Vol. 89 No. 7 - Oct. 26, 2018

Soccer shuts Napa out

Comets strike the Stangs

New coffee shop opens

The Mustangs continue their winning streak in soccer defeating Napa Valley College 2-0 — page 4

The Mustangs get obliterated by the CCC Comets 41-6 in a crushing defeat for the struggling team — page 4

Big House Beans opens a branch in Brentwood expanding the progressive coffee chain — page 5

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F.Y.I. Important dates October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 28

National Mother-inLaw Day.

Oct. 31

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

BSU examines student state The Black Student Union is holding an event called “State of the Black Student” Thursday, Nov. 14.

The event will be held in L-109 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Interested students can contact BSULMC2018@ gmail.com.

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Rally protests brutality Mother demands justice

By ROBERT PIERCE @RobertP_EXP

The Oscar Grant Committee Against Police Brutality, State Repression and the Anti-Police Terror Project held a rally protesting police brutality and honoring Terry Amons Junior who was killed by Pittsburg police this January in the Nation’s Giant Hamburgers on Railroad Avenue. The rally started around 2 p.m. and lasted until about 4 p.m. and consisted of picketing, chanting and marching around the swelteringly hot parking lot of Nation’s Giant Hamburgers. Rally-goer Gerald Smith estimated the turnout at “about 50.”

The rally was organized chiefly by Sandra Talbert, Amons’s mother, Brother Kingdom and Smith. Talbert herself stood at the center of the huddled crowd in the exact spot where Amons was killed, giving speeches and leading the crowd in “Justice for Terry” chants.

“I want justice for my son,” Talbert stated. “I want more people to know what these police

are doing… they are killing, killing, killing and getting away with it.”

Amons’s case was a focus of many of the speeches and demonstrations that day as his family and the Oscar Grant Committee are preparing to request the recently installed Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton to launch a new, independent investigation into Amons’s death and the officers involved.

“I want them police locked up,” Talbert said. “They killed him here, right where I’m at… they honestly assassinated my son for no reason.”

The flyer the Oscar Grant Committee used to promote the rally contained a url to an edited-for-time version of the body cam footage showing Amons’s death posted by The Mercury News. The video is available at Experience Robert Pierce https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVhBiDilpzs though viewers should be warned it is Jerome Langston, the uncle of Terry Amos Jr., See RALLY, page 7 protests his nephew’s death at the hands of police.

Jesse Medina and Karin Vosgueitchan.

Fest honors ancestors

Paint Night an evening of art Art Club presents Paint Night, an evening of art and fun directed by the artists.

Their next event is themed after the Day of the Dead Thursday, Nov. 1 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in Room CC3-307.

Materials, instruction and snacks will be provided by the club.

Admission is $20 at the door or $15 with an online RSVP. For more information those interested can contact the club at lmcartclub@ gmail.com.

Muertos in museum

By PERRY CONTINENTE @perrycontinente

Photos by Perry Contiente

An ofrenda at Oakland Museum’s annual Dia de los Muertos event. This is one of several colorful altars that paid tribute to the dead.

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

The smells of burning sage and braising carnitas filled the air at Oakland Museum’s annual Día de los Muertos event.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a multi-day holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico and parts of Central and South America, that celebrates and remembers the dead.

The massive celebration took up most of the museum with ofrendas, ceremonial altars to the dead, calaveras, or candy skulls and much more filling the space with bright colors and beautiful designs.

Many ofrendas were manned by different groups including Xochipilli, or Prince of Flowers. Medina, one of

Indie filmmaker tells his story @PerryContinente

“That was better than it had any right to be,” laughed one theater goer as the credits rolled on “Bubba Ho-Tep,” a film about two geriatric men, one who may be Elvis and one who is almost certainly not JFK, who battle a soul-sucking mummy in a retirement home. While the film certainly delivers on the craziness promised in its plot, one scene sees Elvis fighting a giant scarab beetle with a bedpan, it is also a surprisingly thoughtful meditation on aging, the indignities that come with

it and friendship.

What the viewer grasped onto were these surprisingly poignant moments and the way they weave seamlessly with the insanity surrounding them. It is this juxtaposition of empathetic, character driven storytelling with gonzo horror that defines the work of director Don Coscarelli.

The film, along with “Phantasm,” another cult classic by the director, was shown at Alamo Drafthouse, a theatre in San Francisco, as part of the event “An Evening with Don Coscarelli.”

Coscarelli appeared at the theatre promoting and sign-

See DEAD, page 7

World of Work helps with hiring

Coscarelli releases book

By PERRY CONTINENTE

the attendants dressed in a berret and wearing combat and fatigues, said “We are celebrating the dead while calling for peace.”

The ofrenda featured a skeleton with a bandolier and bullets draped over its neck, as well as several trinkets including a ceramic skull with an obsidian arrowhead sticking out of its mouth.

One of the unique elements of the ofrenda was its community oriented nature. People who wished to have a loved one remembered could provide a picture and fill out a card and the following year that person would be included.

“We’ve had people from World War II., Korea and Vietnam remembered,” said Medina, explaining that the

By A.R. BROOM

@AlexanderRBroom

Experience Perry Contiente

Director Don Coscarelli signs a book for a fan. ing his memoirs, “True Indie, Life and Death in Filmmaking” which chronicles his journey as an independent filmmaker.

Following the first film showing, Coscarelli took questions

from the audience. When asked about why he chose to write a book, Coscarelli replied, “Some of my contemporaries, though they are much See BOOK, page 7

Los Medanos College is in the process of getting fully on-board with an educational program known as the New World of Work. According to their website, the program aims to meet the, “essential employability skills required in our emerging global economy.”

Faculty and staff have created a “think tank” to determine the best ways to implement the program into LMC and is among over 50 California community colleges to do so since the program’s founding in 2012.

Workforce Development See WORK, page 7

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Quotable

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Perspectives

FRIDAY,

OCT.

26,

2018

2

“I am the shadow on the moon at night, filling your dreams to the brim with fright.”

— Oogie Boogie Man

Ajali Abernathy

Jace Cofer

GUEST COLOMNIST

GUEST COLUMNIST

Child care is here to help

Address the drug problem

Throughout my college experience at Los Medanos College I have come across a plethora of single parents that were either struggling to pay for child care or were in need of childcare referral resources. One of the main concerns of community college parents is finding quality and affordable child care for their little ones.

Last Spring one of my classmates brought his four-year-old daughter to LMC on a regular basis. She was the sweetest, most well-behaved child I have come across in a long time. My Professor had previously made mention about bringing small children to school because of regulations. I thought to myself, “Why isn’t she with her mother or in some form of a childcare environment?”

Then I realized after a few class meetings with the small pupil and her father that he probably is a single father or doesn’t know about childcare referral programs. Everyone, including the professor, was impressed about her behavior during our class session. Just maybe she was a little genius in the making and algebra was something she enjoyed. Is it too far fetched to think she enjoyed being in a college level class environment?

