarship crab feed

FRIDAY,

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“Don’t ever lose hope.

Even when life seems bleak and hopeless, know that you are not alone.”

— Nancy Reagan

Educating the future

Los Medanos Classified Senate is holding a scholarship fundraising crab feed March 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. The crab feed will be held at LMC with dinner starting at 6 p.m. The event is a 21 and over only event and will include bread, pasta, chicken, tri-tip, salad, crab and wine.

There will be a drawing for a 65-inch television, a silent auction and much more. Event tickets are $60 and drawing tickets will be separate. For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://donatenow.networkforgood. org/donatetolmc Note: You must enter “Other” for donation designation, and indicate in the textbox “Classified Crab Feed Tickets” or “TV Tickets.

TV Drawing Tickets: $5/each or $20/5 tickets. Cash Only at Event.

Resource center offers support

The Veterans Resource Center is open for Los Medanos College students who have served in the military.

There are free testing materials, school supplies, an open computer lab, a relaxing lounge and many other benefits for eligible students.

The Veterans Resoure Center is located in Room CC3-821. For more information and questions call (925) 473-7511 or email veterans@losmedanos.edu.

Blood drive coming soon

Are you interested in donating blood? Los Medanos College is holding a Spring blood drive March 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held in the Library next week in Room L109.

To schedule your appointment go to vitalant.org and use sponsor code: LosMC. For questions on eligibility call (800)289-4923

Food drive through March 27

Los Medanos College is sponsoring a food drive in honor of Cesar Chavez through March 27. Bring all non-perishable items to the Office of Student Life or LMC Food Pantry. Clubs can compete to earn top donor MLK/ Cesar Chavez Award at the S.T.E.L.L.A.R. Awards. For more information visit the Office of Student Life or email studentlife@losmedanos.edu

Now hiring caring caregivers

Best Ever Home Care is hiring caregivers in Home Care Aide and Companion Care. They offer flexible hours, competitive pay, and caregiver recognition programs.

Must be at least 21 years of age, and have satisfactory English skills. To apply go to http://besteverhomecare. com/apply-now or call (925) 230-0202

Competition for scholarships

Los Medanos College is holding the 15th Annual Academic Competition on March 28, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the LMC Gym. There will be scholarship prizes for first through fourth place from $500 to $2,000. To sign up just pick up an application on the second floor of the Student Union.

The deadline to submit your application is March 20 by 1 p.m. For more information email studentlife@ losmedanos.edu or call (925) 473-7554

March with the Student Senate

Students are invited to march with the Student Senate for California Community Colleges March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to advocate for the funding of full college costs.

The marches will be held at the state capital or at your local district legislative office. If you feel that California Community Colleges need more funding and plan on attending, register online at https://www.studentsenateccc. org/news

Join the Transfer Academy

If you are the first person in your family to go to college, exploring major options, and wanting to transfer, then consider joining the Transfer Academy.

The academy is a learning community for students new to Los Medanos College who have plans to transfer. For more information go to www.losmedanos.edu/ transferacademy

What’s lost may be found

Los Medanos College’s lost and found has numerous items found on campus. If you have lost an item, check with Police Services, which is located on Level One. Inquiries must be made in person.

CED seeks job applicants

If you are currently unemployed and need a job, Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Inc. CED of Antioch is now hiring. They are searching for an administrator, A/R accounting clerk and are looking for someone who can work part time or full time.

Prior to the interview there is a drug test needed. This is an opportunity to make some extra cash. To follow up call (925) 778-5660

LMC celebrates Black history

Although Black History Month has passed, Los Medanos College wants to expand their recognition of all the great African American contributors to this country and their astounding achievements.

