Vol. 86 No. 10-April 28, 2017

Farm to quad to plate

Drama brings ‘Death’

Stangs scuttle Mariners

Freshest Cargo brings fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs to LMC — page 3

The student written post-apocolyptic play “Death and Silence” to bring humor, gore and violence — page 4

The Los Medanos College baseball team picked up another win with a final score of 13-5 — page 5

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F.Y.I. Important Dates April is Autism Awareness Month April 28

Last day to withdraw from full-term classes with a “W”

May 19

Last day of regular classes prior to finals

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Beers brings the laughs

Comedian puts personal experience into his standup

By PERRY CONTINENTE

pcontinente@lmcexperience.com

Comedy is an underrated tool for social commentary.

Few understand this better than comedian Michael Beers who, Monday after noon, performed a free show that weaved his pointed message in with humorous anecdotes.

Beers finds comedy critical in analysis of the political landscape, “you need levity and humor when dealing with social issues,” said Beer mentioning the works of Richard Prior, George Carlin, Bill Hicks and Robin Williams. Beer also mentioned Sherman Alexi’s

novel “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” which uses humor to examine modern Native American culture as an example of comedic social commentary.

“Comedy was a big part of my life growing up,” said Beers, explaining how it helped him get through the many surgeries he had early in life, “My adoptive father always had the most inappropriate joke at the most painful moment, it helped me a lot.”

Beers’ slung witty anecdote after witty anecdote about ever ything from the difference between white and

Native American culture to uncomfortable interactions with people who treated him condescendingly because of his disability.

Beers also pointed out the difference between racism and ableism. Beers maintains that ableism is characterized by ignorance not hatred, “people are almost never malicious, just ignorant,” said Beers, relating an experience with a woman in a grocery store who offered him help condescendingly because of his disability.

Beers did, however, draw parallels between the treat-

Experience • Chris Ruiz

Comedian Michael Beers performs his routine in the Recital Hall Monday, April 24. ment of Native Americans and the Disabled. “We try to isolate what we don’t understand,” said Beers, calling both the barbaric ‘schools’ for the disabled that were

May 22 marks the start of finals week for the spring semester. A reminder: classes that start at 4 p.m. and into the evening will hold finals at normal time. Confirm with your instructor for the specific times for your finals.

Team trumps heavyweights

By ADRIA WATSON

STEM work displayed

awatson@lmcexperience.com

The Los Medanos College STEM program will host a research symposium Friday, May 5 to present what current students and alumni have learned through research experiences, internships, honors projects, volunteer opportunites and summer employment. It will be held in the Science building from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Every first Thurday of the month, Student Life holds “A Place to Talk” where students can express their thoughts and feelings about topics concerning today’s society. Next month’s topic is foreign affairs and will be held May 4 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Student Life Office. For more information email studentlife@losmedanos. edu.

Planning for the summer The Los Medanos College Summer 2017 Class Schedule is now available for students who plan to register. It can be viewed online at losmedanos. edu/.

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Debate scores victory

Finals week upcoming

LMC offering a safe space

so prevalent in the past and Native American reservations “warehouses for people.”

Beers brought his show to a close with a clear call to

Experience • Chris Ruiz

LMC President Bob Kratochvil smooches a frog as part of a fundraiser for the Honors Club. Kratochvil was one of several of candidates for amphibian amory, edging out the Bookstore’s Andrew Murphy by $6.

Frog kissed for fundraiser Students, staff and faculty vote to raise money for Honors Club

By KIMBERLY STELLY

kstelly@lmcexperience.com

Members of the Los Medanos Community got to witness college president Bob Kratochvil kiss a frog Wednesday, April 26. However, it wasn’t the result of a torrid romance between amphibian and man; it was a fundraiser to raise money for the LMC Honors Club.

Honors had already begun collecting donations for the event last

week. Students, staff and faculty were encouraged to donate money to vote on whom they wanted to kiss the frog.

“It’s important for fundraisers to be an integral part of any club especially honors because it promotes student engagement and it’s just a fun way to hang out,” said LMCAS President Israel Castro Cortez.

The event itself put together by the Honors Club, started with bad jokes and a tense countdown as a small

crowd gathered outside of the Student Services Center on the windy afternoon, to find out which of the five contenders would kiss the frog.

According to Treasurer Richard Stanfield, the fundraiser raised $300.79. Honors Instructor Saito raised $31, Student Life’s John Nguyen raised $42 and the Transfer and Career Services Center’s Rachel Anicetti raised $53. Andrew Murphy — lovingly nicknamed “The Bookstore Guy” — raised $83, coming in second. And coming in first, President Kratochvil, raising $89.

“I kind of wanted to see Rachel kiss the frog, but who doesn’t like to see the LMC president kiss a wonderful creature?” said See KISS, page 6

East Bay stands up for the Earth

By PERRY CONTINENTE

pcontinente@lmcexperience.com

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets April 22 in over 600 separate marches across the country with one common goal — support and defend science and its place in this new political paradigm.

Following closely on the heels of the International Women’s March, the March for Science is similarly a reaction to the Trump ad-

ministration. Whereas the Women’s March was largely in response to the President’s position on abor tion and women’s health, as well as his past conduct towards women, the March for Science is a reaction to the administration’s environmental stance and questionable relationship with objective fact.

LMC student Odochi Nwokochah attended the San Francisco march.

Experience • Perry Continente

Fellow marchers hold signs against the current administration at the March for Science in Walnut See MARCH, page 6 Creek Saturday, April 22.

