Concert debuts suddenly
Vball still undefeated
Veteran run BBQ
Dr. Luis Zuniga lead the concert band class in surprise performance — page 3
Volleyball destroyed College of Alameda 3-0 maintaining their undefeated record — page 4
American Heroes Smokehouse brings barbecue to Brentwood while supporting the troops — page 6
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F.Y.I. Important dates November Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Nov. 11
Veterans Day, no school in session.
Nov. 16
The last day to withdraw from classes with a W.
Math looks for new tutors The Math Lab is now accepting applications for the upcoming spring semester. Tutors need to have earned a B in a transfer level math course or higher, be enrolled in six units or more and have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher. Tutors are paid $12 an hour. For more information, interested parties can ask a math lab staff member.
‘Ajax’ slices up the theater The California Theatre in Pittsburg presents “Ajax,” the Greek tragedy written by Sophocles in the fifth century B.C.E. The play will run from Dec. 5 to 8. Shows start at 7 p.m. Those interested can purchase tickets from the theatre’s website at http:// www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com/event/ajax/
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Decries socialism By LILLY MONTERO @lilly_montero3
The Young Americans for Freedom club erected a mock Berlin Wall in the outdoor quad last week. The wall which said things like “Revolt” and “Socialism is slaver y” was meant to commemorate both the fall of the Berlin Wall and Veterans Day for Freedom Week. The project was met with an array of reactions, including a counter sign which was erected later in the day by the LMC Allies club. For many, the wall elicited a bit of confusion as students and faculty tried to grasp exactly what message the wall was supposed to send. Some initially thought the club was trying to make a statement about the current political climate, a few thought it was about slavery and others were simply stuck on the big bright message about socialism. “I see the words ‘socialism,’ ‘slavery’ — I just want to know what’s it all about,” said Los Medanos College student Sierra Smith. YAF Treasurer Zack Medeiros and Vice President Joseph Tompkinson were there to answer questions about the project. Their in-
Experience Anthony Martinez
Aadil Faith smashes through a segment of the Young Americans for Freedom’s Berlin Wall. tention, the club members said, was to reject “oppressive socialist ideas.” “Everything on that wall attaches to fascism, socialism, communism and anything
that’s anti-freedom is really represented right there,” said Medeiros. However, because the wall was just a mock and not an accurate historic replica of the
Berlin Wall the message fell flat with a lot of students. Some were offended and felt the wall promoted a right wing agenda rather than commemorate the history of the Berlin Wall and
Blue wave flops By PERRY CONTINENTE @perrycontinente
As the 2018 midterms draw to a close, it is clear that the projected Democratic takeover or “blue wave” did not come to pass. The Republicans maintained control of the Senate with a slim majority, and while the Democrats did take the House of Representatives with a decisive majority, they failed to make significant inroads in deep red territory. Perhaps the race most representative of the election as a whole was Democratic darling Beto O’Rourke’s narrow loss to Republican incumbent Ted Cruz in Texas. The race was closely watched, as a Democrat winning a Senate seat in Texas, a Republican stronghold, would represent a massive shift in the status quo. No such change was to come as O’Rourke’s defeat coincided with several other close races for the Senate which were ultimate won by
Republicans. However, those Democrats that were successfully elected in deep blue districts often broke the mold. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib were the first Muslim women elected to Congress. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive underdog championed by Bernie Sanders, also became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Many of these candidates won their primaries against longtime pillars in the Democratic Party and represented the growing power of progressives on the left. Following the 2018 midterms a record number of women will fill the House of Representatives with CNN projecting 96 of the 435 seats being won by women. While 18- to 29-year-old Americans remain the demographic with See VOTE, page 5
By NICK CAMPBELL @nicky_charles
Experience Anthony Martinez
Amaya Hernandez casts her vote.
By LILLY MONTERO @lilly_montero3
@lmc_experience Experience Anthony Martinez
JACC keynote speaker Joaquin Alvarado addresses prospective community college journalists.
See WALL, page 5
Food bank provides aid
Journalists attend NorCal conference
Follow us on:
supporting veterans. “Socialism isn’t communism. I think they need to do more research,” said Vanessa Viveros, a student at LMC.
Local charity helps hungry
Surge in youth participation
Movie night comes to LMC Tuesday, Nov. 28 in Library LCC-114 at 7 p.m. Christopher Nolan’s film “Inception” will be shown. The film centers around thieves that delve into the minds of others and implant ideas. For more information students can contact the Office of Student Life at (925) 473-7554 or email them at studentlife@losmedanos.edu.