In honor of the trials and tribulations that African Americans have faced in this country, Los Medanos College will continue celebrating with related events throughout the rest of the semester. Some of the events include: n March 16 — State of the Black Student: Discuss excellence, leadership, and scholarships to improve retention and success rates among black college students. n May 2 — Gospel Celebration Concert: The LMC Gospel Choir is hosting the 26th annual Gospel Celebration. For more info please visit www.losmedanos.edu/ music/events/.aspx For more information, times and locations, please stop by the Office of Student Life, call (925) 473-7554 or email studentlife@losmedanos.edu — Compiled by Selena Buitrago & Daraja McDonald

Bailee Lewis • Experience

Melan George, an LMC student with the Umoja program, reads to Foothill Elementary School children.

Umoja reads to elementary children

By BAILEE LEWIS Staff Writer

Before Black History Month came to an end, Los Medanos College faculty members and students had the opportunity to volunteer and read Black History Month books to the children at Foothill Elementary School and Highlands Elementary School.

Dr. A’kilah Moore, the former Dean of Mathematics and Science, started the idea of reading to the children, and asked Faith Watkins, Umoja scholars counselor, to take over managing it. Watkins has now been managing this event for the

past four years.

Umoja students and LMC staff always read to the children at Foothill Elementary during this month, but this year was the first time another location was added, Highlands Elementary. Dr. Tanisha Maxwell, Vice president of Student Services, and Nancy Ybarra, Intern Vice President of Instruction, read a couple of books to the children at Highlands Elementary, which shows how LMC management can sometimes take the time out of their busy schedules to participate in such a fun community event.

“It’s just an opportunity for them to

connect to the community, but also connect with the future of LMC,” said Umoja counselor, Faith Watkins. “The young kids who may come to LMC one day or have had parents, sisters, or brothers attend LMC. It reminds you why you volunteer and why you want to be apart of something bigger than yourself.”

Alongside reading to the children, the Black Student Union club also decorated the cafeteria for Black History Month at Foothill Elementary. About 30 volunteers, including LMC managers, faculty, staff and students participated.

See UMOJA, page 5

Debate team preps for Fresno

By CHARLES REED Staff Writer

The Los Medanos College Debate Team is headed to their next tournament set to be held Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 15 in Fresno Calif. The tournament, called the California Community College Forensic Association State Championship, is an annual event that the team often participates in.

The debate team has been winning awards since 2011, the very first year that they were created. When they first established themselves as an official team, they followed a debate style known as the National Parliamentary Debate Association style.

From that style, they moved into a British Parliamentar y Debate style over time.

However in 2019, the debate team switched over to a style known worldwide as Individual Parliamentary Debate.

The new co-director of the team, Marie Arcidiacono Kaufman, leads the award winning team with assistant instructor Star Streers. Kaufman commented on the policy for those interested in joining the team, stating that in order “to join the team proper, we have an open arms policy.”

Kaufman describes the process to choose the students that compete in the tournaments explaining the students during class are evaluated by herself and Star and sometimes guest speakers to see who shows the greatest strengths in that certain debate style and then makes their choices.

“Having the ability to think on your feet and be able to think critically through something, especially if you don’t agree with the topic, is going to serve you well in any field you go into andthen life in general,” said Kaufman to inspire potential students interested in debate

Krys Shahin • Experience

BayLeaf Wilson practices for next week’s tournament.

about joining the team.

Steers comments that the group of students she’s taking with her to the upcoming tournament is split into three veteran debaters and three novice debaters.

One of the students in the debate class that helps his peers practice is Christian Ortiz. The prompt that he has been practicing in class with states ‘it is just to deny refugees asylum in the interest of public safety.’ But during

an actual competition, those participating won’t know what position they are on, affirmative or negative, before the debate begins.

“I’m excited and anxious for [this], it is my first time debating outside the classroom,” said Ortiz.

Students who are interested in public speaking or debating should consider looking into the class as some would describe the joy from it to be See DEBATE, page 5

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FRIDAY,

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Stangs playoff loss

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“We don’t want to tell our dreams. We want to show them.”

— Cristiano Ronaldo

Bailee Lewis BAILEE’S BRAIN

Curry’s return should wait

Bailee Lewis • Experience

Zack Martinez, No. 4, shoots the ball in an attempt to score for during a basketball game against Napa Valley College.