The only problem I had with the small child attending the class was that she probably wanted to be around small children in her age group. I’m sure she wanted to be around her peers because, truthfully, algebra isn’t an exciting class for any four year-old.

The professor had mentioned for the second and last time about certain regulations, especially licensing issues. I really think the little girl grew on everyone because the professor just left the situation alone after observing how well behaved she was.

It has now dawned on my consciousness that maybe my classmate didn’t know of any affordable resources he may qualify for such as Coco Kids, which is a non-profit organization throughout Contra Costa County.

Coco Kids is an organization that helps fund childcare for low income to medium income families. The yearly income a family can make is up to 65,000 to 70,000 a year depending on the family size. Another childcare funding program is called Head Start. Head Start is for low-income families who are receiving SNAP, which is a nutritional supplemental food program that is offered in every county for low-income families who qualify.

There should be a better way to get the word out for parents who are currently studying at LMC about childcare funding and resources that they may qualify for.

For example, when there is an emergency at LMC they send out mass text messages and every student receives them instantaneously. I think Los Medanos should send out mass text messages or emails to every student informing them about child care resources that are offered throughout Contra Costa County.

Let’s face the facts many of LMC students are parents and most of them qualify for childcare assistance. Some college students may not have families and friends to help with free or reduced child care expenses.

Most students want their child or children to be professionally supervised with people they can trust.

College students are extremely stressed about childcare on top of studying for classes.

Childcare has been a real issue for numerous amounts of students throughout my college experience. Students talk with each other through passing about concerns they have about life and childcare is one of them.

With the right plan and a better way for students to know about child care resources and referral programs, this would reduce at least 90 percent of students’ anxiety about continuing their education or going back to school in order to make a better future for their children.

Substance abuse is something that does not see race, gender, sexuality, or wealth: it is universal. Beloved rap artist Mac Miller recently passed away due to an accidental drug overdose, causing numerous media outlets to discuss his legacy and the issue of drug use in pop culture. Many fans and followers of his were devastated due to the fact that he was such a positive light and impacted the lives of thousands. Though Miller’s addiction was not unknown, his death was a shock. Miller had made attempts to conquer his addiction, but he was never able to find resources to recover. In addition, Demi Lovato recently experienced a drug relapse after six years of sobriety, and nearly lost her life. The media covered her relapse for a few days, until the story became old news. Why is something as serious as drug addiction swept under the rug so quickly? The media seems to only discuss substance abuse when celebrities pass, and the conversation is always brief.

If addiction affects millions of Americans annually, why is the topic not prevalent?

Though substance abuse may be a sensitive subject that is not easily addressed, it needs to be discussed more frequently in order to prevent more cherished souls from being taken from the world.

Substance abuse is not only seen among celebrities, but it’s prevalent within the general population, and it is becoming common among youth. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or prescription pills, substance abuse affects up to 20 million people in the United States.

One study shows that 48 million Americans have abused a prescription drug at one point in their life. On a smaller scale, drug abuse is extremely prevalent in California.

In California, drug abuse kills 11 people daily. Death from substance abuse can affect anyone. Addiction rips families apart, hinders a person’s success, and ruins people’s lives.

The outcomes of substance abuse needs to be addressed more frequently.

Measures must be taken to stop the thousands of deaths each year. Many of us are surrounded by those who do. Addiction can exist within a person, and those around may never notice. A facade is put up by those who battle against addiction, making it nearly impossible to recognize when someone is struggling. People must become aware of the symptoms of substance abuse as well as be empathetic to those who deal with it, but they must advocate to stop it. Show those who face addiction the love and support that they deserve. Look for rehabilitation centers, therapists, and support groups.

Measures must be taken in order to stop the losses and help the victims. We must educate youth about the dangers and show how prevalent it is in society. There needs to be more information conveyed in schools about all forms of drugs. People need to become aware of the dangers, and be informed of addiction. In addition, drugs and alcohol need to stop being glorified in pop culture. Rather, the reality of addiction need to be discussed contrary to the fun that drugs and alcohol provoke.

We must push for rehabilitation centers to be more accessible and affordable. Rehab needs to not be demeaning, but rather have a positive and hopeful outlook. Drug abuse can no longer be something that is swept under the rug. It is universal, and affects more than what meets the eye. It needs to be at the forefront of people’s minds. we must unite to help our peers not fall into the trap of addiction. We must support one another rather than shame those who struggle with substance abuse. We can no longer belittle those who struggle with addiction, but rather be open and empathetic, and search for the cure that is going to save society from the neverending cycle of substance abuse.

Editorial

Migrants spark politics

W

ith the consequential midterm elections looming, immigration is sure to be a hot bed issue. One could argue it will be more contentious this election, especially considering the massive caravan of migrants working their way to the United States border.

President Trump, infamous for his disdain of Hispanic/Latinx immigrants, has predictably turned the event into a campaign issue. The travelling caravan has provided a perfect visual and sound board for an all too familiar fear campaign by the GOP. The tension is too thick to ignore even in today’s political climate.

Add into the mix, Trump using the migrants as a political boogeyman and it makes for election season political drama.

But despite the fear mongering, the migrants are unfazed. Even Trump’s hatred of them can’t deter the group. The hardships they are escaping in their pursuit of asylum supersedes the political sparring.

When you examine the fear the GOP has injected into its base, you come to realize it’s unfounded. No data supports any of the administration’s claim about the migrants. The outlandish claim about “Unknown Middle Easterners” (see Muslims) being among the crowd is unfounded.

You have to wonder what drives the fear of their base since it isn’t facts.

Take another Trump cliche: crime. The facts don’t back up his claim about Hispanic/Latinx immigrants. Undocumented immigrants are actually less likely to commit crimes.

With this midterm election season in full swing, only time will tell if their fear campaign is successful. One question remains: How did a nation of immigrants become a nation that hates immigrants?

lEttEr to thE Editors

FT3 program helps with tuition DEAR EDITOR: Can we please start talking about tuition cost? In the past couple years, I have noticed new programs for college students popping up. Yet it seems like no one is acknowledging them or how much they’re truly needed.

I don’t think that I have to stress the importance of attending college, but it seems like the impact tuition cost plays is underestimated.

However, this year is the first time Los Medanos College has introduced FT3 and has brought hope to many new students.

The Los Medanos College website states, “Beginning this fall semester, Los Medanos College is offering tuition-free college for all first-time, full-time students for a whole year!

As a part of our College Promise effort, we are launching The 4CD Promise: ‘First Time + Full Time = Free Tuition’(FT3) program this fall 2018 term.” The catch? There isn’t one.

Students applying must be a first-time student, be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units for the fall semester, complete the FT3 application/

pledge, complete either the FAFSA or the Dream Act application, as well as have an educational plan on file and complete the minimum units with a 2.0 GPA or higher.