The Los Medanos College Debate Team returned victorious from the United States Universities Debating Championships Nationals, earning the title of Community College Champions.

The three-day tournament — held at University of Denver — hosted over 60 colleges and 200 debate partnerships, the largest tournament the team has been to, according to LMC Co-Director of Forensics Marie Arcidiacono.

Additionally, students Arianna Berumen, Julio Campos, Dylan Lee, Kyle Marshall, Genaro Mauricio and Richard Stanfield made impressions, having several big triumphs in preliminary rounds against teams from Stanford, Pepperdine, Cornell, University of Mississippi and Clemson.

“I personally felt like I was on a very good stride with some of the debate topics and saw a lot of growth from all of our team — with Julio and Dylan and then seeing Richard and Genaro and how well they did was just amazing to watch,” said Marshall. “Especially with our overall morale saying ‘look we’re the only community college at nationals yet we’re still here to kick ass.’”

Stanfield and Mauricio finished just one shy of the 15 points needed to break into the final rounds which consisted of a single elimination — the duo securing the best overall finish of any LMC team at the USUDC in the past three years, ranking them in the top 30 percent of teams.

“We were up against Stanford, Cornell University and Pepperdine and we beat all three,” Stanfield said proudly adding that some of the schools came off as condescending toward LMC. “They were really nice but they were very ‘oh it’s so nice that a community college is here, how sweet.’ Then when we won it was just like, ‘yes, it is [sweet].’”

In the first Nationals, Campos and Lee captured the attention of Washburn University’s Director of Forensics, Kevin See WIN, page 6

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“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

— Benjamin Franklin

Valerie Reategui

Jorge Bales

GUEST COLUMNIST

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Being biracial can be tough

Be aware of what you read

There’s always been a question I really hated — “Where are you from?”

I always had to think for a minute on how I would answer. It’s a general question for others, but for me, answering that question was an enormous task.

My dad was born in Peru, and my mom is Filipino. Not only does that question decide my identity, it decides which of my parents I side with. I don’t even try to explain that I’m biracial, it is too complicated for people who are asking on a whim. Ever since I was little, I thought “Am I Filipino or Peruvian today?”

Fortunately, I’m not the only one in this confusing predicament.

In the United States alone, over 6.8 million people identify with two or more races. In the United States we are a huge melting pot. So it is hard not to try to identify with a group. We all have the tendency to want to group with everyone also.

Malik Martin, a high school student, observes this practice as half Mexican and half African American individual. He says, “People are ignorant. They can’t accept I’m Black and Mexican.”

I have felt this way also. Growing up, I loved telling people I was Peruvian.

It always sounded so exotic. But as I got older I realized people just knew me as Hispanic. I wanted them to know my Asian side also. It is sometimes funny to see how race can be such a huge part of your identity.

Not only is society influencing this kind of thinking, but we ourselves have the instinct to do it as well. Our hereditary cultures mold us whether we like it or not. It is all too easy to make assumptions about races too.

Xiahna Evans, a high school student who is African American, Caucasian and Mexican says, “The most annoying thing when people ask me my race, and I tell them, they don’t believe me.”

This is very true with all multiracial people. We don’t look like one race, but rather a “mix” of races.

What doesn’t help is that people can be very judgmental, and their observations can be hurtful. What is even worse is that individuals make assumption about certain races, and are confused when a multiracial person doesn’t fit their “view.” Unfortunately for me, no one ever quite believed I was Filipino. I take after my Peruvian father more genetically.

But was even more appalling was that no one thought I looked Peruvian either.

So if my genetic features didn’t give away my race, then what am I? Not overall a big deal, but I wanted to know.

I decidedto take a personal census. When people ask me where I was from I would turn the tables and asked them “What do I look like to you?”

Many people would mostly guess Mexican or Caucasian. Those guesses confused me even more. I don’t even look like what I’m supposed to be? If I don’t look Asian or Hispanic, what am I? Then I realized, that being multiracial was very special.

It separated me from all the other fish in the sea, I was my very own species! Not only do I get to enjoy the best from both my cultures, but I can embrace being different.

“In the end it doesn’t matter.

It should matter who you are in the inside, I know it’s really corny but it’s true,” stated Xiahna Evans.

I agree with that. Sometimes we get so caught up in looks and appearances that we can ignore our actual personalities, but racial identity is a strong influence. Now that I’m older it’s easier to mix my cultures and be proud of who I am.

Today, if someone asks me where I’m from, I’ll smile and tell them my whole story.

Somehow, it is just easier that way.

People should open their mind up more about where they get all their information and news they take in, because it really can change how you view just about everything.

News isn’t always going to be told the same from ever yone or source. This is more important than you’d think, because that’s going to affect whether you agree or disagree on something or maybe even with someone. It could even get worse if you ended up believing false news and spread it around. My philosophy teacher, Jennifer Smith brought up something that I had never thought about before when not taking this class. She brought up the point that without even realizing it whenever we Google anything, we are taking their answer to what we are looking for and it’s their own bias.

Ever ything that is released is always going to have a bias, but its best to find a source that tries to at least meet halfway.

Philosophically speaking, it’s best to get all your source of information from more than just one source. Hearsay is not a reliable source — do your research. If you were to hear a news story from Fox News, and it were on Trump, they’d probably speak higher of his name than most, since they are conservative network.