@lmc_experience
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Club tears down wall
Film explores conciousness
@lmc_experience
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The Los Medanos College Experience staff made off with a handful of awards at this year’s Journalism Association of Community Colleges Northern Regional Conference. Both current staff members and veteran staff members from prior semesters won awards. JACC conferences consist of several workshops staffed by experts in the field. This year’s conference included seminars on media law, how to write snappy headlines, be successful on social media. The conference also had a keynote speaker, film screenings and two types of contests — submission and on-the-spot. Submission style contests
involve attending newsrooms submitting work from the previous semester ahead of time so it can be judged by professional judges from news organizations in California and elsewhere. On-thespot style contests involve students observing an event writing a story or composing a photo package within a set amount of time. The winners of both contest formats are announced at the awards ceremony at end of the convention. Certificates are given out for honorable mentions and fifth, fourth, third and second place, and commemorative plaques are given out for first place wins. Former editor-in-chief Adria Watson took home
See JACC, page 5
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has been on the move this week helping families. Headquartered in Concord, the organization was founded in 1975 by volunteers looking to help local families with emergency food needs. What started as a small band of volunteers morphed into what is now known as the Food Bank. The mission of the Food Bank eventually transitioned from providing emergency one-time resources, to being a consistent and ongoing safety net for families in need. That transition also saw a shift in focus from merely providing food calorically to a priority on nutrition. In addition to providing food for families in need, the organization also provides education and resources. Things like budget friendly recipes, cooking tips, and information on healthy ingredients. The Food Bank also partners up with other reputable charity organizations like Feeding America and The California Association of Food Banks. Over 200 agencies have partnered with the Contra Costa and Solano branches of the Food Bank. The reach of the Food Bank stretches from Concord to See FOOD, page 5
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“People tend to forget their duties but remember their rights.” — Indira Gandhi
Dale Satre
Sabrina DeMoss
UP IN THE AIR
GUEST COLUMNIST
Opoid crisis on the back burner
Accept range in body image
The opioid crisis took a backseat in the recent political discussions, but it is a demon that has not gone away. More than 115 people in the United States die every day due to overdosing on opioids and not enough is being done about it. Opioid misuse and addiction is a serious national concern from a public health and socio-economic standpoint. Opioids work by attaching themselves to pain receptors in the brain and body and blocking transmissions of pain signals. In the short term, effects include feelings of calm, slowed or stopped breathing, vomiting and constipation. Long term effects include addiction, heart infection, lung infection and muscle pain. Over time, opioids can rewire the neural structure of the brain and induce addiction. The data paints an image of medication and narcotics being abused, but even more than that of a healthcare infrastructure that has failed its people miserably. As of this month, overdose is now the top cause of death in people under 50 in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2017, 11.1 million people aged 12 and older had misused prescription pain relievers in the past year, while in that same year 953,000 people received treatment for opioid misuse. Only 54.9 percent of users aged 12 and older with heroin misuse disorder had received treatment for their addiction at a specialty treatment facility. For opioid abuse, only 28.6 percent of users aged 12 and older with opioid addiction received treatment at a specialty treatment center. The greatest human toll can be expressed in the deaths around opioids. Opioids were involved in 42,249 deaths in 2016. According to estimates from the CDC, 47,872 people died from opioid overdoses in 2017. Researchers concluded that most of these opioid overdose deaths were unintentional. The opioid crisis is being driven by three trends: an increase of prescription opioid overdose deaths since 1999; the four-fold increase in heroin overdoses since 2010; and the increased risk and death rate for synthetic opioids like fentanyl since 2013. The average life expectancy in the United States decreased for the second year in a row in 2016 due to opioid deaths, according to the Surgeon General. Experts agree that a solution will have to be multifaceted. The first would be regulating the corporate sources of these opioids and forcing compliance with drug laws requiring full disclosures to doctors and patients about the dangers. This would close supply chains to providers that have a history of supplying addicts. Other lawsuits can be filed by local and state governments against companies, seeking compensation for policing and social welfare costs of loose supply chain security. Many cities and states are doing this, and the federal government is preparing a lawsuit. The Surgeon General is focusing its efforts on five major principles: improving access to treatment and recovery services, promoting use of overdose-reversing drugs, educating us on the epidemic through better public health surveillance, providing support for cutting-edge research on pain and addiction, and advancing better practices for pain management. A key component will be researching recovery processes that will reduce the relapse rate for addicts, lowering the probability they will return to the drug. Some hospitals are trying to equip overdose patients with medications they can take to reduce cravings when they settle back into their routine at home. Opioid addiction is a staple of American life that has died in the news recently, but it’s still killing Americans. If our government wants to continue a war on drugs, this is it.
Women all over the United States are worried about their physical appearance. They have been brainwashed to accept what the media deems as “beautiful,” and believe they are ugly if they don’t fit into that image. Many magazines offer “helpful tips” on how to drop 10 or 20 pounds in a week or how to find a black outfit that’s also slimming. Women of all ages are exposed to these body standards claiming to be perfect, and many spend a lifetime trying to achieve the Photoshopped model looks. There are countless diet plans, pills, fitness programs and even TV channels dedicated to exploiting this vulnerability in women and girls. Large groups of women and men are saying that it’s okay to be plus sized or not pencil thin. It’s okay to wear what you want no matter how curvy you are. The message they are trying to send is that it’s okay to be just the way you are, that you don’t have to conform to the fashion industry’s definition of beautiful. However, that message is not always understood by all women. Sometimes women are so far gone into the negativity of body image that they’ll never see themselves as worthy of being called pretty. I remember a time in eighth grade during lunch that my friend had told me she’d made herself throw up by jabbing the end of a toothbrush down her throat because she thought she was fat. I also remember during my Sophomore year of high school that every lunch break, I would throw my uneaten food in the trash and starve until I ate dinner that night at 7 p.m. because I thought I was fat. I had become so underweight from starving myself in high school that I had to drink Ensure, a protein shake for old people who have trouble eating on their own. On the bottle it said it was strawberry flavored, but I always thought it tasted a bit like salty rust. I spent forty dollars on appetite suppressants because I was eating too many calories and my dad said I needed to lose a couple pounds. To this day, every time I get on the scale and I see a number that isn’t ideal or shows that I’m not losing any weight I get depressed. Sometimes the episodes are so bad I contemplated starving myself again, so I can be as skinny as I was in high school. I’ve even researched how to get a liposuction because I was convinced that was the only way I could shed off my pounds. Many women and girls have done so much to themselves to try to fit into the narrow, mainstream image of beauty. There are some who don’t eat for so long and become so thin that it is life-threatening. Others throw up their food so often they damage the esophagus, which causes pain and swelling, and can also lead to infection, ulcers, and life-threatening ruptures. Health risks caused by eating disorders can require hospitalization and can cause death. If people would stop telling women and girls that they must be thin in order to be seen as pretty, there would be physical and mental health benefits. Imagine if people stopped having the feeling that they need to be so thin it hurts. Chubby, thin, or anything in between: All women deserve to be viewed as beautiful just the way they are. Beauty should not require a lifetime of maintenance when there is more that we care about. Instead of worrying about what number your dress size is, imagine the next steps in your education or career. Ignore all the Photoshopped faces and waists in magazines. Put more energy into your relationships with the people who embrace every kind of body, and say goodbye to the people who don’t. Let your passions and goals be the reasons that you carry yourself with confidence and pride, not a number on a bathroom scale. Aim for authenticity, kindness and the love that grows from regular self-care.