LMC stomped in round one

By ERICK AMAYA Staff Writer

The Los Medanos College Mustangs men’s basketball team ended the season in a 72-83 loss to San Joaquin Delta College Mustangs in the first round of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Northern California Regional Championship.

The LMC Mustangs qualified for the CCCAA NorCal playoff after finishing in third place in the Bay Valley Conference (BVC) standings, below Yuba College and Mendocino College, which finished in first and second place, respectively. LMC men’s basketball earned the overall number 17 seed in the regional playoffs.

Going into the first round of playof fs, LMC finished with an overall record of 20-8, and 11-5 in conference play.

The 20-8 LMC Mustangs were matched up against the 18-10 SJD

Mustangs. Los Medanos College played away in Stockton on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

In the first half of the game, LMC was able to outscore San Joaquin Delta for a score of 41-33 at half time. In the second half, however, San Joaquin out scored LMC 31-50, for the final score of 72-83 in favor of the Delta College Mustangs.

LMC was able to score points from eight different plays. Five players achieved double-digits. Henry Sires led the team with 15 points, Keenami Maggart registered 12 points, Zack Martinez and Charles Stanford totaled 11 each, and Damarshe Ragler hit 10 points. The three other players who scored were DJ Serna with seven points, and Nnamdi Vixon and Duben Boardman each scored three points.

LMC were able to convert 46.2 percent of the field goal attempts, going 30-65 in shots on the court.

They scored five and missed 13

three-point attempts, recording a 38.5 percent completion rate. From the free throw line, LMC converted seven shots while missing 16 . The LMC Mustangs also totaled 16 turnovers, 19 personal fouls, 15 offensive rebounds, and 26 defensive rebounds.

LMC went into their playoff match with a tough end to BVC play. The LMC Mustangs went 2-3 in the final five matches, including a two-game win streak against Napa Valley College and Contra Costa College to finish the regular season. On Feb. 7, LMC hosted the College of Marin in a down-to-the-wire 75-76 loss.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, LMC traveled to College of Alameda and lost 82-97.

Friday, Feb. 14, LMC lost 74-80 away to Mendocino College. In the final home game of the season on Feb. 19, LMC won Napa Valley College Bailee Lewis • Experience 80-74. To close the regular season, Zach Martinez, No. 4, shoots a LMC faced Contra Costa College in free throw. a dominating 98-64 win.

Staff to take diamond

LMC coaches react to coronavirus fear

By ERICK AMAYA Staff Writer

It is no secret that the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has af fected everyone’s typical lifestyle.

The virus has brought the fear of getting contaminated onto people. The virus has been spreading world-wide, impacting the way people interact with one another.

The outbreak has now begun to affect the world of sports with many sporting events around the world being affected. In countries where the outbreak is more severe, athletic events and competitions are being canceled, postponed or affected in other ways.

The China Women’s National

By ERICK AMAYA Staff Writer

Soccer Team was recently placed in quarantine, and had Olympic qualifying matches moved to Sydney, Australia.

In Italy, all sporting competitions will be forced to play via closed doors, which means that no fans will be able to attend, through April 3. Several professional soccer leagues in Asia have been postponed, and the Summer Olympics, which will be held in Japan, are in jeopardy of being delayed until after the outbreak calms down.

All of this postponing and canceling have led to consideration on whether similar Erick Amaya • Experience measures should be taken in Clinton Calvin makes a catch during a the U.S., in particular within See REACT, page 5

When you think of Stephen Curry, you probably think of him as a threetime National Basketball Association champion or two-time back to back Most Valuable Player, or even six-time NBA All-star. Curry is number three on the all time three-points made list.

It’s no surprise Curry has been leading the Golden State Warriors to a five-time appearance in the NBA finals, but the start of the 2019-2020 season everyone knew his job would be much harder.

With the injury of his right hand man, Klay Thompson, who tore his ACL on the left knee during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA finals, and the departure of Kevin Durant who signed a four-year, $164 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets, all of the offensive pressure would be on Curry.