As for if you were to hear the same thing from a news station like NBC, they’d just refer trump as just trump because they are more on the liberal side like most of us LMC students and speak more toward a liberal audience.

The issue I have with searching for things online for answers is I now sometimes think I’m getting someone else’s answer being because anything I look up on Google, I am always getting Google’s answer.

I’d like to think it’s is a good search engine but it can be very biased because they are sometimes putting a particular website at the top over others because of the money they might’ve paid for their website to be there almost like an advertisement.

My philosophy teacher is one of the main people who make me think about where my sources come from and made me sort of paranoid about google. I’m only half-kidding.

It’s impossible to get answers to every question we ask. Whatever search engine you’re using won’t be a guaranteed answer to a lot of our questions.When asking a question online, look at more than a single source.

Overall, I think people should be a little more open minded to where they are getting their news and even other maybe non important news because I feel like making sure you got your best answer is something that you should always do for anything.

Don’t be that person spreading false information. Another thing is this I feel helps you learn better when you’re open to both sides of the story all the time. Don’t listen to just one source.

Experience • Sketch Choice

Editorial

Let’s agree to disagree

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ith news of Ann Coulter having to cancel a scheduled appearance at U.C. Berkeley making the rounds on the Internet, once again out from the shadows, come the people claiming “freedom of speech” is dead. The reason Coulter’s speech was cancelled had to do with violence breaking out at speeches where other controversial figures have spoken. People have interpreted this as college students acting out against the First Amendment, but their just reacting to what they perceive to be as bigotry.

People have threatened to sue the school because the speech was canceled. Darling of the extreme far right Milo Yiannopoulis has included himself in the situation, threatening to bring “an army” to the school, completely bypassing the fact that Coulter herself decided to pull out of the appearance.

She’s not being unreasonable for doing so, however she’s considered controversial for a reason. Famous for her offensive comments about different groups of people less fortunate than herself, it’s not suprising that an appearance from her would spurn protests from people with opposing political opnions.

If you give hate, you get hate.

Say it with us folks: If your political or social opinions align with misogyny, racism, ableism etc, you should expecting to be getting called out.

On the opposite end, even if your cause is deemed reasonable or noble, you will still get hate from those who don’t agree with your stances. To be fair, inciting violence and putting the lives around you in danger isn’t the best way to go about political disagreements. It solves absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things Freedom of Speech does not protect you from other people’s criticism and it doesn’t protect you from violence; it protects you from punishment from the government. Even without government persecution, freedom of speech has its limitations considering it’s federal offense to yell ‘fire’ in a crowded theater — and for good reason.

In the past, various Experience writers have reiterated this exact point. But people don’t seem to get it when it should be an easy concept to understand.

Stop using freedom of speech as reason to spout unpopular opinions and then turn around and get mad when people disagree.

Letter to the Editor

We should respect others opinions DEAR EDITOR: Recently, I starting reading our newspaper, the Experience, and read an article that interested me so much that I wanted to share my opinion about it.

A couple weeks ago, there was a “pro-life” protest on campus. When I first walked past it on my way to class, the first thing I noticed were the very gruesome pictures of what they said to be actual abortion pictures. I walked up closer to one of the big posters and then was approached by a man who said to me, “do you like what you see?” I looked up at him and laughed and continued to walk to class.

I guess I should also mention that I am pro-choice and for abortion. I couldn’t help but laugh quietly because it was crazy to me that they could show such gross pictures and it be okay.

Thankfully, on the other side there were a group of people who had posters that said “pro-choice” and “support planned parenthood!” and were giving away free condoms, lube, and dental dams. At that moment, I knew that this was just a very small protest on a huge controversial topic.

After my class was over, I had to walk that way again to go to the library and walked past a man wearing a rysa. I didn’t say a thing yet this man noticed I laughed again as I passed by him. He noticed my laugh then asked me, “what do you think about all of this?” I simply

Voices

said that there was no room for a man to have any right or choice about what a woman should and should not do with her body.

He then got up from his chair and started walking towards me and said something about religion and God, I didn’t quite catch what he said, because I was trying to walk away from him. I kept saying that he didn’t have a say and then decided it was best for me to keep my mouth shut; as much as I wanted to speak and stand up for what I believe in.

I then decided I didn’t have to say anything and that it would be better if I just stood with what I believed in rather than saying it. I went over to the sweet ladies that were holding the pro-choice signs and stood with a smile on my face.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that I appreciated that small protest and am happy that I can voice my opinion here. I appreciated that people, with whatever beliefs they have, could be civil and together in one area without it being a huge mess.

I appreciated that just for a couple minutes I stood up for myself and stood up for what I believed in. I don’t do that very often because I’m scared of what others would think of me.

This was definitely a start to be able express myself and be open about my opinions. Thank you to LMC for allowing that protest to happen, peacefully.

— Zoe Fryer

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.

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE

Experience

What is your favorite TV show?

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California Newspaper Publishers Association

“Were it left for me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

— Thomas Jefferson

“I like a lot of stuff.

‘Rosewood’ it’s on air right now.”

— Allison Mgalinte

‘“Street Outlaws’ because I’m into cars and racing.”

— Chad Austin

“‘Grey’s Anatomy’ because I’m doing nursing right now and the terms they use I can relate them to the classes.”

— Ericka Castaneda

“‘The Man in the High Castle.’ I like alternate history timeline. It’s pretty cool. I recommend it.”

— Gerardo Lopez

“‘Bob’s Burgers’ because it’s funny. It’s on Netflix.”