Editorial
Midterm makes history
I
n what seemed like an election that would never arrive, the 2018 midterm elections are finally in the books. It was anti-climatic as the Democratic Party took control of the House of Representatives as predicted. As predicted,the Republicans keep control of the Senate. The election turned out to be historic. In what could be billed as a night of firsts, many women from all walks of life are victorious in their congressional races. We are witness to two Muslim women, two native Americans, two black women being the first Congresswoman in their respective states, a black Attorney General in New York and also from New York the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Results are still pending in Georgia where Stacey Abrams could make history as the first black woman to be Governor in the state. So while the election dust settles, what’s clear is that history has been made across the country. This massive coalition built with women of color, youth and LGBTQ people is not only reflective of America’s true diversity, but will also be a thorn in the Trump administration’s oppressive plans. While these accomplishments are rightfully celebrated, it also highlights the importance of making your voice heard by voting. So many before us have given their lives and their freedom for us to have the right to vote. Voter suppression has been a big problem across the country. With a Democratic majority in the House, there may be hope for legislation to end voter suppression. But with the Senate in GOP control, the main beneficiaries of voter suppression, there is still more work to be done. No analysis is needed to see that this new coalition in Congress will be a force to be reckoned with.
Lack of competition in ISPs The open Internet enables any one of us to share our opinions and be a content creator. These can range from relevant to minor, whether it’s our opinions on the current administration, our opinions on the spread of fake news, or even simply which cat video is funnier. We can express anything we want to share, and anyone can listen in. This makes it hard to imagine what it would be like if what we shared on the Internet could be controlled and filtered, so that big corporations decide the content you see, and you no longer had the freedom to share or view freely. This is what Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are looking to gain by lifting Net Neutrality laws. There are only three cable companies in America for us to choose from— Comcast, Verizon, and Time Warner Cable. One in three Americans have only one choice for their Internet service provider, and rarely do people get access to more than three. We’re still using copper cables invented by Alexander Graham Bell over a hundred years ago, hardly enough to stream HD video or audio. To replace this infrastructure and provide American homes with modern download speeds, ISPs need to replace old technology with faster, modern fiber optic cables. Do you remember hearing that Google began to expand with called Google Fiber, promising speeds of up to 1000 Mb/s for a fraction of the cost? How come that service still hasn’t come to your area, and you’re still stuck with the same cable that can only transmit about 200 Mb/s?
rEadEr opinion policy
Dominic Lopez GUEST COLUMNIST
The answer is costs. Google, one of the biggest, highest grossing tech giants in the world, is forced to cut back due to high costs, and it’s hardly because of the costs of infrastructure. In Nashville, Tennessee, current ISPs like AT&T hit hard with lawsuits stalling Google’s process of upgrading telephone poles needed to transmit the high-speed data. ISPs say it’s critical to throttle the internet speeds of other areas when traffic must pass through the connections, such as information transmitted to hospitals that can save someone’s life in exchange for an annoyed Netflix user who’s forced turn down the resolution of their movie, or face buffering every few seconds. However, ISPs have more than enough money to upgrade, but a lack of competition prevents it. They will spend millions through lobbyists to maintain their monopoly, and ensure they won’t have to pay to fight competition and provide people with a better service. Net neutrality protects free and open speech on the internet from the interests of for-profit corporations. Without these rules, ISPs can and will place content behind paywalls or throttle traffic they don’t want you to see.
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
Was there a race in the midterms you were passionate about? COMPILED
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CHRIS
RUIZ
LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE
Experience L M C e x p e r i e n c e . c o m
Member California Newspaper Publishers Association
“Texas. It was really sad, but I heard it was a close race.”
“I liked the Democrats and I’m glad they are winning.” —
“I was looking at the race for governor — I’m not really surprised.”
“I didn’t vote. I just hope that whoever is elected is better for everybody.”
“I’m happy with the results. The house is much more even.” — Shannon
“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
“I was disappointed that Oakland re-elected their mayor.”
Osiuhwu 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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“Metal musicians say dumb things sometimes.”
— Rob Halford
Impromptu concert performed Band mixes it up @lilly_montero3
The brass section plays during its impromptu concerto Thursday, Nov. 1 in front of the Student Services Center.
