Vol. 89 No. 6 - Oct. 19, 2018

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Activists make ‘Impact’

Beer from heaven

Stangs stay perfect

The “Impact” conference returned to LMC to promote social justice and progress — page 3

Del Cielo Brewing Company is making beer worthy of its namesake in Martinez — page 4

LMC Mustangs beat the Yuba 49ers 1-0 managing to keep their undefeated conference record — page 6

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F.Y.I. Important dates October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 22

The last day to register to vote in California.

Oct. 31

It may be Halloween, but the campus will not be closed.

Transfer Day next week

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Fire forces evac to gym

College aids Bay Point By PERRY CONTINENTE @PerryContinente

The LMC gym hosted evacuees Thursday after a brushfire threatened a natural gas line in Baypoint. The Red Cross oversaw the creation and maintenance of the shelter, providing roughly 85 people with food, water and cots set up in the gym atop blue tarps. Most of those taking shelter were lying down trying to get some rest, but that did not stop a few children from playing Basketball at the rear of the gym. Los Medanos College President Bob Kratochvil explained the use of the gym as a shelter.

“The district has an agreement with the Red Cross,” said Kratochvil. He explained that a class that will take place in the gym will probably not be cancelled, and emphasized the minimal impact the shelter and the evacuees will have on LMC students’ routines. However the class was ultimately canceled, and, as of press time, the shelter is still occupied. One of those displaced was Derek Jay, a Baypoint resident returning to the shelter. “About 10:15 p.m. I was watching tv and a police officer knocked on the door,” said Jay, who then explained he had spent the night in

Experience Perry Continente

See EVAC, page 5 Displaced brothers Jorge and Oscar Guillen.

LMC begins its self study

Fall Transfer Day is coming soon. The yearly event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 23 in the outdoor quad from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s event will feature various workshops and other events throughout the week. For more information interested parties can visit the Transfer and Career Center located on the fourth floor of the Student Services Building.

By DALE SATRE @dalesatre

Hotel 270 set to scare Hotel 270 is the haunted house attraction from Student Life this year. The attraction will be open Oct. 26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the first floor of the College Complex. For more information contact the Office of Student Life at (925) 473-7554 or email studentlife@losmedanos.edu

Experience Perry Continente

Candles are lit on a birthday tart to represent the wishes that speaker Deb Cuny has for LGBT youth.

LGBT event comes out Making a wish for the future

By HILLARY HETRICK @hillarymhetrick

Film showing gets bloody Movie night comes to LMC Tuesday, Oct. 30 in Library LCC-114 at 7 p.m. The award winning film centers around greed buisness and fraying family ties. The film “Inception” will also be shown Nov. 28 at the same time and location. For more information students can contact the Office of Student Life at (925) 473-7554 or email them at studentlife@losmedanos.edu.

Follow us on: @lmc_experience @lmc_experience @lmc_experience

Los Medanos College Allies Club and LMC faculty from the LGBTQ community celebrated “Coming Out Day,” an event that addresses LGBTQ issues and encourages community visibility. Three faculty members told their coming out stories during the event. The event also showcased Deb Cuny, a Restorative Justice Coach from Oakland who is part of the #BornPerfect Campaign whose goal is to end Conversion Therapy.

English instructor Liz Green gave a warm welcome to the audience. “You’re not just at any National Coming Out Day,” she said. “You’re at the 30th anniversary.” After sharing the agenda for the evening, she continued by explaining the importance of “coming out.” “By coming out to our family and to our friends, colleagues, coworkers, we’re making our community visible, and we’re creating a sense of safety and coming out of isolation,” Green explained. “There’s all these different levels in which coming out happens and it’s a life-long process.” Green gave way for the next speaker, English instructor Jeff Mitchell Matthews. He gave his told his coming

out story after giving a brief history of his career at Los Medanos College. He has been at Los Medanos since 1992. “For many, many years I was the only fag on campus, as I used to put it,” Mitchell Matthews said. Matthews gave a detailed description of programs and services on campus that help students in the LGBTQ community and emphasized the new LGBTQ studies degree for transfer the college is offering. “Our LGBTQ programs here on campus have been firmly established,” said Mitchell Matthews Liz Green returned to read a poem she wrote about coming out as a bisexual. Then she and Library staff member See LGBT, page 5

Los Medanos College is due for its Institutional Self Evaluation Report and site visit in Fall 2020 for re-accreditation, and Dr. Chialin Hsieh, LMC’s Accreditation Liaison Officer, isn’t wasting any time. The Accreditation Steering Committee, a standing committee responsible for guiding LMC through the accreditation process, recently formed the Accreditation Work Group to tackle the challenges ahead. “Many people don’t like this process because it’s a lot of work,” Hsieh said. “But it’s very important for students, because transfer credit and financial aid depends on getting accredited.” Every six years, community colleges all around must submit an Institutional Self Evaluation Repor t to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), which is run by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. According to their website, the ACCJC serves as an objective yardstick for the quality of colleges’ education under four main standards: institutional effectiveness and integrity; student learning programs support services; resources, such as human resources, facilities and technology assets; and the college’s leadership and governance. The standards vouch not just for the colleges’ teaching, but also for students’ learning. The accreditation process consists of four phases. In Phase 1, the Accreditation

See RENEW, page 5

Oakley walks to stop suicide By MARC LOPEZ Staff writer

You never forget the feeling that hits when you hear the news that you’ve lost a friend to suicide. In shock and awe, many begin to feel guilty, question everything and often become depressed. Vanessa Perr y, Heather Estes, Tara Jean Robinson and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention believe that we all can come out of our darknesses. Perry, Chapter Board Chair, said she felt

emotional and overwhelmed about her final time organizing Oakley’s Out of the Darkness community walk on Saturday, Oct. 13. Her retirement comes due to relocating in Sacramento and not being able to fulfill demands from the chapter. Both Estes and Robinson said they are eager to fill Perry’s shoes. “These are some big shoes that are going to be tough to fill,” said Robinson on Vanessa retiring from organizing the walk. “I have full confidence

that me and Heather are going to get a lot of supporters around us.” The event itself, held at Cypress Grove Community Park in Oakley, is a charity and awareness walk held ever y year. There are five other walks that occur simultaneously throughout the Bay area. This year’s event had 356 total walkers and raised more than $39,000. Experience Marc Lopez Among the activities held Rich Rodriguez, holding child, marches with Team in connection with the walk See WALK, page 5 Xavier. They ultimately raised $7,080.


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Perspectives

FRIDAY,

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“What people call ‘love’ is just a chemical reaction that compels animals to breed.”