— Evelyn Aldana

“‘Family Guy’ because it’s funny.”

— John Reyes

Editors-in-Chief ...........BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ and KIMBERLY STELLY Managing Editor.....................ADRIA WATSON Perspectives Editor............VANESSA FLORES Campus Editor ......................TERESA GAINES Features Editor ................SARAH GONZALES Sports Editor ....................... GARRETT BELME Graphics Editor...................LISSETTE URBINA Photo Editor ..........................CHRISTIAN RUIZ Copy Chief ...................... TYLER MORTIMORE 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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“If the Earth gets hit by an asteroid, it’s game over. It’s control-altdelete for civilization.”

— Bill Nye

‘Freshest’ ride on LMC’s campus Food truck offers healthy options

By ROBERT PIERCE Staff Writer

It’s 10:55 on a chilly, overcast morning at the Los Medanos College Outdoor Quad. It’s a fairly uneventful and quiet morning — a few friends talking, a few birds chirping, but no real commotion.

A minute later a stark white truck has just pulled out from behind the Science building, practically out of nowhere, and parked in the main quad between the library and math building. It sports a logo with the words “Freshest Cargo” in bright orange next to green decals of assorted produce on its passenger side.

The driver’s side door opens and Rachel Ward, 26, emerges from the truck and lifts a sheet of metal on the truck’s side. Some indeterminate pinkish vegetable matter falls out from underneath the sheet, and she quickly scoops it up and disposes of it.

She lifts the sheet once more and reveals a set of shelves upon which boxes full of fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs are stacked. A whiteboard with poundto-price ratios written on it in black marker hangs from the top right corner. Inside the cockpit, there are boxes

of strawberries and bundles of flowers for sale as well.

It’s now 11 a.m., and the Freshest Cargo Mobile Farmer’s Market — a cross between a food truck and a farmer’s market that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase drive-in – has just opened for business. The first customer of the day is already browsing the truck’s wares and having a friendly chat with Ward, who is going through the last steps of set up.

Ward has worked as a Freshest Cargo driver and Nutrition Educator for Fresh Approach, the organization that maintains the Freshest Cargo program among other ones, for about a month. Her previous work experience includes eight years at a local farmer’s market in her home state of Kentucky. She drives her mobile market truck along the East Contra Costa County route every Tuesday, making stops at the Nick Rodriguez Center in Antioch and the Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services building in Pleasant Hill in addition to LMC. The Freshest Cargo program, which has been run by Fresh Approach for more than 10 years, maintains several

Experience Archive • Cathie Lawrence

Los Medanos College counselor Dawn Trujillo scopes fruit See TRUCK, page 6 during the last school year from the Freshest Cargo truck.

Rolling out the green carpet

Academic match-up to begin Ready, set, test

By JOSE PANTOJA

jpantoja@lmcexperience.com

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os Medanos College students have probably seen more than a few renovations happening around campus but one moment captured was work being done by BEST Construction

Company. Workers Antonio Gonzalez and Leonel Mendoza repair a dead patch in the grass, resulting from prior construction at the Lot C entryway.

Above, Gonzalez pushes a roller to smooth out any bumps in the grass laid out as Mendoza, right, works to patch the dead spots, removing the bumps and weeds in the ground.

Newswatch Celebrate donors and scholars

The annual Donor Reception and Scholarship Ceremony will be hosted by the Los Medanos College Foundation Friday, May 19.

Although separate events, the Donor Reception will take place from 1:45 p.m. in the Library, Room L-109 and immediately after the Scholarship Ceremony will be held in Recital Hall 720, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. More than 40 scholarships will be handed out thanks to the generosity of donors.

Get your updates on the ‘Go’

With Ellucian Go, Students can now check their class schedules, register, manage education plans, manage waitlists and more. The Ellucian Go app is available to download for iPhone and Android phones.

Once the app is downloaded, students have to search for “Los Medanos College” and then continue logging in using their Insite ID and password.

Counselors ready to assist

Looking to make an educational plan, or review your current one? LMC offers general counseling at both campuses. Drop-in hours are offered weekly. Students must have a student ID number and a photo ID to meet with a counselor.

Appointments at Pittsburg can be made in person, by calling the Counseling Department at 473-7449, or by visiting losmedanos.edu/counseling and clicking on the Make an appointment link. Appointments at the Brentwood Center can be made in person, or by calling 513-1625.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

Photos by Beatriz Hernandez • Experience

The 12th Annual Academic Competition, to be held on Saturday May 13, is a one-day event open to all Los Medanos College students interested in competing for thousands of dollars in scholarships, free of charge.

The event, sponsored by the Office of Student Life, will test students on four subjects including mathematics, science, social science, and English. Each test subject will take an hour to complete where teams of four will work together to answer multiple choice questions provided

by LMC professors. Points will be awarded for correct answers and the top five teams will win money from the scholarship pool.

First place will split $3,000 among its four members and fifth place will split $400. Participants can expect questions to be generally high school and community college level in difficulty.

The competition is a fun and interactive way for students to compete academically while motivating scholarly excellence at LMC. “The purpose of the test structure is to encourage dialogue among teams,” said Student Life Coordinator John Nguyen. “There will be free snacks throughout the competition and an ice cream social during lunch, so students will spend their Saturday having a lot of fun.”

A continental breakfast as well as Mountain Mike’s pizza for lunch will be served during the event courtesy of the Office of Student Life and Los Medanos College Associated Students.