Student aids election
Millenial gains political experience @Lyniece__
The midterms have come and past, LMC student Mianya Thomas got her first hand experience in politics working for the Jerry Mcnerney campaign. Thomas grew up in a household that never had much of an interest in politics. So as she grew up she didn’t know the importance of voting or what the impact elections could have on a community. Her family briefly had interest in the election of President Barack Obama but later lost interest in the electoral process. “My parents are like the ones who just came out to vote when Obama was running,” Thomas admitted. It wasn’t until she became invested in social media that she began to expand her world view. “When I was introduced to social media, it showed me what was going on in the world,” said Thomas. With all of this newfound information from social media it negatively influenced her perspective on politics. She came to believe the government was “corrupt” and that her vote didn’t actually matter. However, this pessimistic thinking made
a complete 360 when a friend gave her the experience campaigning and politics from the inside. “When she had told me about the position it kinda made me want to get involved due to the fact that I didn’t know much about politics,” Thomas said. Like many millenials, Thomas was receiving her information from the Internet, but didn’t have any real life experiences to validate what she had seen. So when got the chance to be involved and learned something new she didn’t hesitate to accept the offer. Taking on the role of a team leader, she came across difficulties with some of her staff members. This was the first time this particular campaign had young adults working it so the bar that was set for seriousness was low. “They didn’t take the job too seriously compared to how adults would take it,” Thomas said. To overcome this situation the young staffer was sure to “ set by example” so the young adults could see how she was handling situations and follow her lead. “I wanted them to look at me and say, ‘If
Dr. Luis Zuniga’s concert band class held an impromptu performance on the steps of the Student Services building last Thursday, Nov.1. “We just wanted to get out of the music area and get out and perform,” said Zuniga. After a quick setup, the band performed “Suite from Symphonie Fantastique” by Hector Berlioz, a series of seasonal pieces they have been working on this semester. The first was “I. A Ball” a piece which began with a slow build until it broke into an upbeat and bouncy tune. The second was “II. March to the Scaffold” which sounded exactly as it was titled. With the drums carrying the song to a powerful climax, briefly dropping for what one would describe as a slow march, the song then erupted again into a victorious tune. The last piece “III. A Witch’s Sabbath” sounded eerie, just the right tone to finish off a week that celebrated both Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos. The performance came as a pleasant surprise both to the band and the onlookers
who gathered to watch. The musicians, who usually have class indoors, appreciated being able to play in the fresh evening air. “I feel like it’s good to get outdoors every now and then,” said musician Tyler Wright. The experience was especially novel for the musician for multiple reasons. “We haven’t done a live performance yet and I’m excited,” Wright continued. “It’s my first live performance with this concert band.” Other students saw the impromptu performance not only as an opportunity to get some fresh air, but also to give LMC’s concert band some exposure. “I think it’s a great idea to bring awareness to the LMC campus about the types of music the LMC band can play,” said musician Jessica Anderson. At the beginning of the semester, the class sorts through numerous pieces of music, determining which ones they like and dislike and eventually settling on a piece that really interests them. They have been working on “Suite from
Staff tastes talent Classified Senate Secretary Bethann Stone scoops up her bread pudding during the crockpot cook off Nov. 5. The event, which was a competitive cook off, raised $778 for student scholarships. Shondra West won the competition with her cheesy veggie lasagna. Second place went to Letta Green, third place went to Imelda Lares and Shodra also won the People’s Choice award. Experience
Newswatch
Get assisted with transfer apps
Los Medanos College will be holding several Application Workshops for both UCs and CSUs throughout November, as well as weekly Transfer Coaching sessions. CSU Workshops will be offered on the following schedule: n Nov. 14, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Library L-214 n Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Library L-214 UC Workshops will be offered on the following schedule: n Nov. 15, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Library L-214 n Nov. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Library L-214 Transfer Coaching will be held in the Transfer Services center in the Upper Level of the Student Services Center (SS4) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. appointments can be made at sparsons@losmedanos.edu.
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.
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
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Bringing home the banner
“Be so good they can’t ignore you.”
— Steve Martin
Eight player hoop squad
Onto the playoffs
Team aims for success
By HUGO CALDERON
By JESUS CANO
@hcal09
“Winning conference.” said Sophia Clavido. The team captain described this as one of the teams’ goals this season back in September, now it has become reality. Los Medanos College women’s volleyball team beat College of Alameda 3-0 to officially seal their status as Bay Valley Conference winners. Although LMC (13-0) have already cemented first place in conference, Solano (12-1) still have the opportunity to get a share of the spoils if they can manage to defeat the Mustangs on the final game of the regular season on Nov. 9. Los Medanos asserted their dominance from the get-go. The undefeated team claimed the first point of the set, from there they never lost the lead throughout the set, ultimately winning 25-19. “I think we knew this game was important. We knew what we needed to do.” said libero Emily Jones. “We got straight to the point.” The following set the Cougars got the first point. That would be the only time that they have the lead throughout the whole set. Solano managed to tie the game at 3-3 but that would be the closest they would be to the lead as for the rest of the set LMC would only drift farther away with the score line, finishing the set 25-12. LMC went on a seven point scoring streak, sending balls hard and fast but the streak was ended on an error. “This is what I was talking about from the very beginning [winning the title]. It doesn’t feel real that this was my last time playing in this gym.” said Clavido “I told everybody in the beginning all we need is all we got, cause the only team that can be us is ourselves.”