— Rick Sanchez

Mitch Ha

Jacqueline Adams

GUEST COLOMNIST

GUEST COLUMNIST

Staying home is circumstantial

Help to mend college stress

The number of adult children living under their parents’ roof has risen over several decades. In 2016, Pew Research showed an increase from 11 percent of 25 to 34-year-olds who lived at home with a parent or grandparent in 1980, to 29 percent. Presently the percentage is likely greater. Adult children relying on financial help is almost inevitable with the recent economy, especially for Californians. Consequently, we either live with our parents, support an adult child, or know someone experiencing today’s difficulties of being independent. Financial dependency comes with negative connotations for both the child and parent. When we imagine grown-ups depending on their parent’s, it’s not uncommon for some to paint a mental portrait of the thirty-something-year-old living in his mom’s basement. The phenomenon is called “failure to launch” syndrome and typically entails a grown-up who prolongs their independence by not pursuing a job, education or other productive endeavors. It parallels the same stereotypical attitude reflected towards us “Millennials,” a label for self-entitled babies born into the ’90s, who also comprise a number of students and staff. To be regarded as a failure because of parental assistance is unfair, especially in today’s economy. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, student debt has risen to $1.2 trillion over the past decade. This debt is staggering and doesn’t give students and future students any incentive to continue enrollment. We hear about college graduates that graduated, but can’t find a job and they drown in debt from student loans. A five-year study from the University of Arizona suggests only about half of adults between ages 23 to 26 and at least one year out of college have a full-time job. Students are now discouraged with the possibilities of securing means even after graduation, making college appear less promising for future students aspiring an education. The parents of adult children suffer as well. Two-thirds of people above 50 have financially supported a child at least 21-yearsold. Dan Kadlec reported 73 percent of parents “ages 40 to 59, having at least one grown child, helped support an adult son or daughter in the prior year. Half of those parents said they were their grown child’s primary means of support.” Also, a Merrill Lynch study suggests 40 percent of parents are willing to go back to work, and 36 percent to live with less if it means helping their kids. Our economic ordeal has shifted parenting. “Family dynamics are evolving,” says David Tyrie, head of the retirement and personal-wealth solutions at Merrill. “Adults are living longer, people are retiring later, and millennials are making life choices vastly different than their parents did” Kadlec said The quote supports the unlikelihood of children surpassing their parents. Being a “loving” parent today could mean returning to work or prolonging retirement. The research gathered argue how much parents are willing to give, reporting 30 percent of parents helping to support grown children spend at least $5,000 a year on their kids. It adds to the pressures students face, creating a dilemma for parents deciding whether their nurturing benefits their child. Several tips offered to foster independence include recognizing our roles budgeting by reducing luxuries. The acknowledgment of economic differences can reduce the negativity towards adults who still live at home while encouraging others to seek out education and independence. Our economy faces a crisis.Therefore, a weight will be lifted off our shoulders, enabling us to work towards spreading our wings to finally leave the nest.

One month into the fall semester at Los Medanos College and many students, like myself are juggling school, work, family, and friends; all while trying map out the rest of our lives. Whether you attend college right after high school or well into your adult life, stress is one of the biggest issues students pursing higher education face today. The American College association reported that in 2017 eighty percent of college students “felt overwhelmed by everything they had do”. Between balancing classes, projects, tests, work, extra-curricular activities, and your personal life; that can be enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed and even stressed. Many students feel the immense pressure to do well in school so they can land a good job after graduation. With the sagging economy people are realizing that a high-school degree is no longer sufficient to achieve a family-supporting income in todays’ society. Although community college is recognized as being more affordable, tuition is still costly. According to the Department of Education school tuition increased by 260% between 1980 and 2014, and has continued to increase. The cost of a college education goes far beyond tuition and can include textbooks, supplies, housing, food, transportation, childcare, and other school-related fees. Some students receive help with educational cost through scholarships, loans, and financial aid, but still need to work in order to pay for expenses. Soaring tuitions and stable incomes are making college less affordable and increasing the financial burden and stress of students and their families. Last year California legislatures took a huge step in helping make education more accessible by making the first year of college free for all first-time, full time students. A new measure has now been introduced with the legislature’s intent to wave fees for all students’ second academic year. If this were done, an associate’s degree would become attainable for free for students in California. The legislature could help alleviate student stress with financial assistance. More money could help support strategies such as tutoring and mentoring, individualized student counseling, supplemental instruction, and programs to help students succeed and reduce drop out rates. Stress impacts everyone in different way, what is stressful to one person may not be to another. But feeling stressed, anxious, and even depressed during your college years is normal, and there is a good chance one or more of your friends or classmates are feeling the same way. You should not assume that someone is “fine” just because they are showing no outward signs of distress. In the right small doses some stress can be great, helping you stay focused and alert. But too much stress can be detrimental to your health, and lead to bigger problems such as depression, anxiety, lack of sleep and hypertension. It is important to identify the triggers of your stress, utilize techniques to manage stress, and reach out to outside resources. The stigma surrounding mental health has dramatically changed within the last 10 to 20 years, and students are less afraid to openly speak about mental health issues and ask for help. Los Medanos has the Student Wellness Program available to all its students on the Pittsburg and Brentwood campuses; the program allows students to receive shortterm therapeutic services to help address issues in and out of the classroom. Whether it takes you two years, four years, or more to complete your degree that is a long time to be dealing with stress. Taking action and learning to manage your stress effectively early on can help you achieve your college goals, be healthier and happier doing it, and it may just save your life.

Editorial

Saudi defense is pitiful

P

resident Trump’s response to the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is pathetic and sad. Despite a mounting pile of objective evidence up including audio and video recordings implicating the Saudis as the party responsible for Khashoggi’s gruesome murder, Trump has doubled down in defense of the crown, reiterating their denials when pressed by media. “The king firmly denies any knowledge of it,” Trump said when asked about the murder and Saudi Arabia’s potential ties to it, as reported by the Washington Post. “He didn’t really know, maybe, I don’t want to get into his mind, but it sounded to me like maybe it could have been rogue killers, who knows? We’re going to try get to the bottom of it very soon, but his was a flat denial.”Trump’s sympathy for both King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has only emboldened over time. “Here we go again, when you know you’re guilty until proven innocent,” Trump told the Associated Press, who later reported Trump went on to compare the global criticism of Saudi Arabia to the allegations of sexual assault against Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Admittedly, Trump did bring up the multiple lucrative arms deals between the United States and Saudi Arabia as a reason to not push forward in condemning them — doing so could potentially damage the already rocky relations with have Saudi Arabia. However, many outlets have pointed out Trump also has several non-Presidential business ties with the Saudi government. The ties date back to the 1990s, including personal gifts and real estate purchases, creating a potential source of bias. That’s not even getting into the fact that no one knows for sure what story Khashoggi was writing or what he had found out prior to his killing.Regardless, even with the arms deals being a factor, there is no excuse for our country’s poor reaction to the situation. “There isn’t enough money in the world to purchase back our credibility on human rights,” stated Marco Rubio in a CNN interview.