“We have good food and snacks!” said Sarah Holderman of the Office of Student Life who attended last year’s competition. “Everyone has a great time.”

All participants will receive an event T-shirt and a certificate of participation.

“No one goes home empty handed,” said LMCAS Vice President Natasha Garcia who also attended the competition last year, “we See COMP, page 6

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“If you dont’t ponder the end of the world on a regular basis, I don’t think you’re really human.”

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— Edan Lepucki

Zombies to swarm LMC theater ‘Death’ takes the spotlight

By AZI CARTER Staff Writer

Looking for a bad-assed female lead from the post-apocalyptic adventure filled with zombies was how Death and Silence began, according to student playwright Ariel Dunn.

Dunn has bragging rights as her production opens in Los Medanos College’s Little Theatre Monday, May 1.

“In high school a challenge for my media production class project birthed the idea, “said Dunn. “I visualized a female character who could take care of herself. There weren’t many movies out back then with the type of character I envisioned, only characters from shows like the Hunger Games. I wanted a strong female with a counterpart that was more emotionally involved, more talkative and not as strong willed as the lead.”

After taking a creative writing class last year and needing to submit a play for the final project, Death and Silence was born.

It wasn’t ready for the stage last year so “I just started playing around with the various concepts and today’s version is the result of the culmination of all my efforts.”

Stage Manager Priscilla Rodriquez allowed a peek inside rehearsal and a few minutes to chat with the cast.

Sonia, played by Jasmine Brehaut, is the female lead who has witnessed a lot of death and destruction in her

Experience • Beatriz Hernandez

Los Medanos College drama students David Kluzek and Jasmine Brehaut rehearse a scene for the upcoming play “Death and Silence.” new environment. Her major challenge throughout the play is opening up and trusting others.

This is Brehaut’s second lead role at LMC and it will be exciting to see her in this type of role.

“This play is incredible”, she said. “The audience will see

a lot of action, stage combat, blood and some really scary make-up, a first for the LMC stage.”

David Klyzek who plays John, the primary antagonist in the play, is a newcomer to the LMC stage, and said the cast has been supportive.

“We’re family,” he said.

“Spending a lot of time together bonding has certainly helped us all get into our characters, knowing we have each other’s back is reassuring.”

Former Business major Greg Kubik-Boyd who plays Edward, the lead male character decided to change his major to Drama this semester.

The change was a good one for him and seems he landed a lead role in Death and Silence, his first play at LMC. “Get ready for intense humor, gore, torture and violence,” he said.

When Klyzek was rehearsing his lines outside the theater, he took a moment to explain to students passing by that

“the gory costumes are the coolest.”

If you’re into blood, gore and cool costumes, catch one of the performances: May 1-6 at 7 p.m. with an additional matinee May 3 at 10 a.m.

Tickets for general admission will be $15, $12 for military or student ID $10 for youth.

Marquee Movies released

n “The Circle” Rated: PG-13 Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller n “Sleight” Rated R Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Action, Drama, Thriller n “How to Be A Latin Lover” Rated R Genre: Comedy n “Grey Lady” Rated R Genre: Thriller n “The Black Room” Rated N/R Genre: Horror n “Buster’s Mal Heart” Rated N/R Genre: Drama, Thriller, Mystery Photo by Sarah Gonzales

Experience • Jake Solarski

Photos above left, wooden piece titled “This Fucking Bronze.” Above right, LMC students Aryana Suarez and Gabriella Santos during the LMC Art Gallery reception April 20.

An artist wonders ‘What if ?’

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os Medanos College’s Art Gallery is currently featuring the work of Scottish born visual artist and illustrator David Fullarton. Fullarton’s art consists of a range of unique pieces that dipict a combination of imagery and text. Fullarton is represented by the Compound Gallery in Oakland. A selection of his creations are available for purchase at the Compound Gallery’s online shop.

David Fullarton’s work will be on display in the LMC Art Gallery until May 18. Get a glimpse of the world through Fullarton’s eyes before it’s gone.

LMC Events n The Los Medanos Music Department will be hosting the 23 Annual Gospel Celebration Saturday May 6 in the recital hall at 7 p.m. The Celebration will be featuring the Los Medanos College’s Gospel Choir, Tri-Valley Component Community Choir, The Faith Chorale, Casey & Erica Pringle, Ric Alexander, Sons of Mr. Gospel and will also include special guest Anita Wilson as well as motiviational speaker Dr. Ameer Thompson. Tickets will be available for $18. n To all sci-fi fanatics and music lovers Los Medanos College is hosting an event Thursday, May 4 you won’t want to miss. The May The Fourth Be With You recital will be filled with treasured Star Wars orchestra music.

The Music Department invites you to this event and revisits your childlike love for the Star Wars trilogy.

This event will be held in the Recital Hall 7 to 9 p.m..

May the Force Be with you as you make the decision, to either join in the light with your Jedi brethren or give in to the dark side and miss out on this sci-fi filled musical event.

Contra Costa College

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Artist and illustrator David Fullarton talks to patrons during the reception for his art show in the LMC Art Gallery.

‘Romance’ entices fans with dramatics

By BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ

bhernandez@lmcexperience.com

Freeform’s latest teen drama “Famous in Love” is exactly the guilty pleasure you need to check out if you’re looking for a new series to binge watch.