Once a students fulfills all of these requirements, they are guaranteed a full reimbursement of their enrollment fees. This is a life changing opportunity for many students, including myself. However, programs like these aren’t receiving the deserved recognition.

Recently, the cost of living is more expensive than ever. It’s so expensive that many people have began living on the streets or in their vehicles. College also is expensive.

According to U.S. News Data, “In-state tuition prices among public National Universities grew by 69 percent over a 10 year period.”

As tuition cost rises, the amount of college attendees falls.

People who want to attend college shouldn’t have to go into debt. We need to bring awareness to the importance of programs like FT3.

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 your favorite movie monster and why?

COMPILED

BY

CHRIS

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

RUIZ

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association

“My favorite movie monster would be Godzilla. He’s kind of the pinnacle of all the monsters out there.”

“My favorite movie monster would be, I don’t remember the name, but it’s this huge blob ...that sucks blood out of its victims.”

— Adrian

“I’m going to have to go with, probably, Ursula, as lame as that sounds. She’s very cynical and grand with her personality.”

— Kahla Bulls

“People always ask in the story Frankenstein, who’s the monster? ...I think the real monster is the author.”

“I guess my monster would be Chucky, ’cause like, he’s like, a serial killer trapped inside a child’s play toy, which is very, very disturbing.”

“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

“So my favorite monster is Freddy because he’s a badass and scary.”

Galacio

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 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

Get emporwered to transfer

The bridges Multicultural Resource Center at the University of California, Berkeley is holding a free one day conference on transferring for community college students Saturday, November 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in UC Berkeley’s Paley Ballroom, located at 2475 Bancroft Way. The aim of the conference is to “demystify, liberate and empower you on your higher education journey” according to the poster used to promote the event.

To sign up, visit https://tinyurl.com/ybznea2 For more information contact transferbridges@gmail.com

Get real with #RealCollege

The Office of Student Life is holding a #RealCollege survey for Los Medanos students until November 2.

The survey lasts about 15 minutes and respondants are entered into a dawing for $100.

In addition, students who take the survey on laptops provided by the Office of Student Life in the Indoor Quad from 2 to 4 p.m. October 31 will be given free pizza.

To take the survey, check your student email. For more information, the Office of Student Life can be reached over the phone at (925) 473-7554 or via email at studentlife@ losmedanos.edu

Quotable

E X P E R I E N C E

FRIDAY,

OCT.

26,

2018

3

“Beware, for I am fearless and therefore powerful.”

— Frankenstein’s Monster

Brain Food is a snack

CORE provides nutrition

By LILLY MONTERO @Lilly_Montero3

The Center for Academic Support put on an open house highlighting new projects and resources available to students and faculty this Tuesday, Oct. 23. The event included mini flyers, informational pamphlets and an assortment of food, some of which was a part of one of their newest endeavors, the Brain Food Project.

The idea of the Brain Food Project, according to Academic Photos by Lilly Montero Support program coordinator Top: CORE program assistant Richard Stanfield and program coordinator Sandra Mills, has been two Sandra Mills present Brain Food. Bottom: Students enjoy free drinks from CORE. years in the making. The goal of the project is to provide students with has been a big help with that issue and Donations are tax deductible and can food during study sessions, so as to in- Mills hopes the Brain Food Project can be donated through credit card, PayPal, crease their efficiency. Often, students get lend a hand as well. checks or payroll deductions. Those hungry and end up leaving in the middle Through EASe training, a system based interested should stop by the CORE for of a good study session. By providing on empathy, awareness and sensitivity, more information. “brain food” Academic Support aims to Academic Support members will offer Another project debuted at the open help with that. food to students in a sensitive manner. house was travelling consultants. Consul“My hope is that students come in and “Instead of students accepting a handout tants are tutors and faculty well-versed in have a snack, study longer, stay longer or feeling they are being singled out, they reading and writing that can be scheduled and be successful,” said Mills. “That’s will be accepting something that is part for small group conferences, peer review our goal.” of the culture of the Center for Academic workshops and even essay brainstorming.

The Center also hopes the project Support,” said Mills.

There is also a speech consultant who will help support students with food Faculty and students can also participate can help with public speaking. insecurities. The campus Food Pantry in the Brain Food Project by donating.

See CORE, page 7

LMC says goodbye to colleague Experience Archives • Adria Watson

Heather Tinling singing with The Golden Gate Radio Orchestra during their last visit to LMC.

Bay Area Orchestra radios in

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

Adobe Creative Cloud discount

CollegeBuys.org is offering exclusive discounts for Adobe Creative Cloud software and software bundles for Los Medanos students.

An annual subscription for a digital download of over a dozen apps including Photoshop and InDesign and other software bundles and even full devices are available for purchase as CollegeBuys.org

New club afoot at LMC

The Los Medanos College Circle K club will be holding their first meeting and info session Tuesday, October 30 from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room CC-225.

Circle K International is a collegiate sector of Kiwanis International, promoting community service, leadership and fellowship. The LMC chapter is part of Circle K International’s California, Nevada and Hawaii district.

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

Teacher dies from surgery complications

By BREANNA CRAWFORD @Lyniece_

Los Medanos College has suffered a great loss with the death of Nursing Department staff member Joyce O’Rourke.

When she fell ill and was taken to the hospital, it was discovered that she had Rheumatic Heart Disease that had gone undiagnosed for some time.

She passed away Friday, Oct.12 from complications following emergency heart surgery. She was 61-years old.

The heartbreaking news was announced to faculty and staff via email from LMC president Bob Kratochvil.

“It is with great sadness that I share with you the news about the loss of a member of our LMC family,” said Kratochvil.

“Our colleague Joyce O’Rourke passed away last Friday after complications from surgery.”

The news came as a shock

Joyce O’Rourke is seen here holding her grandchild.

She was a member of the Nursing Deptartment. to many of her colleagues, including staff member Linda Stone who sat right across from O’Rourke’s office.

“She was a good friend of mine, her office was right across from where I sit,” said Stone. Stone continued to share heartwarming memories of O’Rourke.

“She had the best sense of humor, she was always happy, and just made people feel good,” Stone said.

Before coming to LMC, O’Rourke worked many years as a nurse at Sequoia Hospital as well as Mission Oaks hospital. She also worked as an intensive care nurse at Kaiser Permanente. While working for the hospitals, she impacted the lives of more than 13,000 babies and their families. In school she received an Associate Degree in nursing from the College of San Mateo and earned her Bachelor’s degree

from Chamberlain College of Nursing. Before her passing, she was working toward getting her M.S in nursing.

O’Rourke joined the LVN and RN program here at LMC in August 2015. She began teaching maternity and newborn nursing full-time in the fall 2016 semester. Colleagues will remember O’Rourke for her generous help with planning the Mass Casualty Simulation or sharing some hairspray with others on a bad hair day.

She was a true asset to the LVN and RN program here on campus, being one of the only full-time nursing faculty who had experience in maternal and newborn nursing.