@juice_cano
Experience Anthony Martinez
Joslin Sadler looks on as the ball goes too far from her reach. The setter is currently leads the conference in assists, with a total of 378. 30 of those coming against the Cougars. The Mustangs finished off the game 3-0, getting another clean sweep. The set finished 25-14, leaving an 11 point gap. Alameda did not look too threaten the Mustangs’ lead throughout not just the set but the game as well. Los Medanos’ hitting percentage for the game was a .429, a season high for the team according to head coach Lou Panzella. Their hitting percentage for the season is the second highest in the conference at .232. “Ever y year the goal is reaching the playoffs, winning conference. This is now the third year in a row that we are going to be in the playoffs and fourth in the last fifth. That’s what we are looking to do consistently.” said Panzella “They play with a lot of heart. Experience Anthony Martinez As a group they like each other. That makes a big difference Emily Sobolik hits the ball toward her opponents’ side of the court in attempt to as a coach.” not concede a point during her team’s 3-0 win against College of Alameda.
Men’s Bball is back
With just eight players on the squad, the Los Medanos College women’s basketball team is gearing up for their 2018-2019 campaign. The team under the helm of LMC athletic director Richard Villegas is in a story all too familiar with the short roster size. Last season, the Mustangs ended the season with just six players. Yet they still reached the playoffs and were just short of a Bay Valley Conference title. In the words of Villegas “Last year was last year.” and new challenges are presented to the Mustangs. They do not have any active returners, essentially having a lower than usual chemistry to beginning of the season. However, the Mustangs do bring in some players that had practiced all year with the team last season, but chose to redshirt. “We have some good shooters and good experienced players and a couple players that are new and are trying to find themselves.” said Villegas. “We have good team chemistry, they’re going to play hard which is something my teams always do.” “It was a little weird at first because we did not know each other, but now our chemistry is great on and off the court.” said Seuvahnia Kuka. Kuka was a redshirt player last season who transferred from Diablo Valley College where she only started five games but was one of Pittsburg High School’s star players and the MVP of the Bay Valley Athletic League her senior year. Marahya Guinto is another player who decided to redshirt. A pair of sophomores looking for redemption this year are Olivia Sanabria and Mercy Otumnli who both suffered See BBALL page 5
SPOTLIGHT
A chat with Jorge Magana Spotlight is an occasional Q&A feature with a member of the LMC Mustang football team. By CONNOR HORSFIELD Correspondent
Defensive linemen coachJorge Magana was in the shoes many of his athletes are in. He attended Freedom High School and played football at LMC under head coach Chris Shipe. He later moved on to play football at Montana State University, Northern He is now back home to pursue a new coaching endeavour. First of all, I know that this is your first year at LMC, how has your first year here been? It’s been great so far. I’m glad to work for a school that’s had so much success in the past, and I hope that I can help be one of the building blocks to bring these guys more success in the future. What are the traits that make a defensive lineman good? Explosiveness off the line, strength, good hands, arms and the ability to never quit. You know how analysts always talk about having a good motor? They’re talking about guys that never quit and can keep driving with their feet until the play ends. Is there a difference in what makes a good DE and a good DT? It’s not that different in terms of technique, especially since I find it easier to coach everybody at once, so my
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The winter sports season is here, and basketball is gearing up to open its season. The team, lead by returning head coach Derek Domenichelli, will hit the road Friday, Nov. 9 to face Skyline College. It will not be until the end of the month, on Nov. 29, that the Mustangs will open at home against Santa Rosa Junior College. Above, Carson Musgrove goes for a layup during practice.
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Photo courtesy of Jorge Magana
DLine coach Jorge Magana trains with players. goal is to be able to have these guys be able to play any spot on the line. The only difference would be is that the inside guys need to plug up the gaps and keep the blockers busy, while the outside guys need to try to use their hands and speed to get around the edge without allowing a potential hole to open. Would you rather have a speed rusher or a power rusher on your team? I try to have my guys be both at once. You need that quickness to get around the Tackles, but there are times that you need to plant your foot and drive through them to get back inside. So you need both, but it’s about being able to
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convert that speed into power. Which is easier to teach? A DT or a DE? A speed rusher or a power rusher? A Defensive Tackle is easier to teach, just because there’s less to do. There’s a lot more that goes into playing defensive end and they have to react a bit more to the different situations. What are the single easiest and hardest things to teach a DL? The easiest thing to teach is getting their stance right. As for the hardest, it’s either just getting them not to quit on a play, or knowing how to adjust their hands for a specific play.
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The Rest
BBALL JACC From page 4
From page 1
injuries during their freshman year of basketball at LMC. They both took time off to heal the injuries. Sanabria made the All-Conference team back in the 20162017 season but didn’t finish the season due to a season ending injury. A small roster means fewer bench players, meaning to be prepared more physically with better conditioning, but Villegas isn’t worried about that because of what the smaller team of last year went through. But in Villegas’ extensive career as a coach, his philosophy adjusts every single year with a new team. “One thing we always do is play hard, together and with class.” said Villegas. “We’re a little bit smaller with a lot of guards so were going to run more and shoot more and put up a lot of pressure.” Los Medanos is in three tournaments in its non-conference play schedule, many of which they participated in last season and placed high. Villegas says in order to be the best they have to play the best. LMC’s home opener is Tuesday Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.as against College of the Siskiyous.
three awards. She won second place in the feature stor y category, fourth place for a photo-story essay she worked on with three other staf f members and an honorable mention for front page layout.