With a 10 episode season, “Famous in Love” tells the story of Paige Townsen (Bella Thorne) — which she repeatedly emphasizes is spelled with no ‘d’ — as she navigates through life in Hollywood after being cast as the lead role of August

REVIEW

Photo courtesy of imbd.com

Actors Carter Jenkins and Bella Thorne during a scene in TV series “Famous Romance.”

in “Locked” the latest teen blockbuster slated to be the next “Harry Potter.”

From the first clip of the show we know, Townsen has made it big taken the crown as “America’s Sweetheart,” but trouble looms over as reporters hound her for information on her personal life and details on the status of the film. The show then immediately flips to her journey to super stardom.

It uses the typical TV tropes of the awkward teen girl who gets the chance of a lifetime and the See LOVE, page 6

The Contra Costa College drama department will be doing a multiple performances of the production ‘GODSPELL’. Directed by Kathryn G. McCarty and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwrtz, the production will tell the story of how a small group of people aid Jesus Christ in telling different parables through the use of a variety of games storytelling blend of songs. Shows will take place on April 28, 29,30 and May 4,5,6.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.

The Contra Costa College is located at 2600 Mission Bell Drive in San Pablo. For ticket sales and further information, visit www.godspellcccdrama.bpt.me

California Theater

Tommy T’s Presents Mike Epps: Fundraiser for Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation. After generating an extraordinary amount of attention for his comedic talents as well as his emerging dramatic talent, Epps will be performing at the Pittsburg California Theatre on Friday, April 28 at 8 p.m. & 10 p.m and Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m. Tickets will be between $35-50 The California Theater is located at 351 Railroad Ave in Pittsburg. For ticket sales and additional information visit info@pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com or call 925-427-1611.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

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“Whoever said, ‘It’s not whether you win or lose that counts,’ probably lost.”

— Martina Navratilova

LMC dominates start to finish Stangs continue to battle for first

By KYLE V. VANERSTROM

kvanerstrom@lmcexperience.com

The second place Los Medanos College Mustangs took an early lead and didn’t look back as they beat the first place College of Marin Mariners 13-5 in the first of a three game series.

After the win the Mustangs and Mariners are now tied for the same overall record, but LMC is still right behind Marin in the conference standings.

Riley Clear y’s pitching and hitting were key to the win as he pitched seven innings, giving up 11 hits on two earned runs, and three strikeouts, along with four hits on six at-bats, with an RBI. In the bottom of the first the Mustangs grabbed the lead with a Jonathan Allen hit to right field, driving in Cleary from second base for the first run of the game.

It stayed a 1-0 game until the third inning when the Mariners scored their first run off an RBI single up the middle. LMC answered in the bottom of the inning when Antone Self singled to left field, for an RBI. But they didn’t stop there. After Marin went scoreless in the top of the fourth, the Stangs came right back with RBI’s by both Deon White, and Riley Cleary. In addition, Cleary scored on a passed ball to put them ahead 5-1.

Marin scored in the fifth on an error by third baseman Self, but once again the Stangs picked up their teammate and scored a run on White’s sacrifice bunt to put them up 6-2.

Jason Ochoa got hot in the bottom of the sixth with a double to right-center, scoring both Gabe Taylor and Jonathan Allen on the line drive to center field.

But Marin fought back to get another run in the seventh to close the gap. However the Mustangs answered with three more runs in the bottom of the seventh off a passed ball by the Marin catcher, as well as a sacrifice by Sawyer

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Los Medanos College’s Riley Cleary dives into first base after laying down a two-out sacrifice bunt to give the Stangs the lead.

Olson, and a sacrifice fly to center by Ochoa making the game 11-3.

Even that wasn’t it for the Mustangs as they managed to get two more runs in the bottom of the eighth inning on a line drive double by Olson, giving them a 13-3 lead.

But Marin wasn’t going down without a fight and scored two more r uns in the top of the ninth but that wouldn’t be enough as Llewelyn Slone closed it out to give LMC the win with a final of 13-5.

“Riley was both pitching and hitting the ball great today,” said red-shirt freshman Victor Anguiano. “He had good movement on all of his pitches and that’s all you can ask for in a pitcher.”

LMC looks toward a good playoff run and hopes to claim first place in the final standings for the Bay Valley League as they head towards the final stretch of the season.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence For info, visit http://www.

Los Medanos College’s Jonathan Pluth hits a foul ball in the bottom of the eighth inning. losmedanos.edu/baseball/

Mustangs finish 3rd

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Los Medanos College’s Alex Tellez tags out a Yuba runner at second base.

Softball team topped back-to-back

By CARLOS RUIZ

cruiz@lmcexperience.com

With the Los Medanos College softball season coming to an end, the sophomore Stangs were honored in a pregame ceremony conducted by an emotional head coach Tim Rognlien, summarizing each player’s attributes and efforts this year. Sophomores Corina Salinas, Marie Rios and team captain Ryann Yelder, all played their final game in an LMC uniform in a doubleheader loss against first-place Yuba College. Though always displaying

a never-give-up performance in every game in their 2017 campaign, the team finished in third place with a 6-9 record.

Game one of the two-game series began with pitcher Sylvia Chavez quickly ending the first yet allowing an early run. Second baseman Alex Tellez was the first player on base and top leader in batting average of all conferences.

Ashley Derby got herself a base hit. Outfielder Skye Lee began her impressive offense showing in both games with a two-run single and a 2-1 lead

at the end of the first inning.

Chavez continued her strong start by not allowing a hit or run, keeping the team’s lead. Sophomore outfielder Marie Rios smashed a hardhit double to left field in her first at bat of the game. Fellow sophomore and team captain Ryann Yelder brought Rios to home plate with an RBI single and made the score 3-1 through the first two innings.

