Vol. 87 No. 1-Aug.25, 2017

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Grads reach milestone

Instructor sees light

Season touches down

The record breaking 2017 graduating class capped off their journey at LMC May 26 — page 3

Philosophy Professor Edward Haven talks about finding his place in academia — page 6

The Mustang football team prepares for the upcoming season — page 7

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F.Y.I. Important Dates August is Immunazation Awareness Month Sept. 1

Last day to drop full-term classes in person without a “W” appearing on transcript.

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Labor Day: college is closed

Short term class available LMC is offering a number of late start classes this semester. For a full list of classes to register for, go to losmedanos.edu/ shortterm

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L M C E X P E R I E N C E . C O M

LMC earns high grade College Choice ranks top 50 By BRENNA ENOS

benos@lmcexperience.com

With 120 acres of newly renovated buildings, a diverse student population and a long list of majors, it comes as no surprise that Los Medanos College was ranked as the sixth best college in the nation. According to College Choice, an independent online publication, gathered their data from Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program and Pay scale to formulate their list of the top 50 community colleges. Going up against over 1600 community colleges nationally, LMC made it into the College Choice list, earning a spot in the top 10. Many factors went into the top 50 list with reasons such as affordability, diversity, convenience and community. As listed on

the College Choice website, LMC’s campus resources, Honors Scholars program, special academic programs, and associates degree rate also influenced the high ranking. This prestigious ranking not only benefits the reputation of LMC from an outside perspective, but Fred Wood, East Contra Costa College District Chancellor, also believes that it changes the way that LMC’s own students perceive their education. “I was absolutely elated and proud that Los Medanos, which is just such a marvelous college, was getting this national recognition,” exclaimed Wood. “This national recognition is great for our students because they have the confidence in knowing that they’re going to a fabulous school that provides great

LMC places sixth in country College Choice has chosen Los Medanos College as the sixth best community college to attend in the United States, first in Northern California.

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Best in California

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1. Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara

6. Los Medanos College, Pittsburg 13. Santiago Canyon College, Orange 18. Chaffey College, Rancho Cuamonga

See SIX, page 8

Experience Graphic • Lissette Urbina

Total eclipse of the heart

LMCAS seeks senator help If you are interested in making a change on campus, applications to be an LMCAS senator for the Fall 2017 semester are now available. The applications can be found at the Student Life Office in the portable near the Child Care Center or at losmedanos.edu. The deadline to apply is Monday, Sept. 11 at 3 p.m.

Blood drive on campus The Blood Centers of the Pacific will be hosting another blood drive in their truck outside of the Library Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register your donation appointment online, visit www.bloodheroes.com, click ‘Locate a Blood Drive’ and enter sponsor code LosMC.

New tech in 9 classrooms By AZI CARTER

acarter@lmcexperience.com

Experience • D’Aujah Gordon

Los Medanos College student Natalie Yoshimoto and her son Elliot gathered around the Outdoor Quad Monday, Aug. 21 with students, faculty and staff to witness the first total eclipse of the sun in 99 years to be seen across the United States. See story and additional photos on page 6.

District reacts to VA violence By ADRIA WATSON

awatson@lmcexperience.com

Transit creates new route TriDelta Transit has a new 30-minute route between the Pittsburg Marina and Los Medanos College. The revamped Route 381 and will be free to LMC students Sept. 25 through Dec. 31. They must have a current/valid student I.D. in order for the free ride to be applicable. For more information about where this new route will stop, vist trideltatransit. com

Level 2 gets a facelift

Following the “Unite the Right” rally on the University of Virginia campus Aug. 12, the chancellor and the three college presidents from the Contra Costa Community District sent out an email to students, staff and faculty Aug. 15 and 16, extending their condolences to the victims who lost their lives and voicing their disapproval of the events that transpired in Charlottesville. “While the First Amendment grants the right to free speech and peaceable assembly, acts of violence and abhorrent behaviors are neither included nor protected under this amend-

ment. We strongly condemn any and all racist acts intended to incite violence and promote fear,” the email noted. They further stated that as an institute, each college is committed to respecting and promoting diversity, inclusion, social justice and of fering learning environments that are safe for students and employees to “engage peacefully and civilly,” — not tolerating hatred, racism or any acts of violence. “We encourage our students, staff, faculty, and community to join us as we combat injustice, bigotry, and divisiveness by actively listening to one another, demonstrating respect for

Experience • Adria Watson

Counterprotest supporters at Outside Lands Aug.13. others, and engaging in a civil manner at all times.” Los Medanos College Student Life followed suit by hosting “A Place to Talk” Tuesday, Aug. 22. Director of Student

Life, Teresa Archaga explained that this was important for students to discuss feelings in an open and safe setting. “[The LMC Community] was See UVA, page 8

Trustee’s use of funds questioned By PERRY CONTINENTE

pcontinente@lmcexperience.com

Tensions rose over the summer in the Contra Costa County Community College District Governing Board when member Greg Enholm was questioned about use of funds by the board’s president. Board President Vicki Gordon and District Chancellor Fred Wood denied

Enholm’s request for reimbursement in light of his use of the board’s budget. Enholm had sought about $10,000 in reimbursements, which were questioned by Gordon and Wood. The trouble came from Enholm’s allegedly excessive use of the travel budget. Gordon’s problem with Enholm’s use of the budget revolved around several

smaller infractions such as transportation expenses and other similar issues. “It is nickel and dime,” said Gordon, but she insisted that the budget use was “fishy.” “It should have been done privately,” said Enholm about the budgetary concerns. “There was no need to make See FUNDS, page 8

A work in progress on the second floor of the College Complex is nearing completion. Workers were literally tying up loose ends, with utility carts, ladders in tow and final revisions of architectural plans in hand. Nine newly remolded classrooms are visible, and excited chatter from students passing by can be heard as they try to catch a glimpse of the rooms to get a visual of what’s in store. Most of the classroom renovations were done after hours so as not to inconvenience the college community. Work in the College Complex began in early February with construction crews working at night from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. to avoid disrupting classes. The plan must have worked well as students randomly polled responded that they had not been bothered by the construction. “I really hadn’t noticed any changes and was shocked to see the new classrooms,” said one. “I think the new construction looks great!” added another. Student Jimmy Darling, who has attended other colleges in the district as well as LMC, was impressed with the changes. “Viewing LMC as a whole, I really like the way the campus looks now,” said Darling. The renovations include nine new classrooms, two of which are designated for computer labs. The LMC faculty will enjoy the eight new office spaces and two new conference rooms as well. State-of-the-art technology was at the forefront of the master plans for the renovations. Ben Azarnoush, district design director for the Contra Costa Community College District, oversees construction projects from initial programming through construction and post-occupancy and explained the “change have been designed to project a welcoming See WORK, page 8


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