“She was one of our most valuable employees because of her skill set,” said friend and LVN director Debra Hawkes.

Along with her amazing skill set in nursing, she was also a talented artist and a published cartoonist.

All of her fellow colleagues knew that O’Rourke was a delight to be around because See OBIT, page 7

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Sports

Quotable

E X P E R I E N C E

“What is a man?”

FRIDAY,

OCT.

26,

2018

4

— Vlad “Dracula” Tepes

Football’s misery continues

Experience Kelly Williams

Los Medanos College linebacker Dalton Taylor goes for a tackle on Contra Costa College’s Ty’reke James during the Stangs’ 41-6 loss to the Comets.

Comets explode on Stangs

BY MARC LOPEZ Staff writer

Contra Costa College achieved their first win against Los Medanos in a blowout and also made it personal with a few unnecessary late-game scores.

The Mustangs fell apart as the game progressed losing to the Comets 41-6. A rough week of practices, being unable to capitalize crucial moments on offense and a few Mustangs being ejected from the game sums up the Mustangs performance against the Comets.

“We had probably one of our worst couple of practices this week,” said head coach Chris Shipe following the loss to the Comets, “and it carried over

into Saturday. In a rivalry game, all the records go out of the window. It’s just unfortunate that we didn’t come to play.”

Tim Evitt, who returned last week against College of the Redwoods from injur y, gave the Mustangs an early lead with a 6-yard pass to wide receiver Malik Moss. From that point on, the Mustangs would not find the end zone again throughout the game.

The entire Mustang offense only gained 140 yards in total.

“It’s hard to win any game when you really can’t run the ball that well,” said Evitt. “They really weren’t respecting our run game which then made it hard to develop our pass game.”

By the end of the second half, the Mustangs would have their first of two ejections in the game, with the ejection of offensive linemen Ryan Vanderwerf. Vanderwerf said at first he didn’t think he was going to get ejected for defending Evitt from a un-called late hit, but the referees ultimately decided to toss him out.

“I obviously wanted to protect our quarterback. I was not pleased that there was no-call,” said Vanderwerf, “so I had some choice words to the opposing player.”

The Comets got underneath the skins of other players including safety Terry Pierce who was the second Mustang

to be ejected from the game.

An argument had broken out on the field after the Comets had scored, which led to the refs kicking out Pierce. The Comets used that to their advantage to score twice in the first half and kept their foot on the peddle scoring four more times in the second half.

The third quarter of the game was a pivotal time for the Mustangs as it was their only chance left to make a comeback. Moments such as an interception by Heamasi Latu, an 80 yard kick return by Tre’ Pierce and the run defense stopping the Comets gave the Mustangs the chance to score, See FBALL, page 7

Experience

Running back Christian Cruz gets tackled.

Title within their sights

Vball records its seventh successive win

BY HUGO CALDERON @HCAL09

Experience Perry Continente

Outside hitter Mercedes Nicholson goes for a hit.

The last time Los Medanos Women’s Volleyball won the Bay Valley Conference was back in 2016. They are on pace to bring back the banner after another victory.

LMC recorded another sweep in the season against Napa Valley College, winning 3-0.

Heading into the game the two

teams were complete opposites of each other, one going all season without a loss and the other going all season without a win.

The first set showed the Mustangs did not underestimate their opponents, going full force winning the first set 25-12.

The second set followed in similar motion. The Storm came out trying to stop the Mustangs in their tracks, keeping it a one point set up until the 10 point mark. There after, LMC put themselves into a higher gear, limiting their opponents to only 15 points in the set.

“Whatever team you play, you have to play your hardest at all times,” said

Mercades Nicholson, who ended the night with a team high of 13 kills.

“That’s what we were trying to do and we did.”

Her 13 kills brought her total up to 117 in BVC, the second highest in the conference.

Nicholson said that one of her goals for the season was to keep her hitting percentage above .300 which is she doing in conference play. She is currently at .338 going well beyond her original goal.

In the final set, Napa Valley continued to keep its fighting spirit alive in spite of its losses. They recorded 19 points, the highest scored in the See VBALL, page 7

LMC soccer still has not conceded a goal in BVC

BY JESUS CANO @Juice_Cano

If the Los Medanos College women’s soccer team performs the way they did in the last portion of Tuesday afternoon’s game, they will be more than unstoppable.

After creating multiple opportunities throughout the game but coming up scoreless, the shots that mattered were executed in the last 15 minutes of the game. LMC was able to rally by scoring two goals to beat Napa Valley College 2-0 and continue its undefeated Bay Valley Conference run this year.

With 13 minutes left in the game, the Mustangs were awarded a corner kick. Holly Gallagher continued to do what she has been doing all season, placing the ball right on money.

In this case, the money pass found Shelly Torrano where she finished the play with a header, giving the Mustangs the 1-0 lead.

Despite Torrano playing this sport for most of her life, this was the first time she ever scored using her head.

“I didn’t expect it to happen, I just waited in the back post to head it in,” Torrano said.

“It was a beautiful placement, I think we’ve been waiting for a corner kick like that all year.”

After that play, LMC’s of fense reflected what an undefeated first place team plays like.

Adriana Urrutia followed up with a shot from outside the box that banged off the crossbar, but the assistant referee determined the ball had crossed the goal line. In

a matter of minutes, LMC lead 2-0, resulting in the final score.

Los Medanos’ dominance in conference play continues, improving to 8-0 after this victory.

“It’s a really good process and it makes me happy that we’ve gotten stronger together as a team,” Urrutia said. “It’s just really exciting being able to bond and connect so well within the team.”

LMC had three scoring opportunities to start off the game, but failed to capitalize.

Sofia Kerns And Carissa Day mixed nicely late in the first half as Kerns ran an overlap pass with a through sent by Day, but could not beat the Napa Valley goalkeeper.

Although it may sound foolish to say, LMC has been See GOAL, page 7

Experience Kelly Williams

Brianna Olmedo tries to win the ball back for her team in the midfield.

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Bwood baristas bring the beans

“A miserable little pile of secrets. But enough talk, have at you!”

— Vlad “Dracula” Tepes

Latte art is featured at Big House Beans with designs like flowers and hearts adorning drinks.

Coffee shop a big hit

By NICK CAMPBELL @nicky_charles

America is known as the land of oppor tunities, less known and celebrated, is that America is also the home of redemption.

For John Krause, owner of Big House Beans in Brentwood, this is his life story.

Growing up in the Bay Area after a period of addiction to drugs and alcohol, Krause found himself doing a stint in prison. Upon his release from prison, Krause embarked on a journey to overcome addiction and homelessness, both daunting challenges.

To overcome these obstacles and achieve rehabilitation he attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and similar rehab programs.

Despite the assistance of these programs, it wasn’t until he merged the programs with faith based and spiritual guidance, that he made his breakthrough.

Krause, a father of three, has been sober since 2009, and he credits his faith in helping to turn his life around.

“I knew if things didn’t change, I would end up either dead or back in prison,” said Krause.