But the lead wouldn’t last long, Yuba’s offense tied the game with a two-run double and See SOFT, page 6

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another double that brought in two runs at the top of the third, putting them in front, 7-3. The Yuba 49ers had an absolute blowout with nine runs scored in the fifth inning, making the game unreachable for the Stangs to comeback.

The score was 16-3, but the efforts by LMC never changed and they played the game as if it they were close to tying it.

Lee’s powerful swing with two outs made it over the 200- feet wall to left field for her first homerun of the year. Catcher Brittany Bangert got her first hit of the game with a single and sprinted with all her speed to second base to extend it to a double after a defensive error.

However, it would be the last hit of the game and the Mustangs got their eighth loss of the season with a final score of 16-5 after five innings.

In the second and final game of the season, Derby was the

Correction In the April 21 issue of the Experience, the story titled “Student gets a big surprise” incorrectly named Chris Fabbri as the recipient of the Osher scholarship. Fabbri actually received the Jack Kent scholarship. We apologize for the error.

starting pitcher while freshman Elizabeth McLaurin took her spot at first base. The batting lineup also changed as the first three up were the sophomore Stangs. Yuba immediately got on the scoreboard and lead 5-0 after two innings.

Meanwhile, a lead-off single in the middle of the infield

by Derby brought Lee to the batter’s box in the bottom of the second. In a Déjà vu moment as Lee homered again for her second of the day and the season.

Still the Yuba 49er’s bats couldn’t keep quiet, as they scored five more runs at the top of the third inning, giving them a solid lead on 10-2. Although LMC was down by eight runs again, it didn’t stop them attempting to finish on a high note. Singles by Rios, Derby and Lee, got the bases loaded with no outs in the bottom of the third.

Moments of luck appeared, as Bangert and outfielder Danielle French nabbed an RBI of off errors by the Yuba defense.

Tellez would also get a run with a base hit and the Stangs were down by five again at the end of three innings, 10-5.

Eventually the 49ers again displayed ruthless hits and runs and proved why they’ve been undefeated the whole season by finishing the game on top 19-5 after five innings “Too many er rors, bad throws and not enough hits has just been the story of our season,” said head coach Tim Rognlien, as LMC finished third in the Bay Valley Conference.

The coach praised his players for their tenacity saying, “The kids always work hard even though we were losing by a heavy sum and that’s what the game is all about.”

The team ends their 2017 season with a 6-9 record.

BEERS COMP From page 1

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action. “We need communication,” said Beers, “you can make buildings handicapped accessible but you cant make people talk to each other.”

Beers put his message into action by opening up the floor to a Q and A session.

He fielded questions on a variety of topics from dealing with discrimination to his own ableism.

“When it comes to ableism I am as guilty as any of you,” said Beers, elaborating on the difficulties, “I have that ‘should I help them, should I leave them alone?’ Feeling same as anyone else.”

even had gift bags.”

The friendly competition will take place in the Los Medanos College Gymnasium from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13. All supplies and test materials will be provided the day of the competition.

In order to par ticipate, students must apply as teams of four and all members must be present on the day of competition.

All team members must also be currently enrolled at LMC. Applications are available for submission in the Office of Student Life and are due by Thursday May 4.

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O’Leary, after their seventh debate round, offering the two students verbal scholarships.

Campos explained that O’Leary was a judge in the round, which was centered around sanctuary cities and that because of his experience with helping in the process for Pittsburgh to become one he and Dylan were able to create a “very nuanced argument” about the topic.

“Afterwards, Kevin O’Leary approached us and said in all his years of watching speeches, there’s certain people that he sees and he’s shocked about,” said Campos. “He said that’s only happened twice and the last people were winners of a national champions in another debate style.”

Campos added that because of the impression he and Lee left on O’Leary, he not only offered the two scholarships, but also told them he wanted them to be apart of his team.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, O ’ L e a r y reached out to LMC’s Co-Director of Forensics, Kasey Gardner and Arcidiacono about forming a possible transfer pipeline.

Arcidiacono explained that O’Lear y was interested in learning more about the team after seeing Campos and Lee because Washburn is always looking to have a strong partnership with community colleges that are debating in British Parliamentar y (BP) format.

“If we can create strong pipeline, and when we talk about the pipeline it’s more or less where whichever 4-year institution it might be in the future would look to our program first when they’re attempting to recruit transfer level students,” said Arcidiacono She explained that this would be an amazing opportunity for the college because it would allow students to have more insight into that particular 4-year university.

“That way, as a community college, students can now start having those discussions with the 4-year competitors and that interpersonal connection is really important because once you have that pipeline it just eases that communication.”

Leading up to tournament, Arcidiacono and Gardner like to treat every debate practice as a practice for nationals.

“I remind students that it doesn’t matter what school you are from, when you know a topic, you know a topic and that’s what we have been preparing for,” said Arcidiacono adding, “win or lose, as long as you debated the best you could, I’m proud of you.”

other trucks and routes, making stops all throughout Northern California on different days of the week.

The trucks carry produce from fresh and local sources, meaning the program is an honest and true farmer’s market on wheels — no artificial additives or substitutes here.

The purpose and mission behind the program is to “improve health and food access in the Bay Area,” especially in “places where there aren’t many options for farmer’s markets,” said Ward.