Just three games into the start of the 2019-2020 season, October 30, 2019, Curry suffered a left broken hand injury after Phoenix Suns center, Aron Baynes, fell on his hand. He was required to have surgery and be out for at least three months.

With two of their star players being out, the Warriors went from being at the top of the Western conference, to rock bottom. The Warriors sit at number 15 with a record of 14-48. It is now the second half of the season and there are 20 games left before the regular season is over. With how low the Warriors are ranked, there is no way they qualify for playoffs.

Before the All-star break, the Warriors management had told the media to look for a return from Curry sometime in March. The time has come where dates are being thrown around speculating his return. All we know is that he’s returning this season and it’s going to be soon.

Some people are excited for his return this season while others like me, aren’t so excited. I grew up watching the Golden State Warriors and liking them as a basketball team, so I know it might sound confusing on why I don’t want him to return this season. If you look at the standings and the Warriors schedule, there is absolutely no chance for the Warriors to make playoffs this season.

Even if they were to win every single game, they are just too far down in the standings to qualify this season.

Curry making a return this season would be a huge risk for the team. If he were to get re-injured, he would be out for a longer period of time next season. The team should focus on rebuilding the team with the younger players and let Curry rest up for next season where they are more likely to have a better chance of making playoffs, especially with the new additions to the team.

Getting Curr y and Thompson back, alongside getting good NBA draft picks, the Warriors should be back to their winning ways. The 20192020 season was about rebuilding the team and the 2020-2021 season will be about re-grouping the team and setting their eyes back on bringing another championship to the Bay area.

staff softball game on Oct. 11, 2019.

The staff softball game is back this upcoming Friday April 10 at 2 p.m. in the softball field. This marks the 15th year in which the staff softball game will take place, dating back to 2005.

This tradition began with the idea of Los Medanos College classified staff socializing with one another.

“There are many employees who do not have the chance to regularly connect, whether due to working in different departments or at different times of the day,” said Bookstore Manager Robert Estrada, who is organizing the event. “I have met and formed strong connections with many colleagues as a result of the staff softball game.”

The game allows staff members to interact with each other in two ways.

One way is through participating in the game and interacting with other

staff members in the dugout discussing game tactics, education-related content, or personal life. The second way staff members can interact with each other is in the stands watching the game. LMC staff members can interact in this way by cheering the par ticipating staf f members and getting to know their peers on a personal level.

There will be two teams; the Giants facing off against the A’s. Staff members who want to participate in the game are encouraged to wear either Giants or A’s gear, depending on the team they support. There are no expectations based on playing ability or athleticism, only enthusiasm and the will to play.

Estrada recommends that participating staff members bring a softball or baseball glove if they own one, wear sunscreen, and show up about See STAFF, page 5

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Krys Shahin • Experience

VIRUS From page 1

hope COVID-19 won’t affect the district, plans are in place or are being firmed up to deal with a range of possible scenarios,” said Huff.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “immediate health risk is currently low, but the current global circumstances suggest it is likely that this virus will cause a pandemic.”

The CDC recommends that people try to distance themselves from large public spaces, wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water on a regular basis and stay home if they are feeling ill.

The district suggests that students and staff follow the CDC guidelines to maintain community health and safety.

Precautions have been taken by the district at LMC and its sister colleges, through the implementation of new informational signs and posters. These signs and posters have been placed throughout campuses regarding proper hand washing etiquette and other precautions that are suggested to be taken.

“We added signage onto the website and around campus.

We are still printing some out and displaying it around,” said LMC President Bob Kratochvil.

The LMC campus custodians have also incorporated precautionar y methods regarding the COVID-19 virus into their cleaning rounds every night.

“Our custodial manager started ordering dif ferent cleaning supplies to better

sanitize and disinfect areas on campus [in January when the Coronavirus first began to spread in China],” said Carlos Montoya, Vice President of Business and Administrative Services and Safety and Security Committee President.

The custodial staf f has received specific cleaning instructions to incorporate into their normal rounds from officials on campus as well.