After successfully overcoming his addictions and getting back on his feet, he wanted to give back and help others with similar struggles.

This led to the formation of Big House Beans, specialty coffee roasters. Founded in 2014, it is a venture Krause runs with his wife LeAnn as well as other business partners.

Operated out of a warehouse

Photos by Anthony Martinez

A barista steams a latte behind the counter at Big House Beans, the recently opened Brentwood cafe that is quickly gaining traction. in Antioch, their core mission is to give back to the community.

Second chances is a key theme behind the company’s hiring philosophy.

On the business side, Krause and his team source and roasts quality coffee, in addition to providing oppor tunities to anyone with a vision for their future. Big House Beans focuses on hiring, coaching and mentoring people often seen as “less desirable” and in need of a second chance.

The immediate goal of the company right now is to form an executive team to mentor

future employees and to grow the business.

Their Brentwood location has been open for approximately seven months now and has become a popular hot spot for coffee in the community.

They have between 12 to 15 employees all of whom are locals. The environment is very relaxed with a beautiful and modern layout.

The company also has impressive expansion plans.

Krause hopes to open at least between four to six more shops in the near future.

Local customer Brandy

Malloy, a John Muir Hospital employee, said she likes to come and order a latte while she works on her laptop.

“I really love coming here to relax, read and get some work done,” said Malloy.

The cafe offers free WiFi and a host of pastries and other custom cafe items like avocado toast, turkey pesto, Belgian waffles, and cinnamon toast.

Shop barista, who simply goes by Kam, observed the atmosphere that the location is known for.

“We have a really chill environment and our customers

are great,” said Kam. Big House also sells ground coffee beans in bulk and has partnerships with local companies. Their coffee has been featured by well known tech companies like Salesforce, Adobe, Airbnb and other Silicon Valley companies.

For every bag of ground cof fee sold, one dollar is donated to the International Women’s Alliance.

The company also donates to Shepherd’s Gate, a Livermore based ministry that helps women and children recover from addiction and homelessness.

With the success of Big House Beans, it completes the story of redemption for Mr. Krause.

An inspirational story that bears witness to overcoming addiction, and homelessness to a thriving business. From former San Quentin inmate to Small Business owner.

Ultimately, Big House Beans wants to continue to put a focus on making a social impact, fostering a comfortable environment and quality coffee.

You can visit them at 1155 Second St, Suite A, Brentwood, CA 94513.

Umoja bowls a strike

Club fundraises for resources

By ALEX CAMILLI @A_Carnation

Among the plethora of programs offered at Los Medanos College there are many who strive to offer beneficial resources for students or all-inclusive events to establish a strong sense of community.

“We came The Umoja Leadership Collective (ULC) which is half of the Umoja up with Scholars Program (USP) held a bowling events that night fundraiser at Delta Bowl located go towards on Delta Fair Boulevard in Antioch, CA. book The fundraiser lasted from 7 to 9:30 p.m. vouchers for with a boisterous attendance of those wanted a chance to compete in a beautiful students.” setting embellished with neon lights.

— LeeAndra Mattews Even for non-members the likelihood

of meeting someone new was inevitable not only due to the high volume of attendees, but also because everyone present was extremely sociable.

Attendance was $12 a ticket to cover shoes and guaranteed two-and-a-half hours of bowling. USP only profited $5 dollars for every ticket sold during the event, as the residual funds went towards resources for students.

LeeAndra Matthews has been president of USP since fall of 2017 and expressed their concern for the adversity students face financially.

“We noticed there was an issue with students being unable to afford their books, so we came up with events that

REVIEW CREW

Pho Lee Hoa Fat Restaurant

Details: Pho Lee Hoa Fat is a Vietnamese restaurant that specializes in pho with a variety of meats. They also serve a few other entrees and appetizers such as fried egg rolls and fresh spring rolls. The restaurant is located conveniently close to campus at 140 E Leland Road in Pittsburg.

Jordan Knight watches as his ball rolls toward pins under the blue lights.

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Dale says: Great beef for your buck

Perry says: Pho is a new experience

Robbie says: A solid lunch option

As the son of a Vietnamese mother, I grew up with pho. I won’t argue there’s nothing like the taste of home cooking, but Pho Lee Hoa Phat comes pretty damn close.

This is where you go for authentic Vietnamese restaurant experience.

We walked in for lunch to a bustling crowd inside. The waitress brought an appetizer of very hot and crunchy fried eggrolls and served hot Lipton tea. I ordered a large combination pho bowl, which comes with meatballs, steak, tendon and other meats, which arrived in a time of about ten minutes.

The presentation was simple, the broth was delicious and rich, tasting of slow cooking for hours beforehand.It reminded me of my childhood, and of the food I had travelling in Asia.For a $10 bowl of deliciousness, I’ll be here again soon enough.

I have tried Pho only a few times so understand that my review of Pho Lee Hoa Phat is largely from an outsider’s perspective.

I appreciated there was nothing between me and the soup, as the restaurant is streamlined and eliminates anything distracting from the food.

I started lunch with egg rolls that were crisp, hot and recently fried.

This was a big plus as many places treat egg rolls as an afterthought, Pho Lee Hoa Phat clearly puts pride in their rolls. The price was excellent, costing around $10 for a filling lunch.

While I did enjoy the Pho, there were textural elements of the beef tendon and beef tripe I did not love.

They were too soft and squishy while also too stringy. Overall I had a good time at Pho Lee Hoa Phat, but will be more careful with my ordering.

Pho is very satisfying dish this time of year, when temperatures are starting to subtly drop. Pho Lee Hoa Phat is very close to the Los Medanos College campus, and is a great option for anyone wanting to grab a bowl between classes.

I ordered a combination bowl with several types of beef. The broth was a little bland compared to some other restaurants, but the meats were the high note of the dish. They were all very tender, juicy and pungent and worked well with the other elements of the soup. I had the medium version of the meal, which costed about $7 and was big enough to warrant a to-go cup, and was overall a great value.

I personally have had better pho elsewhere, but I would call Pho Lee Hoa Phat a very, very solid option for fans of pho.

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“You suffering will be legendary, even in hell!”

— Pinhead

Play’s dark humor strikes cord ‘Shaw’ debuts locally

By MARC LOPEZ Staff writer

The play “Becky Shaw” held nothing back on opening night with its hilarious punchlines and harsh themes. Everything from the set design, to the music and cast made it enticing and enjoyable.

“Becky Shaw,” opened Oct. 18 at the California Theatre in Pittsburg and ran through the entire weekend ending with a matinee show Oct. 21. Directed

by LMC Drama Professor Terrence Ivory, “Becky Shaw” had an audience of 190 for opening night. The play was written by award-winning playwright and accomplished television writer Gina Gionfriddo. The play ran for about two hours and 10 minutes with two intermissions.