lEttEr to thE Editors

Stigma prevents reaching out

DEAR EDITOR: In regards to Dale Satre’s recent article on suicide, although suicide hotlines help, I believe the stigma associated with seeking help for very personal issues. This includes severe depression and other mental health illnesses prevent those feeling suicidal from calling the suicide hotline. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 44,965 Americans die by suicide each year. I would be willing to bet many who committed suicide had access to a suicide hotline number. Today, we have many resources available to us online. There is nothing we cannot find online, yet many still choose to end their lives. At 12-years-old, my home life was a wreck due to the drugs and alcohol that plagued my family at the time. Also, I was a victim of daily bullying. I was suicidal. At the time, I just wanted the pain to end. I did not have a mental illness. I was just a kid who hated life and did not feel I could talk to my parents about anything. If someone saw the signs and reached out to me, that would have made the world of difference. Instead, I was silently dying.

People who commit suicide do not just suffer from mental illnesses and I believe that may be the reason that some feeling suicidal do not seek help. Suicide appears to be associated with mental illnesses, but there are many reasons people take their lives without seeking help. Terrible break-ups, peer pressure, lack of living up to parental expectations, bullying and a host of other reasons account for the suicide rate. Those feeling suicidal need to feel they can communicate with someone they can trust before the crisis happens. Parents should pay more attention to their children and monitor their online activities and teachers should be trained to look for signs of those affected by bullying and depression. I believe schools should encourage students to vocalize their feelings without fear of being looked at as weak. Self-esteem is everything and when people are made to feel comfortable expressing themselves knowing they’ll be heard and taken seriously, they don’t die inside while the world moves forward. Suicidal thoughts happen before one makes a choice to end it.

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 is an irrational fear you have? COMPILED

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CHRIS

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

RUIZ

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

PERRY CONTINENTE

“I’m claustophobic.” — Sadaf Sharifi

“I’m scared of spiders.” — Jade Jinks

“I used to be scared to flush the toilet.”

“I’m scared of snakes biting me while I’m on the toilet.”

“My irrational fear is sleeping with the closet door open.”

“My fear is the Cthulhu Mythos.”

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 Academic Center opens house

The Center for Academic Support is holding an Open House for all students Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Room CO 300. The purpose of the Open House is to educate students about the Center for Academic Support’s operations, with a specific focus on their extended hours, drop-in peer tutorting, Traveling Consultant program and Brain Food Project.

Fall to be a musical adventure

The Los Medanos College of Music Choral Division conducted by Professor Silvester Carl Henderson will be presenting the Fall Choral Adventure Concert Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall. The performance will feature the LMC College Chorus, LMC Chamber Chorale and LMC Gospel Choir as well as special guest tenor Chadwick Somers of Martinez, CA. Tickets will be $5 with children under 4 being allowed in for free. For more information, call (925) 473-7805 or (925) 565-6107 or email shenderson@losmedanos.edu

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Leadership conference encourages By NICK CAMPBELL @nicky_charles

The annual Impact Leadership Conference kicked off this past Friday, welcoming to the college guest speakers from around the Bay Area. It was held at the Community Room in the school library, LMC hosted a panel of leaders who are expert in their respective fields of leadership. The topics varied across different platforms that affect everyday student life. The event began with a panel discussion by the guest speakers. Speakers included current LMC faculty like John Nguyen of Student Life, LMCAS Senator Marco Mendez, and Nicole Westbrook from Student Suppor t and Retention counselor. All gave a glimpse into their personal journeys that led them to their current roles here at the college. Dr. Olivia Munoz, Director of Canadian performer DJ Prototype was present at the Impact Leadership Residential Life & Community Conference. Above, he delivers spoken word poetry to the attendees. Standards for Mills College in Oakland, hosted a workshop about in higher education. Student participants like minded people that can connect you immigration and political activism in the Diana Longoria and Chioma Ezemma to resources,” said Longoria. Ezemma spoke to the effectiveness of immigrant community. Munoz brought enjoyed the “Social Movements, Threats to the panel her experience in student on Brown Bodies” session held by Munoz. the session, stating “I feel like I’ve learned “I like that she spoke about visualizing a lot about what I can do to impact change.” activism, support for DACA students, first generation students, and using the arts the change we want and to connect with See LEAD, page 5

Students will learn cooking

The Office of Student Life presents the 2018 Fall Festival. The event will feature food, drinks and entertainment taking up the entirety of the second floor of the College Complex Friday, Oct. 26. For more information call the Office of Student Life at (925) 473-7554.

Bay Area Orchestra radios in

Debate Team raises spicy funds

Los Medanos College Debate Society will be holding a fundraiser at the Chipotle at 4418 Century Blvd. in Pittsburg Tuesday, Oct. 23 between 5 and 9 p.m. To particpate, make any purchase during the operation time and mention to the cashier that you are there to support the LMC Debate Society.

Apply now for LMC SoCal tours Los Medanos will be holding several guided tours to Southern California college campuses during the Spring 2019 semester. Online registration for the tours opened earlier this month and will continue until Oct. 26. The tours will run Jan. 14-17, 2019 and will visit University of Southern California, San Diego State University, University of California San Diego and California State University Fresno. To apply online, visit www.losmedanos.edu.transfer/ CampusTours.asp

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.

November Paint Nights

The Los Medanos College Art Club will be holding 3 more Paint Night events during the Winter 2018 semester. The events are currently scheduled for Nov. 1, Nov. 15 and Dec. 6. Each Paint Night will run from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. in Room CC 307. Admission is $20 and covers a full suite of painting materials and guided instruction on how to paint the night’s subject, as well as snacks. Students sure they will be attending one of all of the Paint Night events can RSVP for any of the three Paint Nights at lmcartclub@gmail.net for $5 off the price of admission.