Q&A From page 4
Q
Is there a particular NFL or college team (or individual players) that you try to model your DL after? I’m a big Raiders fan, and a big Khalil Mack fan, so I have our guys watch a lot of film of him and Von Miller. This may be the same answer but who do you think has the best DL unit (NFL and/or college)? The Rams. Between who they have on the inside and their ability to rotate and stay fresh, that’s a scary DLine unit for sure. What would be your dream dl? You can pick players from any era, 2dt & 2de. I really like the defensive ends of today, so I think I’ll have to go with Khalil Mack and Von Miller for those spots. As for the inside, I’ll take Warren Sapp and um, let’s go with one of the greatest ever and choose Reggie White. What got you into coaching dl in the first place? And did you play at all before you started coaching? If so, what position? I actually played under Coach Shipe as a Center here, and at then went on to play at the next level. However, eventually you run out of years that you’re eligible to play this game, and there’s really only two choices after that. You can get into coaching, or you can move on with your life and put this game behind you. As you can see, I ended up choosing the first one.
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Experience
VOCAL From page 6
CIVIC she is my age and can do it, then so can I,’” she said. While working for the campaign, she learned the significance of voting and civic engagement and why it’s so important for everyone to participate in, especially young adults. Every day she saw the ways voting could impact lives and the future people of her generation will inherit. “Every vote counts, and every vote matters, especially if it will affect our future,” she said. Overall her experience working for the campaign has been an eye-opening for her and has made a significant mark on her world view. “I actually learned about politics and had the opportunity to get others involved who were never interested,” she said. Thomas doesn’t see a future in politics for herself, but instead hopes to work in the medical field. Though we may not have a future politician on our hands, we may have a doctor or a nurse who will continue to push the younger generation to go vote and make a difference.
“They all did great,” said Quist, “What was really cute was backstage... Everybody knows all the songs and they were being supportive. But they were, frankly, lip synching in the back to every song.” Somers also enjoyed the evening’s performances, and connected its success to the quality of LMC’s music program. “I thought it was such a special place,” said Somers. “I thought like, ‘what a really wonderful place of honesty.’ That’s what really stood out to me in a lot of the students.” “Music merriment,” interjected Quist to which Somers agreed adding, “Yeah, merry music-making...their honesty and simplicity and just being here, with dedication.”
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FOOD From page 1
Brentwood and beyond for Contra Costa County. It also has territory that covers as far as Vallejo to Fairfield in Solano County. The Food Bank is a registered 501c (3) which designates they are not a religious or political organization.
WALL
clubs that actively goes out and says that we are a safe space,” said Briggs, “and a lot of the demonstrations they do they’re always talking about dismantling safe spaces.” Briggs felt YAF has had a history of making people feel unwelcome. “It is not the first time they’ve tried to incite fear on campus,” said Briggs, citing the controversial 9/11 poster. Briggs and other Allies wanted to be a positive force against that. In designing constructing their counter demonstration Allies club was sure to add things that made what they perceived to be targeted groups feel welcome. They also included graffiti from the real Berlin Wall which is where the “No more walls, no more war” message came from. On Thursday, Nov. 8 YAF invited students to help them tear the wall down with sledge hammers, but after a few swings left it to club members themselves. Overall, the club felt the week had been successful in promoting dialogue. Club president Jessica Anderson said they had “civil” conversations with self-identified socialists. “This isn’t a reason to be… afraid or however people could possibly react to it. And it should and I think it is sparking conversation and conversation that should be had,” said Medeiros.
POPUP
“It always feels awesome to get an award for what you’re passionate about,” said Enos. From page 6 “To know I won alongside my friends with our photo-story of the country to A Current essay makes it even better.” Affair to promote their vintage wear. Maggie Foster, has Azi Carter, another former owned a vintage store called staff member, placed third in Triple Gemini of f and on the opinion writing category since 2009. for her piece on restorative “I am from New York and justice. I fly out every year. I own all Alfonso Camus, a contribu- hand-me-down clothing that tor to the paper, won an award I know people will love,” said Foster. for his editorial cartoon. From small to big businessThe Experience staff overall es, A Current Affair hosts brought home two awards everyone interested. Visitors in the category of “General come from all around. Excellence” for both the “It’s been growing every print and online editions of year,” said Skowronski. the paper. Participant Melissa Wolf “It’s a really cool feeling to has come to the vintage get be part of a paper that contin- together for three years now. ues to receive awards for the “I love fashion. I always standard of its publications,” meet wonderful people with said current staff member great fashion sense. EveryRobert Pierce. one has unique styles that is
Quist found himself rather impressed with the amount of support shared among the artists.
From page 3
DeM’ario Hughes views the wall set up by the Young Americans for Freedom.