“I don’t f**k family,” really gives a good understanding how gritty and dark the dialogue got. The comedy struggled on the first scene with it’s jokes but found its rhythm throughout the rest Max, played by actor Gregory Kubik-Boyd, argues with a steely-eyed Suzanna, played by actor Kahla Bulls, in debut “Becky Shaw.” of the play. There were a few to commit suicide in the play, but it missed punchlines that were certainly Kubik-Boyd, who played Max was in a circle giving praise to everyone.” second intermission.

The story itself escalated as soon “It’s a part of the human condi- was all a plot to keep Max in her life. meant to go over but didn’t. Ivory very strong right off the bat. As other explained, the play is contemporary characters appeared on stage, it was as Becky Shaw, played by Clare tion,” said Ivory. “Once Becky came, The play also tackles themes such as love, loneliness, family, blackmail set around 2015 to 2017, so some easy to see there was a true bond Barton, entered the lives of Max, everything changed.”

Suzanna and her husband, Andrew, Ivory also explained some of the and much more. of the jokes were going to be a bit among the cast members.

“We all love each other. We are all played by Austin Trenholm. From this themes present in the play. There It seemed the story would be just outdated.

But despite a few missed jokes, really close,” said Boyd. “We were point on, the play had the audience is a moment where it is revealed about “Becky Shaw” and the people the chemistry between Kahla Bulls, underneath the stage in our green hooked and invested. So hooked, in to the audience that Becky had around her, but in reality, it felt more See SHAW, page 7 who played Suzanna and Gregory room before the show, going around fact, there was almost no need for a racist thoughts. She even attempts

REVIEW

Epidemic is infectious

and apparatuses are clearly visible, only separated from the patrons by a small chain.

This DIY aesthetic comes across as charming rather than cold due to the stylistic

By PERRY CONTINENTE additions like sets of paintings @PerryContinente from one of the brewery’s paint nights or the foam baseball bat The first thing people notice covered in barbed wire. This about Epidemic is it’s unlikegives a playful tone to Epidemic. ly location.

The inclusion of a pool As you ap- Kegs of beer stacked in table, oversized Jenga blocks proach the Epidemic warehouse. and a dart board lighten the brewery, tucked away among businesses and warehouses down a Concord atmosphere and give Epidemic its unique, side road, you may begin to doubt that you are laid back vibe.

Food trucks often park outside the brewery in the right place but those who persevere will offering everything from tacos to barbeque, find a truly delightful brewery experience.

The perpetually busy brewery is fairly small, to strangely, pizza. This in unison with the with seating for around 50 in its industrial beer nuts and snacks sold inside give visitors interior. Massive bags of malt are stacked on a chance to fill their bellies with something See BREW, page 7 shelving behind the seating area and the tanks This is the last in a series celebrating Oktoberfest. The series highlights local breweries in the East Bay area.

REVIEW

Squishy & The Wig, a pale ale, sits next to Jucifer, a fruitful IPA, among a flight of other unique brews. The flight’s presentation sets Epidemic apart.

Debate team is set to rebuild

By DALE SATRE @DaleSatre

Riding on victories last spring, the Los Medanos College Debate Club has many things to be excited for— new members, new student leadership, and a new full-time faculty member. Those strengths are also the club’s biggest challenges this year. With many veteran members having graduated, debaters have big shoes to fill for this year’s tournaments.

LMC’s speech department operates under three groups.

The Argumentation and Debate classes, taught by professors Marie Arcidiacono-Kaufman and Star Steers, educate students about the fundamentals of rhetoric, research and persuasion. The Debate Club recruits students from the classes and the campus at large who are interested in debating as an extracurricular activity.

The club also has a dedicated Debate Team that competes in local and national tournaments, winning first place nationally for community colleges at the U.S. Universities Debating Championship in April.

New debater Felero Smith gives speech about controversial speakers on college campuses.

Hailey Solares, an international relations major, stepped up as the new president. “This year is a recruitment year,” she said. “A lot of debaters graduated in the spring so we are rebuilding our team. Now, I run the meetings so it is an interesting switch.”

Solares was inspired by how debating has shaped her college experience. “I have met so many great peers from debate. Since joining the team, I changed my major because it exposed me to what I am passionate about,” she said.

“I am more confident in my opinions and know how to back them up effectively. I became a

more open-minded individual from having to debate things I do not necessarily agree with.”

Steers joined Arcidiacono-Kaufman this year as full-time faculty in the speech department and as a co-advisor to the club.

“I am thrilled that I get to share this role with her,” Arcidiacono-Kaufman said.

“Having her as my partner in all of this is huge. I know that I can rely on her to ensure our new team is successful.”

Steers voiced her excitement for the coming year. As a former part-time professor and assistant coach to the debate team, See TEAM, page 7

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The Rest FBALL RALLY From page 4

From page 1

DEAD From page 1

but they could not capitalize.

graphic. Smith personally re- group’s ofrenda had been “We had some defensive quested the url “so that people featured at the event for the last 13 years. guys playing offensive line can judge for themselves.” and vice versa.

“That is one of our best Beyond the ofrendas the tools,” Smith said of the url. main event took place in the I think everyone felt gassed by the second half. I think a “When people see with their courtyard where a main stage lot of was fatigue going into own eyes what’s going on, featured traditional entertaintheir mind will change very ment ranging from Ballet it,” said Evitt. quickly.

Folklorico to Mariachi music One takeaway from this We have a new friend every and Banda culminating in a game would have to be the time they look at the video.” closing ceremony honoring Mustangs defense. the dead.

While Amons and his case They may have allowed 335 The event was hosted by total yards, but gave it their all were a focal point for the rally, the Mistresses of Ceremony with how much time they spent the speakers also took the Marciela Gutierrez and Katitime to acknowledge other on the field. victims and call for wider uska Pientel.

Run defense was a big issue action against police brutality.

Gutierrez would speak in the last time the Mustangs were English with Pientel repeating One speaker was Rick home, but this week against the in Spanish.

Comets they only allowed an Perez, father of Pedie Perez, who was shot and killed at a There was also a clear effort average of 2.6 yards rushing liquor store across the street made in including deaf and and 111 yards in total. from his father’s trucking hearing impaired people in An abysmal average. business Sept. 14, 2014. the ceremony as an interpreter “At one point of the game, “Justice for Pedie” chants signed for both the English we were told we were on the and signs were also present and Spanish. field for about 10 to 12 minutes,” at the rally.

Gutierrez described the said Latu. “It was very long and event as “One of the largest “The first story is like the the heat was such a big factor.” last, the last story is like the [Day of the Dead] events in Shipe stated that being out first… We have to change any museum in the country.” there that long really put some these laws,” Perez said lament- She continued celebrating wear and tear on the defense. ing the similarities of the Oakland’s “24 years of resistance through this celeThe Mustangs fall to a 3-4 killings and lack of progress bration.” record overall and a 1-3 in towards stopping them.

Gutierrez decried the curconference play.