How to report news

If you have a news tip for a story, or a short item you would like considered for publication, here’s what to do: Stop by the Journalism Lab (Room CC3-301) on the main level or email the editor in chief Lilly Montero at lilly.montero3@gmail.com. News Briefs: If you are involved in an event that you would like publicized or have a short announcement fo the newswatch collumn, stop by the journalism lab and fill out a news form No items will be printed without the name and phone number of a person the staff can contact to verify information. Publication can never be guaranteed. — compiled from press releases and staff reports

— Ryu

Students see impact

Fall Festival returns

The Golden Gate Radio Orchestra, conducted by Los Medanos College’s own Luis Zuniga, will be visiting the LMC campus Tuesday Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. for a full concert performance. The Golden Gate Radio Orchestra have peformed several times at LMC previously and describe themselves as “a 19-piece re-creation of the versatile radio station or network “house orchestra,” with the full-bodied sound of violins, woodwinds, brass, percussion and vocalists.” In addition to a throw-back, Big Band sound, the concerts also feature narration and “commercial break” skits to mimic the feeling of a 20th century radio show. Tickets will be $8 general admission or $5 for LMC students. For more information call the LMC Music Office at (925) 473-7805 or Zuniga himself at (925) 473-7810. You can also email lzuniga@losmedanos.edu

“Whatever you find worthwhile in life, is worth fighting for.”

By ALEX CAMILLI @A_Carnation

Speaker Tara Sanders addresses the student crowd at Energize Your Destiny.

Shell event energizes By ELIZABETH MCLAURIN Staff Writer

Los Medanos College invited students, as well as others from local schools and workforce development organizations to attend a Shell Oil sponsored event highlighting opportunities available to women in technical education and career fields. The Energize Your Destiny event came to LMC Wednesday, for the second year in a row and celebrating its 10-year anniversary this fall. In his opening remarks David Esquibel, workforce development manager for Shell Oil, emphasized the power of diversity. “We know the strength women bring to the table,” he said. “We want to welcome more

females to the industry.” The event provided attendees with a wide range of information. One presentation outlined various obstacles women face when pursuing jobs in male-dominated fields. Keynote speaker Nicola Maher, process safety manager at Shell Martinez Refinery, underscored the cultural barriers that still exist for women today. “Historically, it’s a man’s job. Girls were not encouraged to pursue STEM careers,” she said. Another presentation offered hands-on assistance, providing resume-building tips and a personal review of attendees’ resumes. LMC Process Technology instructor Jim Martin detailed the importance of a properly

See OIL, page 5

The Los Medanos College Food Pantr y will host an interactive demonstration where students for tunate enough to reserve a spot will cook alongside a chef from the Contra Costa Health Services. The ingredients used will be from the menu that the Food Pantry provides for students who are eligible to receive the items after filling out the intake form found in room SS3-817. The demonstration will be held Oct. 30 at noon in room L-109 and those who reserved a spot will be able to participate. Students cooking with the chef do not require any culinary experience in order to participate. Oct. 16 was the last day to sign on the RSVP sheet to cook in the demonstration. LMC’s Student Life Coordinator John Nguyen briefly described how the chef will curate and prepare the dishes for the first time on campus. “What she will be doing is cooking stuff in front of our students, she’ll have the same See COOK, page 5


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Heavenly brews at Del Cielo By PERRY CONTINENTE @perrycontinente

Del Cielo Brewing Company in downtown Martinez has quickly become a local fixture. Despite being relatively new, opening in 2017, the brewery is perpetually busy. Contrasting with the old brick exterior, the trendy, spacious, spar tan interior makes you feel like you were transported to an Oakland brewery rather than Martinez. The interior is painted with starkly contrasting black, white and grey shades that pop dramatically. This, coupled with the wonderfully woodworked bar and tables and the mammoth brewing tanks in full view, create an atmosphere that is at once trendy and inviting as well as utilitarian and professional. This extends even to the metal stands for beer flights that have a delightfully do-ityourself aesthetic; they are a piece of metal with two 90 degree angles forged into it with the name of the brewery cut out of the vertical layer. The beer rests artfully on top creating a beautiful mix of

REVIEW

utilitarianism and minimalist elegance that reflects the whole of the brewery. The pub also strikes a nice balance between modern and approachable; two flat screens show sports above the bar, but board games are also readily available. The result is a nice mish-mash of clientele with both people looking for a beer after work and hipsters attending. Del Cielo is bustling at nearly ever y hour that it is open, which is infrequently as the hours are quite limited, open only from 4 to 9 p.m. weekdays with lengthier hours on the weekends. As the name implies, Del Cielo has a strong Latinx influence with the co-owners being from Colombia and Puerto Rico. These flags are proudly displayed next to the American flag in the brewery. Del Cielo is pricier than many of its competitors with beers in the 6 to 7$ range, however the quality of the brews makes the case for charging a higher price The beer featured at Del Cielo, while obviously the biggest draw at such an es-

tablishment, still manages to exceed expectations. The brews exhibit an attention to detail in ever y aspect with nothing feeling unintentional. This precision can be most easily seen in the Mexican lager “Órale,” which is maybe the finest beer in its style I have ever had. The smell is citrusy and inviting with a hint of spice.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

‘Venom’ is OK, plot is weak

Plot Summary: Tom Hardy stars as Eddie Brock, a San Francisco-based reporter investigating the mysterious Life Foundation CEO Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed) and his connection to a race of alien creatures called “symbiotes.” Brock and one of the symbiotes, named Venom, are forced to work together to stop Drake’s machinations.

Each flavor blends from one to the next with no off flavors and ends with a clean and refreshing finish. Lagers require more care to brew than ales with temperature control, pH balance and brew time all having a much smaller margin for error. Because of this, it is often said that you can judge a brewery’s quality based on

its lagers. By this metric, Del Cielo is world class. The rest of the tap list is similar in quality with each beer having a carefully curated taste to it. The brewers clearly put intense thought and effort into every one of the brews and the result is fantastic. IPAs are also featured heavily with predominantly hazy, dry

hopped brews being featured that bring a intense hop flavor without much bitterness. The “Hazy and Loss” is a prime example coming loaded with juicy citrus flavor and ending in a clean dry finish. Del Cielo is a rising star in the East Bay brewery scene and should be visited by anyone even remotely interested in beer.

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Broom says: Non-toxic for children and up

Perry says: Left me feeling sick

Robbie says: Good? No. Fun? Yes.

At this point, Marvel has their formula nailed down to gather large audiences and please them. “Venom” fell short of expectations especially in the dialogue arena where the film seemed bordered between an R-rating and its PG-13 rating. The film didn’t make full use of the chaotic neutrality of the two-in-one character of sensational TV journalist Eddie Brock and “symbiote” Venom. There were not any major plot holes, though some of the transitions were poorly executed in an attempt to keep viewers attentive. A foundation as to how the symbiotes were discovered, less of the journey on Earth, paired with a timeline in relation to the rest of the MCU could have assisted with the weight “Venom” carried as a standalone film. The movie might not have been better much longer than another 15 minutes.