“I am ver y proud of the way things ended before I left,” said Watson. “I think it’s From page 1 awesome anytime anyone on “I think this is more like staff gets recognized at JACC and I’m glad people got the propaganda.” The wall, YAF club memrecognition they deserve.” bers admitted, was intended to Several of the Experience’s have a modern spin. It was an awards were won in various assignment from their parent photo categories by both organization Young Americas former and cur rent staf f Foundation who encouraged members. members to decorate it with Former staf f members what they felt was relevant to who won awards for their their message. “It’s just kind of a represenphotography include Eric Perez, Cathie Lawrence and tation of not only history, but things going on in the modern D’Aujah Gordon. Perez won first place in the day that feel applicable,” said sports feature photo category Tompkinson. However, the message for an intense black and white about safe spaces sparked a photo of a student playing counter demonstration from basketball. the LMC Allies club. Lawrence won fourth place Tuesday, Nov. 6 a small in the sports action photo white poster was put up which categor y and Gordon won said in big black letters “No second place in the feature more walls, no more war.” It photo category. was covered in butterflies with Current co-editor-in-chief messages like “No dream is Perry Continente also placed impossible,” and “We are not second in the news photo aliens” as well as an upside categor y for his explosive down American flag, a symbol photo of a counter protester of extreme distress. The flag at a “Unite the Right” rally in had been removed from the poster by unknown persons San Francisco last year. by Wednesday morning. Continente also received LMC Allies President Akila an honorable mention in the Briggs said their demonstraon-the-spot news writing tion was in response to the competition. original placement of the mock Former staff member Bren- Berlin Wall, which stood in na Enos also won two awards, front of the library, the club’s one for a feature profile story meeting space, without the about LMC professor Briana white letter of clarification McCar thy swimming the later added by YAF. The lack English Channel. of information, the club felt, Another award was for the was fear mongering tactic. “Allies is one of the only photo-story essay she worked on with Watson.
F R I D AY,
very underrated,” said Wolf. “Coming here makes me more appreciative of style and gives me more inspiration.” The owner of “Hot Couture” Marta Koehne, started her own vintage clothing store 35 years ago. “I started this business right when I moved from Texas, I have been selling vintage clothes for 40 years,” said Koehne. “I just love vintage clothes and people who are into it like me.” Koehne has a store in Santa Rosa and always try to make her way to A Current Affair to promote the store. A Current Affair show will return to L.A. in December for its final show of the year. If you like unique fashion, with a vintage feel, be sure to catch the vintage pop up next time it’s in the Bay Area.
A typical client of the Food Bank is really diverse. Food Distributor Will Gregory observes the difference. “I serve over 1,500 people a week and no one family is the same” said Gregory. Recently, The Food Bank had set up a distribution point in the parking lot of the Medi-Cal office on Delta Fair Blvd. Volunteers were out helping to distribute food packages for families. It required a simple check in and then a ticket was given to the family who then got in line to get a package. Mike Moore, 43, was in line and received a bag of fruit, vegetables and other various items that will help stock the cupboards. “Things are really tight right now in my budget, so this will really help” said Moore. The Food Bank is always in need of volunteers and donors. Many people choose to volunteer and for a variety of motivations. Some like to volunteer to give back to the community, some are fulfilling cour t obligations, and some have a personal connection. Food Bank volunteer Brandon Hursh got his start in helping out the community by joining a club in high school. “Helping out the Food Bank has been one of the best experiences I’ve had volunteering,” said Hursh. There are many opportunities for those looking to volunteer.
Follow the LMC Experience online at lmcexperience.com
VOTE From page 1
the worst voter turnout, this election still marks an increase in voter turnout for young Americans. One of these Americans is LMC student Adrian Montemayor, who carefully filled out his ballot while working in Student Life. “I feel like [this election] has alerted a lot of students,” said Montemayor. Much of Montemayor’s focus was on the measures facing California, and he sought to educate himself on them before voting. “I want to really know what I’m doing before I vote on these,” said Montemayor as he strove to educate himself hours before the polls closed. While Montemayor was enthused about voting and the electoral process, many students were less politically motivated, with some not even realizing that there was an election taking place. LMC student Emily Deaton explained why she had abstained from voting in the election. “I’m not registered to vote,” said Deaton, “I moved to the area a year ago and I’ve just been too lazy.” Much of the reason Deaton abstained from voting also came from her resenting the efforts to increase voter turnout. “All that stuff telling me to vote made me not want to,” she explained. Halim Mohammed, another student, had different reasons for not coming out to vote. “I don’t really see the point,” said Mohammed. “I don’t really like any of the candidates.” Mohammed’s apathy was fueled by what he perceived to be a lack of viable moderate candidates in the election. Though the election sparked civic engagement in some, it is clear there is still much to be done to increase voter turnout.
BAND
Anyone interested in donating to the Food Bank can do so by visiting their website at From page 3 www.foodbankccs.org. Or by calling 1-855-309- Symphonie Fantastique” this FOOD, mailing a check to entire semester. “It’s really a staple as far Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano at 4010 Nelson as music’s concerned and so Ave., Concord, CA 94520 and it’s always a great experience by email support@foodbank- to play classics from some of the greatest composers,” ccs.org. Anderson added. In addition to one time doLMC’s concert band will nations you can also become showcase its work at the final a monthly donor by calling concert Monday, Dec. 10. The Kim Castenada at 925-676- time and ticket prices have yet 7543 ext 265. to be determined, but those For people looking to vol- interested in attending can unteer, those interested can check the Music Department’s contact her at to https:// event listings online at https:// volunteer.foodbankccs.org www.losmedanos.edu/music/ events.aspx. and look for your location.
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Features
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“It’s only forever, not long at all. ”
— David Bowie
Brentwood smokehouse gives back BBQ supports veterans @RobertP_EXP
Meaty aromas, classic rock and the American spirit fill the dining room of the American Heroes Smokehouse barbecue restaurant in Brentwood. Owned by Jo Danberry, the daughter-in-law of company founder and CEO Ed Danberr y, a Vietnam veteran, the restaurant is dedicated to southern-style barbecue, souther n hospitality and veteran outreach. The Brentwood location opened April 2, making it the first non-New Jersey location for the East Coast company. According to Danberry, the location was picked merely because she lives in Brentwood; her father-in-law asked her if she thought a location in her area could be successful, and she told him yes. She felt the unique southern-style practiced by American Heroes would contrast with the local offerings and aid the many veterans’ resources in the area. “We just love this community,” Danberry said. The store itself, formerly a Quinzos location, had to be completely converted. Everything but the floor and the restrooms were gutted during construction, which started early this year and finished very quickly. Danberry cited Front House Manager, Lauren Lockhart, as a contributor to the successful opening.