Albeit, maintaining cleanliness on campus is a community effort that all students and staf f are expected to contribute to.

“The custodial staff has been instructed to disinfect table tops, handrails, doorknobs all in general areas, but students and staff have to be conscious toward this and hold some responsibility as well,” said Kratochvil.

The district is doing everything they can to respond and react to the state and nationwide health announcements about the COVID-19 virus in a positive manner. Ensuring preparedness and prevention within the staff and student body is the main goal of the district at this current moment in time.

In a statement given during a district Governing Board meeting held Feb. 26, the group announced that “in the event of a public health emergency, the district will follow recommendations from County health officials.

On managing instruction in response to the potential of long term closures, the District will follow guidance from the

State Chancellor’s Office.”

Teachers are now trying to ease students’ worries by explaining what they understand through information from reliable sources.

“As educators people look to us for answers about the things they are concerned about, and as educators we should be able to provide our students, and each other, with the most complete and accurate and up to date information available on any topic of interest, whether it be economics, politics, the environment, or a new lethal germ,” said biology instructor Mark Lewis.

“There is some good news about Coronavirus that should make most LMC students feel better: This new virus seems to spare people under the age of thirty. Young people, including children, just don’t seem to become seriously ill from this germ.”

While this situation is constantly changing, students should know that there are various talks going on behind the scenes regarding active preparation to combat the COVID-19 vir us without instilling unnecessary panic in the community.

“I do personally believe that this new Coronavirus will ultimately have a significant professional, personal, and financial impact on all our lives, and knowing as much as possible about it in advance may allow us to better protect ourselves, protect those we love, and protect what we have,” said Lewis.

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to showcase their work.

A Benefit Auction to sell the banners will take place October 3, 2020 at the Community Center. Banner sales will be split between the artist and the Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble.

Banners are limited to the first 69 artists to apply, those 69 will get to participate in the program. Artists must drop off their application, when they pick up their banner, at the Delta Gallery located on 2485 Sand Creek Rd., Suite 128, Brentwood. Banners may be picked up by applying artists March 7, 8, 14, or 15.

The turn in deadline is May 9, 2020 at the Delta Gallery from 12 - 4 p.m.

If you or anyone you know may be interested in participating in the Banner Up! Program, do not hesitate to visit https:// www.artguildofthedelta.org/ bannerup for guidelines, dates, times and more information.

For further questions and inquiries please contact the Banner Up! program sponsor, Frank Littman at FrankLittmanArt@gmail.com.

The 2016 Legislature-funded effort by California community colleges to increase pathways to open educational resources has ramped up implementation and integration this past academic year. The initiative allowed for the creation of 23 associate degree pathways and 14 certificate pathways at 23 community colleges.

This includes the addition of many resources that are openly licensed and free for students to use.

James Glapa-Grossklag, College of the Canyons Dean and a co-coordinator for the program, explained that the initiative is an important step in the right direction.

“If we fail to provide those students with a predictable way to select classes and keep going in a predictable manner to the same physical location or the same online location, we r un the risk of them encountering that surprise $200 textbook, which would be life changing to a student who is living in his or her car,” Glapa-Grossklag said.

The aim of the Associated Student’s initiative will be to inform any new or returning students of the various classes that do not require additional textbook costs. The event will also highlight those instructors who’ve integrated the program into their own classes for their consideration of low-income students.

The group holds meetings every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the new conference room on the second floor of the Student Union. They discuss topics such as, issues on campus, perspective projects and student concerns.

These weekly meetings are open to any and all students who’d like to become more involved or better understand how a community college functions.

For more information about the initiative or other LMCAS related matters, you can reach them at (925) 473-7554, email LMCAS President Thyra Cobbs at LMCASPresident@ losmedanos.edu or visit the Student Life Office located on the second floor of the Student Union building.

the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA).

The coronavirus spread is not as severe in the United States as it is in European and Asian countries.

Several Los Medanos College athletic coaches and directors added their input, all in consensus that it was too soon for taking severe measures.