Analyzing #MeToo

Survivors share their perspectives

of reasons. Initially people tend not to believe survivors When actress Rose Mcgowan came out like Dr. Ford due to a lack of corroboration and with sexual assault allegations against Harvey their inability to remember all of the details Weinstein in 2017, she kickstarted the major surrounding an assault. However, both are growth of the #Metoo movement. Women common as sexual assaults often occur with then came together on social media to finally few witnesses and trauma can impact memory. In comparison to the physical trauma of a tell their stories about their own experiences sexual assault, the psychological symptoms with sexual assault. The growth and consequences of this are “much less visible and can, in fact, be completely hidden to others,” said movement lead to many men in marriage and family therapist, the entertainment industry being Dan Beaver. held accountable for their actions Rape Trauma Syndrome is a against the men and women they medical term given to the response allegedly assaulted. By holding that most survivors have to rape, men accountable, costing them said the therapist. Loss of memory, their jobs and often their livelianger, depression and confusion hoods, a new standard of what was are some of the symptoms that acceptable had been set — or so most survivors can suffer from. we thought. “It’s important to understand Last month Bill Cosby was that people respond differently to criminally sentenced from 3 to 10 trauma and while most survivors years in federal prison for drugging “Understand will experience these symptoms, and raping a multitude of women that people some may only experience a few throughout his career. Then, in the or none at all,” Beaver continued. same week of Cosby’s sentencing, respond “We must be careful not to judge Dr.Christine BlaseyFord and differently to whether someone has been raped Supreme Court nominee, Brett trauma.” Kavanaugh aired out their sides — Dan Beaver by the number of symptoms that they display.” of a sexual assault Ford alleges While many have chalked up Kavanaugh was a part of in the 1980’s. After an FBI investigation, limited in this current moment to a return to skepticism its scope, failed to corroborate Ford’s story, of survivor’s stories, others have looked to the Kavanaugh found himself sitting on the Su- impact race has on holding people accountable. An LMC student who did not want to be preme Court. Within a short period of time, the Cosby identified, finds herself considering two parts of sentencing and Kavanaugh’s confirmation bring her identity when she thinks on this moment. “When it comes to me, I have two different to light two completely different outcomes and perhaps the limitations of the standards perspectives — one as a survivor and the See METOO, page 5 set by the #MeToo Movement for a handful @Lyniece_

— Shota Aizawa

A balloon floats above kegs celebrating Del Cielo’s first year open. The Martinez pub has become popular.

REVIEW CREW

By BREANNA CRAWFORD

4

“There’s nothing crueler than letting a dream end midway.”

“Venom” is a mess, an entertaining to be sure, but still a mess. The film wildy oscillates in tone from a horror film to a buddy cop comedy and finally to a vapid superhero slug fest. Characters’ motivations are unclear and shift wildly for no reason and the first third of the film is edited so quickly with so many choppy cuts that it is distracting. I was smiling through much of the movie, it was undeniably a good time, but I’m not sure how much of that was on purpose. The middle fairs the strongest with protagonists Eddie Brock and Venom’s back and forth providing most of the memorable moments. While these conversations are fun, the paint-by-numbers action scenes are not. They do nothing fresh or good instead settling for mediocrity.“Venom” had a troubled production and it shows.

“Venom” is incredibly stupid in the coolest way possible, and therefore very true to the comic book character. It is not by any means a well written, paced or an executed film, but it’s fun, and worth the price of admission. In the comics, Venom is the result of journalist Eddie Brock bonding with an alien symbiote. Tom Hardy portrays Brock and voices the symbiote. He does a great job of both — though the comically violent and darkly humorous symbiote is the true star of the show. The film’s shaky writing and loose plot threads are a major flaw, but are easy to forget when Venom is on full display during the fast-paced blockbuster action scenes. If you have any interest in Venom as a character, the movie is worth your time, but don’t come expecting anything more than a popcorn flick.


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food items as well,” Nguyen continued. “So when she’s making it the students are also making it and they will be able to take the food home as well.” LMC officially established their Food Pantry service in March 2016 not long after the Hope Survey was conducted district and nationwide. In 2016, 36 percent of college students did not get enough to eat. According to Contra Costa District research, roughly 54.4 percent of community college students have reported they experienced food insecurity 30 days prior to the survey. LMC President Bob Kratochvil openly stated how colleges within the state plan to remedy this widespread issue. “We have participated in a survey that drew our attention to it, some of which we have known that anecdotally,” said Kratochvil.Community colleges and state universities have developed nutrition assistance programs that are not to be confused with welfare programs. LMC’s Food Pantry has partnered with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to ensure that detrimental shortages do not occur. To learn more about accessing Calfresh/Food Stamp benefits visit www.foodbankccs.org. The Food Pantry at LMC operates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday. To access the Food Pantry, students are required to have an LMC ID and be currently enrolled in classes. Student Jaime Orozco elaborated on the process of becoming eligible to receive food items. “You would have to sign up on the food intake form and it has to be renewed every semester,” said Orozco. For more information about qualifications and the menu options for the food pantry visit www.losmedanos.edu/ foodpantry

2018

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COOK

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A visit LGBT from admin

EVAC his car at the Bay Point Bart station before coming to the shelter. Jay had briefly left as his mother was feeling sick and returned with medicine for her. When asked where he got the medicine, Jay said, “I was not allowed back, I drove my car around the back and jumped the fence.” The transformation of the gym into a shelter is something that has happened previously.The space last being used as a shelter from the Atlas fire in October of 2017. Shelter Manager Mike Gaertner explained that the evacuation zone was between a mile and a half, a mile around the threatened gas line. “A number of people spent the night in their cars at Baypoint Bart station,” said Gaertner. He continued to stress that people need to think about planning for the event of an evacuation, “If there’s an emergency and you only have five minutes what are you going to take?” A person faced with this very question was Augustine Marhx, who arrived with child in tow both dressed in pajamas. “I was up and told to evacuate,” said Marhx visibly annoyed. “We had to go back to get our dog and everything we needed.” While it is a large operation occupying the gym, campus police Lieutenant Chad Wehrmeister was complimentary of the Red Cross’ ability to execute the operation. “The Red Cross is such a well oiled machine, that there isn’t much for us to do,” said Wehrmeister. He continued to say that the campus police were contacted early Thursday morning and have been assisting with distribution of food and are operating in a support capacity for the Red Cross.