To this end, Freshest Cargo has a program called Market Match that gives a 50 percent discount to those who pay with EBT, CalFresh or other similar benefits, and gives them $10 in Cargo Cash for every $10 they spend, to “double the value of those benefits,” said Ward.

“They first came to LMC a few years ago, and we kept them around because a lot of staff and students enjoy their presence,” said John Nguyen, Student Life Coordinator at LMC, who authorizes Freshest Cargo to visit the campus.

“What we’re trying to encourage here on campus is sustainability and healthy eating for everyone.”

It seems to be working — according to impact reports from freshapproach.org, the program distributed 24,845 pounds of produce, improved access to healthy food to 23,000 Contra Costa County residents, and benefited 44 local farms in 2015 alone.

Freshest Cargo makes a stop at LMC’s main quad every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. For information, visit freshapproach.org, view the Fresh Approach page on Facebook, or view @FreshestCargo on either Twitter or Instagram.

inevitable love triangle between her best friend Jake Salt (Charlie DePew) and her dreamy co-star Rainer Devon (Carter Jenkins). Even as the first season winds down the choice is still unclear — Jake or Rainer?

The show is over-the-top and cheesy in all the right ways, with its completely unrealistic plot line and dramatic twists and turns, yet somehow it kept pulling me away from my chemistry book to click for the next episode. It shows a resemblance to the novels I read in middle schools such as “The Clique Series” or “Gossip Girl.”

Perhaps it was the half-asleep hallucinations, but by the time I hit the later half of the season the show did seem to have a semblance of an underlying message — ever yone has secrets and life is going to change no matter how much you want it to stay the same.

She struggles to balance her old and new life together, dealing with criticism from her friends Jake and Cassie (Georgie Flores) due to their jealously and backlash from her cast mate Alexis (Niki Koss) and director Wyatt (Jason Antoon) for her naivety for how the industry works.

As much as I was able to sit through most of the show thinking how ridiculous this show is, the dramatics is appealing and is able to reel viewers in.

The only negative to binge watching a series like this that is still running weekly on television is the fact that we will have to wait a long year before the next season premieres, but I’ll be looking forward to more late night sessions of procrastinating to see how Townsen’s journey continues.

From page 1

Los Medanos College’s Marie Rios sprints from third base to attempt to score in the doubleheader loss against Yuba College.

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KISS From page 1

Castro Cortez.

As people waited for the results to be tallied based on how much money each participant raised, Student Julia Steele told a joke then CAWS club president Marcelo Clark told one as well.

The punch line to the joke “What’s a twin’s favorite fruit? (a pear/pair)” was met with an equal amount of laughter and groans. When the results were announced, the crowd reacted with laughter and gasps.

They collectively inched closer around the display table as the frog was brought out and they waited for the winner.

Kratochvil placed a shiny, plastic tiara on his head as he

prepared to accept his role as designated frog smoocher.

“I closed my eyes like you’re supposed to do when you kiss,” said Kratochvil, not even realizing he had done it until after the fact.

Kratochvil confessed he was a bit wary as the frog “was a little bit of a moist animal and there was “stuff dripping from its body.” However, the kiss went well.

“It’s a good cause and people had a good time,” said Kraochvil.

Castro Cortez said of the event, “It was definitely successful. Not only did we raise over $300, but we had great support from administration and students.”

MARCH From page 1

“I went last minute,” said Nwokochah, who attended after “hearing about the things Trump is doing.”

Nwokochah continued, “I wasn’t really sure what to expect, I hadn’t been to a march or a protest before, but it was really fun.”

While the organizers of the march claimed to be apolitical, there was a clear anti-Trump sentiment amongst the protesters. A man in the Walnut Creek march handed out handy pre-made signs that called for impeachment while other signs read “Truth Trumps Lies.”

State Senator Steve Glazer spoke at the Walnut Creek March bemoaning how “Political parties are trying to make the environment a political issue.”

Dr. Dur wynne Hsieh of LMC elaborated on the subject, saying that Trump is calling into question ideas the scientific community almost universally agrees on, and added the Trump administration is calling into question “the scientific validity of evolution and global warming.”

Both Glazer and Hsieh focused on how new the Republican anti-environmental stance is, and with good reason. President George H.W. Bush passed a bill to increase regulations to make the air cleaner and said “I take great pleasure in signing S. 1630 as a demonstration to

Experience • Perry Continente

Protesters at the science march in Walnut Creek. the American people of my determination that each and every American shall breathe clean air.”

Republican Theodore Roosevelt was also known for his environmental activism.

“We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune,” said Roosevelt, who championed the National Parks Service, a whose budget has been drastically reduced under President Trump.

The Trump administration is the most violently anti-environment agency in a long time. The administrator of the EPA, appointed by Trump, is a climate change denier and has led several lawsuits against the EPA in the past.

Trump himself stated in an interview that when it comes to the environment, “We can

leave a little bit, but it can’t get in the way of business.”

Many spoke at the march — scientists and politicians, young and old were represented. One of the speakers, Cat Bobino, characterized the actions of the administrations as “an attack on objective reality.”

“Science is the best shot we have as a method for finding out what is true,” said Hsieh.

“It is kind of under attack these days, especially after this last election cycle.”

The Trump administration has taken a far from scientific approach to the truth. Kellyanne Conway’s infamous “alternative facts” remark is indicative of the administration’s loose relationship with reality.

Nwokochah was motivated to march, in par t, by this lack of scientific objectivity, “Trump doesn’t really stand for anything,” said Nwokochah.