“If we overreact, it could make things worse. If people take the proper precautions, we should be okay, unless it gets a lot worse,” soccer head coach Zack Sullivan said on whether the CCCAA and the Bay Valley Conference (BVC) should consider postponing matches.

Volleyball head coach Lou Panzella added, “We have to take the same precautions that are being recommended across the board, wash your hands frequently, maybe right now, avoid unnecessary contact.

Common sense precautions are important.

If things get worse, then you amp up.” Panzella continued, “I was at Costco today, it’s crazy, we live in this ‘panic mode’ mentality, and that’s not to say it’s not important, but use good practices.”

“I don’t think we should be canceling games, I’m not ready to lock everybody up in a little room until this all passes,” Panzella added.

Colleen Ralston Fitness Center Director said, “Everybody needs to do their part to try and stay healthy, and people should not be coming to school if they’re sick.

At this point, it’s not necessary to close [the fitness center], we’d create paranoia, the media is blasting us nonstop and creating [unnecessary] fear,” Ralston added that the Fitness Center has added sanitized wipes for students to use before and after working out, and has janitorial services clean the exercise machines every night.

For information on preventing the spread of COVID-19, please visit https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/index.html.

From page 4

Student workers Jocelyn Villalobos and Richard Preza work at the Information Desk where there is a new hand sanitizer pump for all to use.

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Follow the LMC Experience online at lmcexperience.com

DEBATE From page 3

addictive.

“I’ve been debating for a long time and I love public speaking,” said debate student Gadai Bulgac. “It’s almost to an addiction level.”

Bulgac will be attending the upcoming tournament in Fresno and a later one in Albuquerque. “[I’m] really nervous and excited for the Fresno tournament,” said BayLeaf Wilson, a novice debate student attending the tournament.“The best thing about debate is it also cultivates a language or vernacular for a better day to day life.”

For more information about the team or any upcoming events, please email Marie Arcidiacono-Kaufman at marcidiacono@losmedanos.edu.

STAFF From page 4

15 minutes before the first pitch to stretch and warm up.

Though the expectations are not high, there will be competition to see who comes out on top and enjoys bragging rights. Last fall, the competition ended 17-15 in favor of the A’s after a tight game between the two teams.

For more information about the game please contact Robert Estrada at restrada@losmedanos.edu or call him at (925) 473-7540.

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UMOJA From page 3

LPA Interior Design and Construction

The floor plan of the first level of the new Student Union building.

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From page 1 in the cafeteria. According to their website, Fresh and Natural Foods is an “independent, locally-owned organic and natural full-ser vice grocer wholly committed to providing healthy food choices, quality personal care items and knowledgeable customer service.”

Down the hall from the cafeteria will be the new student lounge, which will have a max occupancy of 82 persons. There will be a couple of televisions and plenty of comfortable chairs. It will also include a pool table, foosball table, and a ping pong table for the students to enjoy.

“The idea is if you keep students on campus longer they graduate quicker,” said contractor Kevin Little.

The new conference center will be able to hold approximately 450-470 people. The center will be one large area that has the capability to be separated into three different areas.

The room has multiple projectors and screens, in which LMC hopes to create a system that can use all three areas simultaneously.

“The dif ficulty with an advanced system is that our goal is to manage that as both one system as well as three independent systems,” said Vice President of Business & Administrative Ser vices

Carlos Montoya.

Connected to the conference center is a kitchen meant for catering during events held in the new center. Along with multiple vending machines around the building, there will be no shortage of food here.

There is no set date yet for when the building will be opened to the public but “It looks like it’ll be ready here pretty soon,” said Montoya.

In regards to what will replace the now vacant Bookstore and Honors Center, LMC still isn’t sure as to what will go there. They also are not sure what will replace the current cafeteria once that is moved to the new Student Union Building.

“It was a fun experience,” said LMC student, Melan George. “I got a taste of what my future career is gonna be.

I enjoyed seeing all of the children. The kids were attentive for the most part, but as kids do some lost interest towards the end.”

Volunteers were assigned to a grade level and a classroom.