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Follow the LMC Experience online at lmcexperience.com

RENEW WALK

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Work Group inter views faculty and collects data on the quality of education and curriculum. Phase 2 identifies LMC’s strengths in teaching, and what factors can be improved. In Phase 3, the work group focuses on long-term planning for the college’s goals to keep students’ education competitive and up-to-date. The last, phase 4 will be the report going to the Student Senate, Classified Senate, Academic Senate and the college district governing board for feedback, before finally being submitted to the ACCJC. The work group started meeting for Phase 1 this month, to identify role assignments and plans for completing them. In October, the committee is scheduled to conduct the inter views, and complete its preliminary report by February 2019. Phase 2 is scheduled to r un from March through June 2019, and Phase 3 is planned to run from June through December 2019. The concluding Phase 4 is planned from January 2020 through June 2020, before the report heads to the college district and the ACCJC. Numerous California community colleges have trouble with the accreditation process. In 2012, the ACCJC sanctioned City College of San Francisco and threatened to take away the college’s accreditation over deficit spending and records showing that 92 percent of the budget went to salaries and benefits. The sanctions were lifted in 2017, but the battle cost the college millions in legal fees and lost enrollment. LMC’s last accreditation was finalized in Januar y 2015, when ACCJC recommended improving the college’s financial aid disbursement and the quality of student resources at the Brentwood Center. In their follow-up report, LMC President Bob Kratochvil and the Steering Committee outlined the improvements that LMC had made. The college was re-accredited. Hsieh was upbeat about the work group taking on the mission this year and stressed the importance to students. “Students are ver y important to the accreditation process,” Hsieh said. “We depend on them to give us the full picture.” Hsieh said she welcomes student involvement and opinions during the work group meetings, and encourages those interested to contact the LMC Associated Students to serve as student representatives.

were rock painting, an attendee-created mural and resource booths from local non profit organizations that try to extend help. Colored “Honored beads” were also given out for attendees to identify what kind of loss they had personally gone through. “Knowing the struggles my kids were going to incur, I needed to do something proactive for my children,” said Estes. “My oldest has access to information [he] probably wouldn’t have had access to before, and noticing that I want the information out there.” LMC Student Kelly Williams attended the event and represented Team Contra Costa Medical Career College. On her own, Williams raised more than $400 wor th of donations for the Out of the Darkness walk. Her entire team raised a total of $3,636 and came in second in donations raised. Williams, an activist in suicide awareness, was disappointed in the lack of variety in the activities available in at the event. “I do believe there should’ve been more mental health representation,” she said, adding that the event should have had a more personalized approach. The leading team in donations was Team Xavier whose team founder, Rich Rodriguez, gave an emotional speech sharing his experience in losing his brother. Team Xavier raised $7,080 and most of the proceeds came from his second annual Healthy Fit Boot Camp “Fitness to Fight Suicide” fundraiser. The fundraiser is in honor of his brother which proceeds went directly to his team. The AFSP is also working on “Project 2025,” which aims to keep the national suicide rate below 20 percent by targeting four critical prevention areas. These areas are: Firearms, Healthcare Systems, Emergency Departments and the Corrections System. According to the AFSP, in 2016 the national average suicide rate among all ages per 100,000 was 13.42 percent. For suicide related deaths in adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 was 13.15 percent, while the ages 45 to 54 was the highest rate at 19.42 percent. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-8255 “It’s okay to not be okay and to get help,” said Estes.

One featured guest speaker, Domonique Echeverria, gave a riveting tale about her journey as a disabled and queer Latinx artist. She shared the tragic stor y of her struggle with mental health that led to her creating an online resource called “Universal Mother” that focuses on unique healing. “Young people are often afraid to question authority, which creates barriers,” said Echeverria. A key speaker on the panel was Jocelyn Villalobos, Student Trustee from the Contra Costa Community College District. She’s a first generation college student and involved in many clubs like Puente, Outreach ambassador and others. Villalobos said, “I’ve never considered myself to be an activist before, but it helps to teach leadership.” After the panel wrapped their discussion with the conference attendees, lunch was served and they had a spoken word performance by William Bissic, AKA MC Prototype. He gave a great poetic performance that blended spoken word and hip hop lyrics. He also gave a “Creative Process” workshop on using entrepreneurship as a structural model to tackle social justice issues. A high school teacher from Southern California shared some of the techniques he teaches his students. Things like understanding the world, scaling the solution by breaking down goals in layers, and “finding out what you love about what you do.” He enlightened the audience about using a problem/solution model to build a vision for change. “Once you realize your voice matters, then you can affect change,” said Bissic. Throughout the various workshops participating students learned from a diverse panel of educators. Jenn Wells, Director of SCORE at Scripps College, held a “Brave Space and Identity” workshop about suppor ting identity based students. She taught about creating an environment of inclusion, equity and accountability. She went into detail about what’s referred to as the “Gender Unicorn” in which gender identity and expression is often perceived and practiced. To learn more you can go to www. transstudent.org/gender. The participating students left the event informed, fed, and entertained. Student Life would like to welcome all college students to check out future events by visiting the Student Life office on Campus or you can follow them on Instagram at @lmcstudentlife.

tinued. It should be noted that Weinstein has faced repercussions. When he got arrested back in May he paid $1 million as a part of a bail package and has been required to wear a monitor to restrict his travel. Though the LMC student is more than happy women are coming forward, she also acknowledges there must be room for skepticism and considerations of ulterior motives impacted by race. “So many black men have been accused of sexual assault and have lost their lives or been imprisoned. For example Emmett Till,” she said.