“We got to restore integrity rent political climate remindThis week the Mustangs in policing again… I respect ing the attendants, “Children will travel to Cupertino to face all life and I respect the good police. I do not respect these are being detained,” referDe Anza. police that are trigger-happy encing the detention camps and can’t admit they made a for undocumented before saying, “Culture is a form of mistake.” resistance.”

Perez and the Oscar Grant From page 4 She celebrated the resilFoundation are working a night for them although it was new investigation into Pedie’s ience and grit of the LatinX community saying “They tried not enough to stop LMC, as death as well. to bury us, but they didn’t they would still emerge victori“[We] settled immediately,” know we had seeds.” ous ending the final set 25-19.

Rick said of the civil case he Attendant Alton Jackson was “I feel like it wasn’t very won. impressed with the events. hard to read their hits,” said “Because we wanted them to “This is a cool thing they are Emily Jones. “We are doing so tell the truth. They still didn’t doing,” said Jackson, “It’s great with conference [play] do it… it’s just so horrible to always good to see people and taking control.” see an honorable police force come together.”

Of the 27 digs LMC had like this on a daily basis.” throughout the game, Jones While much of the rally was responsible for 11 of them. reflected on the past, there She is at 223 digs for the was also a strong element of From page 6 season, although only 78 of a call to future action. other than beer. those have come during con“We’re not just here kickference play.

This is a good idea if you try ing up dust,” said Kingdom.

Facing a team that has not “This is a strategic action… the beer flight as the sampler. It won all season may bring we need more energy… we comes with eight 5-ounce pours down the intensity, but it was need people to be loud… we of the beers on tap, adding up not an issue for the Mustangs need people to participate.” to almost three pints. according to head coach Lou Flights are served in a beautiKingdom described the ful wooden holder consisting of Panzella. rally as the “kickoff” for future “I thought we stayed pretty discussion and action against two boards anchored together by large bolts with glasses focused,” said Panzella. “We police violence. passing through holes in the had a few little lapses, but After marching around the top board to rest on the bottom. overall I was pretty pleased restaurant, organizers sent The flights holders add to with the way we played.” out donation hats and sign- the atmosphere as each is Next up for Los Medanos is up sheets for the Justice for a trip to Contra Costa College Terry Amons, Jr. Committee. obviously hand crafted.

In addition to being an (2-7) on Friday, Oct. 26.

“Which side are you on… interesting way to sample the Pittsburg?” Kingdom asked beers, the flights also come during a speech. with cards, letting guests know “This question is starting each beer’s style, bitterness, alFrom page 4 at Nation’s, but it is going to cohol content and ingredients.

Information like this is struggling to score because vibrate across East Contra invaluable in learning about Costa County.” they have outscored opponents 34-0 through eight games, 27 of Talbert is also currently beer and how to appreciate it, those goals have came against planning additional rallies and not enough places include Merritt and Mendocino, the in Amons’s name, with the information like this.

These are beers wor th worst teams in the conference. next scheduled for Nov. 20 learning about, too, as several It would almost be a loss if the at Buchanan Park. of them are truly fantastic.

Mustangs didn’t pound the net The Oscar Grant Committee “Affliction,” an amber ale that the way they did. meets the first Monday of the Conceding even one set would month at 7 p.m. at the Nie- matches hop and malt flavors be an embaressment for the byl-Proctor Marxist Library, beautifully is a standout, being sweet, bitter, citrusy and a Stangs.

6501 Telegraph Avenue in little woody.

A one or two goal lead North Oakland.

“Zombrew” is a typical, but against top teams like Yuba For more information, visit and Solano wouldn’t necessarily www.oscargrantcommittee.org well realized, old school IPA with a strong malt backing secure the bag. or email them at oscargrant- that still maintains a floral and “Saying that we’re struggling committee.ogc@gmail.com. fruity finish. a little bit is an understatePerhaps the standout is ment,” assistant coach Sal “Nutty but Nice,” an absolutely Acevedo said. “I think we’re insane peanut butter flavored creating opportunities, but I stout. It somehow manages to think when we have this best From page 6 be nuanced in its palate. defense in the league is when it’s so important for us to give the new role energizes her.

When you hear someus some more time.” thing like peanut butter stout “What makes me most opLuckily, the defense for the timistic is we have a ver y you think of something that Mustangs has been like a power young team, with several high eschews balance in favor of outage, lights out. schoolers with great skills,” garish flavoring, “Nutty but Nice” defies this by using For the eight consecutive Steers remarked. the peanut butter as a subtle game, LMC has not allowed “That makes me feel ver y addition providing a pleasant a goal. happy to have people coming and smooth aftertaste.

R ylie Pearson has now in with excitement and knowlThe same can not be said of clocked in 720 minutes without edge, and if we get them to stick “Jucifer,” a “cherry, banana, conceding a goal in conference around with us we’ll have an mango IPA,” that is just as amazing team.” play. confused as it sounds. The LMC hosts Merritt College The biggest challenge this brew is syrupy sweet and year is filling the experience has an aftertaste like cheap on Friday, Oct. 26. gap left by graduated veterans maraschino cherries. A bold who guided the club and helped experiment that falls flat on educate new members. its face.

Overall the brews were fan“We are trying to convince rookie debaters to just go for tastic, barring a few missteps. it,” Steers said, “and get better Whether you are looking for a fun night out, are a beer by doing it.”

The team’s next tournament fanatic or are just beginning will be the Penguin Invitational to appreciate the beverage held at Dominican University you cannot go wrong with Epidemic. on Nov. 3 and 4.

VBALL

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F R I D AY,

BOOK From page 1

than I am, passed away recently and I thought ‘what a loss.’” Coscarelli continued lamenting that great directors like George Romero who is responsible for “Night of the Living Dead” and “Dawn of the Dead” never wrote about their films.

Coscarelli then spoke about artists who inspired him as he helped blaze the indie film trail.

“There weren’t that many indie filmmakers when I started in the 70’s,” said Coscarelli citing older filmmakers like Bob Raphelson and Stanley Kubrick as influences in his filming style.

Coscarelli’s first two projects, a drama and a comedy, failed to make a return on investment prompting him to make the horror film “Phantasm” in the hopes it would be more profitable.

“There was a piece of industry wisdom at the time that horror films always turned a profit,” said Coscarelli.

However, box office success was clearly not Coscarelli’s only goal with “Phantasm.”

Rather than be content with a simple monster movie or haunted house picture, as was popular in the late 70s when the film was made, Coscarelli created a cinematic fever dream featuring flying chrome orbs that drill into people’s brains, interdimensional undertakers and twitching fingers that turn into insects.

These monstrosities are battled by two orphaned brothers and their friend who drives an ice cream truck.

Impressively, Coscarelli made this strange and ambitious film on a shoestring budget of $300,000 when he was in his early twenties.

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WORK From page 1

From page 6

of Max and Suzanna’s story.

When the audience is first introduced to these two, we see the conflict of interests with the rest of the cast as the story progresses, ultimately leading to a rushed third act with a confusing ending.