Each volunteer was given the opportunity to pick out from various choices of which Black History Month themed book they wanted to read to the kids.

“It was really cute,” said LMC student, Ziara DeBose.

“I read to a fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade classes. All the kids were listening, they were very engaged in the readings. When I finished reading, they asked me questions about college. I felt super happy that it was a very good experience. I would definitely do this again, but maybe reading to younger children.”

Black History Month may now be over, but that will not stop the Umoja program from educating and celebrating black culture wherever they are.

The program can always use more volunteers for special events like this one and encourages more people to volunteer to help decorate for the event and read to children next year.

For more information, visit the Umoja facilities in the new Student Union Building.

Krys Shahin • Experience

Alum Karen Hernandez, Alexis Moreno and Cesar Reyes starred in the play.

PLAY From page 6

the setting and stage were beautiful and conveyed the time accurately, and the story was intriguing to the point you could not help but be at the edge of your seat the whole time.

The cast was absolutely amazing, and I could not be happier with this being my introduction to the LMC drama program. I highly recommend any student or member of the community go to the next show called The Thanksgiving Play.

Krys Shahin • Experience For mor e infor mation Alum Karen Hernandez, about future productions, and Alexis Moreno during visit https://www.losmedanos. edu/drama/productions.aspx. dress rehearsal.

ALBUM From page 4

clearly, as they all have an integral part in the song.

The guitar is very catchy, the bass supports the drums and guitar very well, the vocals compliment the hard-rock sound and the drums provide a steady beat for the pace of the song.

My only gripe is that the entire album seems to be aimed

at one particular audience. If you don’t like hardcore punk or desert rock, you won’t like this album.

However, if you’re interested in expanding your musical taste, I do recommend this album. To me, this is what music really is. Just grit and passion being put on display for whoever wants to listen.

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Four actors, two sisters, one great play

“If you believe in journalism, you don’t insult good journalists.”

— Sydney Schanberg

Alumni actors Cesar Reyes and Alexis Moreno share an intimate embrace during rehearsal of “Two Sisters and a Piano” at the Los Medanos College Little Theater Wednesday, Feb. 26. It opened Feb. 27 for its four-performance run.

Krys Shahin • Experience

Lt. Portuondo (Reyes), Sofia Obispo (Moreno) and Maria Celia Obispo (Hernandez) during a tense exchange after a close call almost sent Maria to jail.

Latest performance excites the audience

By KRYS SHAHIN @Krysshah

Los Medanos College’s chilling performance of “Two Sisters and a Piano” had the crowd roaring by the end of the second act.

The play, which ran from Feb. 27 through Feb. 29 in the Little Theater, was originally written by Cuban American playwright Nilo Cruz and was published in 1998. It went in depth about the repressive Cuban regime of 1991 and starred LMC alumni Cesar Reyes as Lieutenant Portuondo, Neftali Jiminez as Victor Manuel a militia guard, Karen Hernandez as novelist Maria Celia Obispo and Alexis Moreno as pianist Sofia Obispo.

The chilling stor y about the repressive Cuban regime is personified in this play performed in Pittsburg Calif.

The show was wonderfully done, because even though a majority of the people who saw the play may not have

REVIEW

Sisters Maria Celia Obispo (Hernandez) and Sofia Obispo (Moreno) dance.

or will never go to Cuba, the audience gets to feel as though they were transported to Cuba in the early 90s.

The play started out dramatic and loud, with the lights dimmed and an eerie red covering the stage while Reyes and Jiminez shined flashlights at main actresses Hernandez and Moreno, screaming and swearing in their faces which sent chills down the audiences’ spine.

The show was dramatic, nail biting and romantic in a strange way. The romance that bloomed between the Lieutenant and Maria, a married woman, is toxic but so lovely.

It truly is the forbidden fruit of relationships. The woman is longing for her husband and the Lieutenant reads her husband’s letters to her, almost making her feel he is there with her, so she slips into the man’s arms. The progression of their relationship is performed incredibly well by Reyes and Hernandez.