“Sixty-three years ago Carolyn Bryant accused him of sexual assault and he was killed because of it.” A similar occurrence recently happened in early October when a women named Teresa Klein accused a 9-year-old black boy of sexually assaulting her while she was shopping. The video went viral of her claiming that he grouped her but the footage showed his backpack grazed her behind without his awareness. LMC student Roshanna Newt also views this moment as an awakening. “For me this has opened up my eyes to the men who control

METOO From page 4

other as a black woman,” she says.“As a survivor, I am glad that women are speaking up and that Cosby was convicted.” However, when it comes to her perspective as a Black woman she can’t help but notice how white men aren’t held accountable as often as black men. “As a black woman I feel like there were so many other men accused of sexual assault like Trump, Harvey Weinstein, Vincent Cirrincione and many other white men, but because Bill is black he was given a harsher sentence,” she con-

Catt Wood placed a chocolate cake with candles at the front of the room and sang “Happy National Coming Out Day” to the tune of “Happy Birthday.” The stage was turned over to the main speaker Deb Cuny. Contra Costa Community Cuny gave her coming out story. with the cake as a prop. College District “With a cake and a celeChancellor Fred Wood bration comes candles, and visited the Los Medanos with candles come wishes College Associated and I have quite a few wishes Students at their Monday I want to share tonight. And meeting. LMCAS I invite you to make a wish,” President Priscilla Cuny said. Tatman listens intently as There were 12 wishes corWood gives insight to the responding with 12 parts of governmental processes Cuny’s coming out story. As a person who was raised in the with which he is very Christian faith, her family and familiar. church was homophobic and initially could not accept her sexual orientation. Her family did ever ything to enforce gender roles, like making her wear hair bows when she played sports. She said From page 3 worded and well-organized that she liked dressing in her resume to help stand out when father’s clothes, had ambitions applying to highly competitive of becoming a preacher and often was found preaching job openings. The most effective segment with a bible to a line of stuffed of the event might have been animals. As a teenager, Cuny tried the question and answer panel to seek help from her youth that consisted of current women employees with Shell Oil. group leaders. “I turned to them and told The audience asked detailed them about my same-sex questions and got real responses from women who have attractions,” Cuny said. She was appalled when the experienced and overcome the obstacles highlighted in people she trusted for help abandoned her. the keynote. Her church rejected her, Two of the panelists, Heather Slinde and Nicole Pitts, are her parents refused to accept graduates of LMC’s Electrical her and joined anti-gay orgaand Instrumentation Program. nizations. After a downward When one young woman from spiral of anxiety, depression the audience asked the panel and resorting to alcohol detheir motivation for working in pendence, she felt she was the industry, Slinde responded, powerless and needed help. “As a woman, I knew I needed Again she reached out to her a foundation of skills that no parents and finally things one could ever take from me.” began to get better. “It is by the grace of God Attendees traveled to LMC from all over the East Bay. A that I am standing here today group of students in the Edge four years sober,” she said. Her parents redeemed Academy at Antioch High School eagerly awaited the themselves and no longer event while eating the spon- partake in homophobia. Cuny said her mom sored breakfast. Seniors Jetzi changed her focus because Guzman, Columba Barron, Andrea De Anda and Caroline she just couldn’t understand Preece explained how they why her faith system didn’t wanted to attend to explore align with what she knew new opportunities and learn about her daughter. “My mom is now part of a from the experience of women group called the Mama Bears, in the trade. “I’m just excited to hear and the Mama Bears focus on everything they talk about,” how to love their queer kids,” Cuny explained. Barron said. The Mama Bears go to LMC ETEC students were also in attendance. Sophomore events and offer love to queer Alzhan Tulegenov prioritized people who need a supportive networking at the event in parent. “I am finally proud to be hopes of finding a job since he’s graduating this December. queer and Christian,” said An ETEC student since 2016, Cuny. Before she ended the preTulegenov offered some of the event’s more memorable sentation, she addressed why moments when speaking about she came out. “I do it for my sanity, for his own experience working my sobriety and to reclaim with female students in class. “Men a lot of times, we want my power which means not to show of f, you know, do hiding or apologizing for things fast,” said Tulegenov. what makes me so goddamn “With women it’s different, beautiful,” she said, “and I’m they’re collaborators, always beautiful.” willing to help.” Shell Oil provided breakfast, lunch and handed out a generous goodie bag with lots of From page 6 resources for those interested in further exploration of the in the Mustangs’ victory over Solano. field. LMC has outscored oppoThe event also featured a raffle with prizes that included nents 21-0 through the first gift cards, Bluetooth speakers round of conference, a drastic shift from non-conference play and an iPad. For Preece and Guzman, when the Mustangs ended on the event lived up to the hype. a four game winless streak “I loved the panelists and being outscored 12-2. Rylie Pearson gas gone learned a lot more than ex540 minutes in conference pected,” Preece said. Guzman was most excited play without allowing a goal, to learn about the Shell Oil certainly one of the best performances by an LMC goalkeeper scholarship. “LMC is definitely an option in recent memory. But the now developed for me,” she said. backline of Emma Spears, Brianna Olmedo, Mar ymar Mejía and Shelly Torrano have been a key in keeping a lot of these industries and opponents off the scoreboard. what power they actually have Kyle Anaya also adds depth to over women, or what they they the defense. Kailey Lewis was think they have over women,” a late addition to the team, but Newt said. has been a key contributor on For the #Metoo movement, defense ever since her arrival. now is the time more than ever “They’re finally getting to to push the agenda against sex- play a lot of games together, ual assault and accountability. If they play really well as unit,” more people continue to share Sullivan said. “It comes a long their stories it can give a voice way you back four knowing to the few who may feel as they each other is very important.” are silenced, or ashamed of Sullivan also said that sophwhat happened to them. omore captain Samantha If you or someone else needs Donavan has been doing well confidential help or support can controlling and distributing the find confidential help at Rainn. ball at the holding mid position. org or call the National Sexual Next up for the Mustangs assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 is a trip Mendocino College which is always available. on Friday Oct. 19.

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“To be the man, you gotta beat the man.”

— Ric Flair

Scoring goals on, off field Day aims to be best mom and forward

BY LILLY MONTERO @lilly_montero3

Carissa Day’s life took an unexpected turn when in her junior year of high school she found out she was pregnant with her first child, Reese Everleigh Treff. Reese was unplanned, but ultimately a blessing in Day’s life. Though things have taken a different path than she’d imagined, life is good. Day has a partner who’s supportive and works with her to create the best dynamic for their daughter. Tyler Treff, Day’s fiancé and Reese’s father, not only works full-time but is also a full-time student here at Los Medanos College. The pair have been dating since middle school and will tie the knot next spring. “I’ve been extremely blessed with the support system that we have,” D ay added. With her family and fiancé behind her, the 18-year-old graduated high school early, and is now taking care of Reese, going to college full-time and playing soccer for LMC. It’s taken a village, dedication and focus but Day has found that it’s manageable. People who go through unplanned pregnancies,“tend to think that they can’t accomplish the things that they want to or they can’t do the things that they want for themselves,” Day said, “but to give your child your all you have to give to yourself as well.” Day’s focus on her goals is something that’s clear both on and off the field. As a teammate she is competitive and inspiring. The freshman for ward leads the LMC soccer team in goals with six and has made a handful of assists throughout the Mustangs’ impressive season that have helped turn many games in their favor. “She’s huge and even in the games where she doesn’t score she poses such a threat that it kind of helps the team and other players be successful,” said head coach Zach Sullivan. The soccer player, in spite of occasional scheduling conflicts, has been a valuable addition to the team, said Sullivan. He and her teammates were impressed when 10 days after an injury they feared might prevent her from continuing the season, she got back on the field with a fierceness, recording an assist in her first game back in LMC’s 1-0 win over Yuba College Oct. 16. “She’s tough, but after you give birth to a

Photo courtesy of Carissa Day

Carissa Day poses with her daughter Reese, who has taught her responsibility and how to be a mother at a young age. baby soccer’s nothing,” Sullivan joked. On the other hand as a student, mother and a person she is driven and constantly considering options for her future. Before she had Reese, Day had planned to go into the army and criminal justice, both she is still considering doing now. Though she’s working on her general education, Day admitted, “I always wanted to join the military and that’s something that’s still a possibility.” She hopes to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps. He went into the military and later applied the experience in his career as a police officer.