When it came down to the set design, the scenery wasn’t breathtaking but subtly created a juxtaposition between the differences of Max and Andrew. Even the music helped foreshadow what was to come later.

Overall, “Becky Shaw” is a hilariously and dark play with very sensitive themes sold by the chemistry of every single cast member. Its jokes hit with audiences when it was dark but others simply flew over their heads.

The design and music kept the flow of the play on course while giving subtleties of contrast between the characters.

Becky Shaw may ruin lives in this play but she filled her audience with laughter and joy in this delightful dark comedy.

CORE From page 3

“We’re trying to be as acCounselor, Camille Santana helped to pioneer the think cessible... as possible,” said tank which appears to still English professor and consultant Jill Buettner, who be in the early stages. helped come up with the idea.

“I am passionate about “Sending tutors to where the this curriculum and having it students are — we thought it accessible to all students as might be interesting.” these 21st Century skills are So far, Buettner and Mills going to help students obtain and retain quality jobs that say, the pilot has received are going to pay well,” said positive feedback.

Santana. “More and more jobs Hailey Solares, speech tutor are being lost to Automation and sole speech consultant thus and Artificial Intelligence.” far, did one of the first sessions New World of Work initially in part-time professor Richard got feedback from companies Cartwright’s English 100 class. and came up with a list of 10 Her session, which focused competencies and attributes, on how to give an effective also known to the organization presentation and strengthen as the “21st Century Skills,” public speaking skills, was employers have had trouble enjoyable for her. finding.

“I wish I could do it more,” The ten competencies and Solares said. “It’s great to do attributes the New World of one-on-one, but having an Work organization is trying audience is different.” to harvest according to their Richard Stanfield, Center for website are: “Adaptability Dig- Academic Support program ital Fluency, Analysis/ Solu- assistant, emphasized that the tion Mindset, Entrepreneur- goal of travelling consultants ial Mindset, Collaboration, is to “support the professor Empathy, Social/Diversity and the class” but that one Awareness, Self-Awareness, must be requested through Communication [and] Re- the professor directly. silience.”

The open house also emWith the main concern phasized that the CORE has being workforce development, expanded their hours to include Santana showed deep interest evenings, special weekend in the coursework and its im- study sessions for Bio 40 that pact on the students enrolled they hope to expand to other in the classes. courses and additional tutoring “The curriculum has been in Brentwood. intentional about identifying For more information about the skills that are least likely any of the new resources or to be automated which is projects visit the Center for ver y important to me and Academic Support in Room our students’ success and CO-300. longevity in the workforce,” said Santana.

Rachel Anicetti, Director of Transfer & Career Services at LMC and member of the think tank showed excitement with regard to the opportunities the program, which gives badges that link up to social “I think ‘Phantasm’ has and professional networks to endured because of [the brothhelp make participants more erhood present in the film,]” attractive to recruiters. said Coscarelli pointing out “LMC wants to prepare our bonds between the non-traditional family the protagonists students for the life outside of college as much as we can, and of the film make up. supporting them in developing Indeed much like “Bubba skills, and training them in Ho-Tep” is as much about how to speak about these skills aging as it is about mummies, to employers,” said Anicetti.

“Phantasm” has a major B-plot “That’s why we’ve brought a about picking up the pieces group of faculty and staff from from the loss of a family memacross the college together ber. The young protagonists to work towards the goals of are recently orphaned and integrating 21st Century Skills struggling to adapt to their into the campus.” new no longer nuclear family.

Moving forward, the World The inclusion of supernatuof Work Think Tank hopes to ral, unknowable monstrosities conduct some focus groups to does little to ease this tension. gain feedback and find some of Theatregoers certainly were the best ways to tackle these left with things to talk about challenges. following the showing. Many “The think tank is in a fairly could be heard having spirited early stage of development, discussions, laughing and and we’re still in the stage analyzing what they just saw. of developing outreach and This is a testament to the partnership strategies with unique nature, sense of fun the rest of the campus,” said and emotional heart of the Anicetti commenting on future work of Don Coscarelli. outreach possibilities.

Coscarelli’s book helps The World of Work Think cement his legacy as one of Tank will be meeting every the horror greats, and a truly third Tuesday in CC2-222 unique and fascinatin from 4 to 5 p.m. For more questions contact Camille Santana directly at csantana@ losmedanos.edu.

SHAW

Follow the LMC Experience online at lmcexperience.com

OBIT From page 3

of her wit and humor. One Halloween she and a colleague dressed up as old women to teach the class a unit on geriatrics. They role played and pretended to “forget things” and played the part realistically for their students to understand the unit.

She was an amazing light to the program and made sure ever yone around her was happy and feeling good about themselves. She had an “infectious” sense of humor and enjoyed the little things in life like her pets, shopping and opera. She will be significantly missed by all of her friends, family and colleagues.

To honor her memory the Nursing Department plans to establish a scholarship in O’Rourke’s name. O’Rourke is survived by her daughter Michaela Wolf, son-in-law Nathan and their daughter Gracelynn; her father and brothers John, Nicholas and Thomas. Her family will hold a celebration of life ceremony Saturday, Nov. 17 from 1p.m. to 2 p.m. at Crosswinds Church located at 1660 Freisman Rd., Livermore, CA. They are extending the invitation for all members of the LMC community to attend.

Her gofundme for her heart fund is also still receiving donations, presumably for the funeral cost and it available at www.gofundme.com/joyceo039rourke-heart-fund.

BOWL From page 5

books, so we came up with events that go towards book vouchers for students,” said Matthews.

UPS dedicates themselves to helping their members attain academic excellence while also learning about African American heritage.

First-generation college students often have to endure nerve-racking uncertainty to reap benefits such as financial aid and scholarships.

Program Coordinator Jamila Stewart briefly spoke about how crucial bridging the gap between community and academics is for students.

“Umoja is an Academic lear ning community that is centered around African American themes, in which students have to adhere to rules and guidelines,” said Stewart.

In order to join USP students must currently be enrolled and complete English and Math assessments.

If approved, students will have the privilege to register for blocked classes for future

spring and fall semesters. Aside from academics, the ULC offers leadership opportunities that are universally applicable for participants.

Taking on leading roles is a necessary life skill and building rapport among contemporaries is becoming increasingly common in and out of the workplace.

Student Alexis Brinson has been a member since spring of 2017 and briefly stated how ULC has helped become more forthright.

“I feel like because of programs like this I’m not as afraid to speak publicly,” said Brinson.

ULC regularly meets in room MA-109 on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and currently has 130 active members.

If students are not interested in leadership activities, the Black Student Union (BSU) meets on Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. in Math Building MA-108.

There ULC will be an upcoming bake sale in November, which is yet another fundraising opportunity for the club.

L O S

M EDAN OS

C OL L E G E

E X P E R I E N C E

FRIDAY,

O C T.

26,

2018

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