The actors that were on

Mondo Generator’s momentous return

By SPENCER CAMERON Staff Writer

All of the punks and desert rockers are going to unite with the release of Mondo Generator’s long-lost LP from 2010. The album, “Shooter’s Bible,” features 13 tracks.

While most of the tracks were re-recorded for their 2012 release “Hell Comes to Your Heart,” the songs being released on Friday, Feb. 28 are all the original recordings.

The personnel that recorded this album is vastly different compared to their earlier records. Founding member, Nick Oliveiri, is the only member from the original 2000 studio album, “Cocaine Rodeo,” to stick around for this recording session.

While the original studio had a ton of power and featured a lineup including legends such as ex-Kyuss bandmates Josh Homme, Brant Bjork and John Garcia, this compilation still holds the same amount of power and thrash the band’s first album did.

This record’s lineup only features Nick Oliveiri, David “Hoss” Wright, Happy-Tom

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and Dave Grohl all contributed.

Wright recorded the drums and Oliveri wrote the lyrics, guitar and bass parts for every song except “Dog Food,” which is a cover of an Iggy Pop song. “Dog Food” is the only song that featured the other artists on the tracking. Grohl, the front man for the Foo Fighters replaced Hoss Wright on drums and Happy-Tom tracked the bass instead of Oliveri.

The album is really good. If you like any desert rock and gutter-punk, you’ll love this album.

The songs sound like they were tracked in a van coasting along the Palm Springs desert.

They’re gritty, hard and fast.

The opening song, “Dead Silence,” sounds like early-’90s Kyuss. The prominence of the song lies within its heavy guitar riff and booming bass. Oliveri’s signature screeching vocals give the song a real feeling of heaviness.

A few tracks down we’re greeted with a pleasant-sounding tune with “Smashed Apart.” The intro guitar riff reminds me of early Smashing Pumpkins songs. The clean guitar tone with a fuzzy sounding guitar tracked over it gives it early ’90s grunge vibes. Oliveri’s vocals give it

stage, whether for one scene or throughout the whole show, were amazing. Their acting compelled you to continue watching, sometimes with mild tears in your eyes, and other times laughing at the antics of the younger of the two sisters flirting with every man who walked on stage. The jokes landed, the heartstrings were pulled, this play covered the whole spectrum and then some.

While the Little Theater is just that, little, the intimacy of the audience being close to the stage worked well with this play. Watching actresses fiddle with plants right in front of the audience or climbing the “roof” to stand beside one of the front rows helped the audience feel that they were a part of the story even when not directly interacting with the performers. The close proximity to the stage creates a palpable sense of tension throughout the entire show.

Overall, the acting was great, See PLAY, page 5

Banner Up! Brentwood

By YESENIA MENDEZ Staff Writer

his signature sound, giving the listener a blend of happy and aggressive feelings.

Right after “Smashed Apart,” comes the cover of Iggy Pop’s “Dog Food.” Iggy Pop is the grandfather of punk rock, and this song does it some justice. In fact, Oliveri manages to make it sound even more punk with the gritty guitars. This song features Grohl of Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age on drums.

The final song on the album, “The Last Train” is my personal favorite. This is honestly the only song where you can hear every instrument See ALBUM, page 5

The Art Guild of the Delta is calling all artists to apply for the fourth annual Banner Up! Program. Art Guild of the Delta is welcoming artists of high school age and older, at no cost to them, to participate in the program. This program is sponsored by City of Brentwood Economic Development, City of Brentwood Arts Commission and AGD. All entries should be original designs by the artists; no plagiarized work or defamation will be tolerated. Artists may not invade the rights of any person, dead or alive, to complete their submitted work.

Banner Up! will feature the 24 x 48-inch banners designed by participants throughout downtown Brentwood during the months of June through August. Banners will also be displayed during events such as Brentwood’s Farmers Market season, the Starry Nights Concerts in the Park and the Art, Wine and Jazz Benefit Festival.

During July and August, the participating artists will lead tours of downtown Brentwood See ART, page 5