“It’s a job that makes a difference… it’s a selfless job,” Day said. Being selfless is something the young mother has learned in taking care of her daughter among other things. “She’s definitely taught me a lot,” Day said. “She’s taught me the responsibility of having to worry about somebody other than myself.” Day has had to grow up a lot faster than others. There are times when it really hits her that she’s not like other people her age. While others are going out and pulling late, reckless nights, Day has to consider first what’s best Reese. She’s managed to keep all of her friends

as they’ve all been supportive and accepting, however, she often finds herself connecting to older people who can relate to the responsibility. On the whole motherhood has been one of the most rewarding experiences for Day. “Being a mom is the hardest work that you do, but it’s work that you love doing,” Day said. “It’s work that I enjoy having. It’s a blessing.” For now, Day is just focused on being a good mother, fiancé and teammate. Whatever the future holds, she won’t sell herself short and encourages other young or unprepared mothers to do the same. “Have confidence in yourself,” said Day, “you’re able to do more than you think.”

Future of national soccer team bright

Experience Chris Ruiz

Marymar Mejia (Gray) has been a key player on the Mustang backline throughout the season.

Perfect record intact By JESUS CANO @Juice_Cano

You probably wouldn’t have noticed the slow start Los Medanos College women’s soccer had by the way they’ve performed in the Bay Valley Conference. After going 1-5-1 in non-conference play the Mustangs have skyrocketed in production. With the Mustangs’ narrow 1-0 victory over Yuba College, LMC is now undefeated (6-0) through the first half of conference outscoring opponents 21-0. LMC came off it’s biggest victory of the season on Oct. 15 when they took down the reigning BVC champion Solano College. The game started with a 45 minute delay due to the late arrival of the officials for the game. As soon as the game got under way, Yuba had LMC on its toes, catching them off guard as the 49ers kept on pounding the Mustangs offense.

Experience Chris Ruiz

Emma Spears moments before taking a free-kick. But after that, LMC looked more like the mid October team we are used to seeing: the creation of offensive opportunities, but not being able to capitalize on them. Holly Gallagher and Sydney Vueve had notable back to back shots on goal, with 17 minutes left in the first half. Kailey Lewis also had a 35 yard shot that barely was just within reach of

the Yuba goalkeeper to knock it out of play. Gallagher would get another clear opportunity with a shot outside the 18 yard box but it bounced off the post. “I still think we can get a lot better, we’re leaving a lot of goals out,” LMC head coach Zach Sullivan said. “We hit a lot of posts lately which is really unlucky and in the preseason we didn’t have a lot of chances open right in front of the goal.” The only goal of the match came from Vueve in second half. With 37:30 on the clock she dribbled through and rifled the shot right over the Yuba goalkeeper. Carissa Day recorded the assist. “I got it off a throw in and kind of took it in and just put it top right over the keeper,” said Vueve. It was also a good sign to see Day play, especially after the scary injury she had a week and half ago against College of Marin and having to sit out See SOCC, page 5

The United States Men’s National Team has come under fire the past few months and deser vedly so. One of the causes for concern is the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. They only needed to beat Trinidad and Tobago, a team that was considered an easy task for the USMNT. They ended up losing the game 2-1, which ended their hopes of qualification. That isn’t to say that this team isn’t one for the future. Most of the last generation of players such as Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and the all time leading goal scorer Cobi Jonis have all retired and this new team is something that fans can be excited about. The rise of the new generation all started with Christian Pulisic, the 20-year-old winger from Maryland who plays for German club Dortmund, who’s rise to one of Europe’s youngest and brightest stars began in the 2015-16 season after being promoted to the first team at the young age of 17-years-old. So far in his 21 senior call-ups he has managed to score nine goals at only 20 years of age. Many may remember George Weah’s prolific career playing for Paris Saint-Germain and becoming a regular goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League. Now his son, Timothy Weah, is following in his father’s footsteps also playing for the same team at only 18 years old. The difference between the team his father played for and the current PSG team is that now PSG are considered to be one of Europe’s most elite clubs, boasting world class players like Mbappe, Neymar and Marco Verratti. Weah has only recently been able to break into the first team, scoring on the opening day again Caens in his team’s 3-0 win. Weah recently received his first call-up to the USMNT back in March in a friendly game against Peru in which his team won 1-0. Since then he has earned nine caps, contributing one goal so far. Joining the wave of up-and-coming youngsters is Matt Miazga. Miazga rose through the youth ranks with his hometown team, the New York Red

Hugo Calderon THIS IS IT CHIEF

Bulls. After an impressive two-anda-half years with the Red Bulls, the American earned himself a chance to play over the sea after English giants Chelsea brought him from his hometown club. He achieved something that many players from the Americas dream of doing, playing overseas. Since joining in January of 2016, Miazga would only stay in North London for six months being loaned out to Dutch club Vitesse in the summer of 2016, staying for two seasons until 2017. This past summer, he was again loaned out to French club Nantes in Ligue 1. This may concern people, seeing a player being loaned out so frequently, but Chelsea is known for loaning out young talent, even if they are good enough to play for the first team. He has represented the red, white and blue in almost all of the youth levels and his break finally came Nov. 13, 2015 against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines being substituted in the 63’. Since then, the American has earned himself ten caps for his nation, scoring his maiden goal back in 2017 against against Nicaragua in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup in which they turned out to be the eventual winners after beating Jamaica 2-1 in the final. These players represent light at the end of the tunnel during a dark time for the USMNT. While this team may not be ready at the moment for the challenges presented to them, their youthfulness allows them to be able to experiment and develop over time, as seen during their most recent friendlies against Columbia and Peru. U.S soccer may finally be able to compete with their southern neighbors.


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