Top: Small chalkboard butcher charts adorn a counter. Bottom: Employee Nikki Karber prepares an order for a customer. Lockhart previously worked at the New Jersey location, along with her husband Aaron, the Brentwood location’s Kitchen Manager, and were relocated to the area by Danberry to provide experience during the formative phases. Since opening, American Heroes has stuck fast to its mission of honoring and giving back to veterans by offering
jobs to as many veterans as possible, offering a 20 percent discount for veterans and a 10% discount to emergency service workers as well as partnering with local veterans’ resources. “Just starting from the store standpoint, we make it a point to thank everybody for their service, all of our veterans, all of our emergency services personnel,” said Lockhart.
According to Danberr y, the store is currently raising funds to train and give out a service dog named Jocko. To fully train Jocko will cost about $10,000 and the store has currently raised about $2,000 says Danberry. Outside of veterans, American Heroes also believes in embracing local communities and providing opportunities
for their employees. Assistant Manager Nikki Karber, who was hired on before the opening, believes in the store’s mission and loves the environment present within it. “[Compared to other restaurants I’ve worked at] it’s definitely a lot more homely, a lot more friendly, a lot more comfortable,” Karber said. “It doesn’t feel like you’re being
bossed around, it feels like you’re a part of something bigger.” American Heroes Smokehouse is located at 8610 Brentwood Blvd. and is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The smokehous is also open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They sell barbecued meat by the pound, and combo platters.
Marketplace goes old school Staff writer
Shoppers explore the pop-up as vendors from all over the country promote their newest wear.
Overlooking the San Francisco Bay Bridge was the Fall 2018 A Current Affair, a vintage marketplace. The event was held in Richmond, Saturday Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Current Affair is held twice a year, once the fall and again in the spring. It has up to 80 vendors from all over the United States and is also held in New York, Los Angeles and in the Bay Area. Richard Wainwright started the show with other vintage vendors about seven years ago, They wanted to create a marketplace for customers to attend and find the “best vintage in the planet.” Louela Guevarra, has been working this event for almost a year and a half. She lives in the Bay Area and is called every time they host a show here. “It is based in L.A. we charge $25
from 10 a.m to 12 p.m. for the people who want the preview show. It is a rush of energy,” Guevarra explained. The rest of the marketplace charges $12 from noon to 6 p.m. for those are interested in shopping the vintage marketplace. The money charged for tickets go toward improving the preview shows ever y year. They also charge the vendors and use it for complementary water and candy for all of the guests. Every year the ticket sales have increased from 10 to 20 percent. “This year we have twelve new vendors,” Host Ali Skowronski said. “ It is all of different decades, from t-shirts, pants, to jewelry. People have bought their wedding dress here. It is gaining popularity because it’s so unique, one of a kind pieces and sustainable aspect.” Vendors have also flown out from
Fall choral concert an ‘adventure’ @AlexanderRBroom
There was a high concentration of musical talent in the Los Medanos College Music Recital Hall Tuesday evening when members of the LMC community and beyond gathered for the Choral Adventure Concert. The event had all sorts of experience levels, from seasoned classical pianist Bill Quist, to 16-year-old LMC student Keturah Protho-Harris who performed as a soloist for the first time singing Adele’s “Remedy.” “When you sing, you never know what’s going to come out — think about it, it takes a lot of courage. So I’m so proud of all of the students,” said show director and LMC music professor Sylvester Henderson. Sean Wright, mayor of Antioch and LMC alumnus, was in attendance for the concert in support of his son, Tyler, who performed a solo version of “If Ever I Would Leave You,” by Frederic Loewe from “Camelot.” It was a return to his roots for the mayor who
was previously a music student of Henderson’s while here at LMC. “I was in the Chamber Choral for four years and so me and Mr. Henderson are good friends,” said Wright, “I love coming to support the Chamber Choral.” The atmosphere in the Recital Hall was energetic throughout the evening. “The energy was fabulous,” said Wright. “ LMC has some very talented musicians and a fabulous music program.” Henderson spoke of some of the benefits being in the program provides to students. “I think the great thing is that we use music as a way of encouraging not only creativity, but to promote discipline, rigor and make them resilient in their ability so that they can transfer that resiliency to the academic process,” said Henderson. He also said because the program is collaborative it brings people together and helps create bonds. “They have a great sense of community, long
lasting friendships and they also talk about a lot of serious issues,” said Henderson. There were more than 20 performances during the concert. A main highlight was special guest and Bay Area transplant Dr. Chadwick Somers of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York who performed a set of three moving solos in his operatic tenor. Particularly important to Henderson, when choosing the special guest, was his humility and class. “A phenomenal vocalist...he demonstrated to the students what they could achieve, to become, for those that want to become concert artists,” said Henderson. Henderson also spoke highly of Quist, who played with the San Francisco symphony in the 1970s and said he was pleased to have been invited to play at LMC. “It was a real pleasure to come out here — to play in the ‘burbs and to see all this great Tyrell Burks, a baritone, sings one of music happening,” said Quist.
the many solo pieces at the concert.