Vol. 88 No. 01 - Feb. 02, 2018

A wide array at Club Day

Students showcase art

Women’s bball wins big

Campus clubs took over the indoor quad Jan. 23 to provide information to prospective students — page 3

The annual Student Art Show is now open for viewing in the LMC Art Gallery — page 4

The women’s basketball team defeated Contra Costa College 86-39 Friday, Jan. 26 — page 5

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F.Y.I. Important Dates February is Black History Month Feb. 16-17

Lincoln’s Birthday: College closed in observance

Feb. 19

Washington’s Birthday: College closed in observance

Study Abroad to commence The Contra Costa Community College District have a Study Abroad opportunity available to students in London, England Fall 2018. There will be an informational meeting for students interested Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Library Room L-106. The deadlines for priority applications are Friday, April 20 but the official deadline is Wednesday, June 13.

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Concern raised at senate District cybersecurity questioned

By PERRY CONTINENTE

pcontinente@lmcexperience.com

Monday’s Academic Senate meeting saw Los Medanos College faculty discussing the issue of the website blocking on campus that occurred after the Contra Costa Community College District quietly rolled out a new approach to virus defense in Fall 2017.

Palo Alto Networks, an international cybersecurity company, updated the district’s cyber security system for $727,046. The new system has drawn concerns about censorship due to the volume of websites restricted and the nature of the blocks.

Roseann Erwin, who represented the Library along with Library Director Christina Goff, gave a statement on behalf of the library to open senate discussion on the issue.

“We feel this is censorship,” said Erwin, “we have concerns about the district deciding what we cannot see.”

Erwin explained Library’s opposition to the

concept of censorship and district oversight of information; “We were very concerned that we have to vet our content with the district. We feel that it goes against academic freedom.”

Goff echoed Erwin’s statements and reiterated her past concerns.

“The problem with filtering sites is that it does not properly block sites,” said Goff.

Gof f said the problem centers around the automated nature of the website blocks – they target based on categories like “questionable” and “pornographic” instead of on a case-by-case basis. The sites blocked include the innocuous CollegeHumor, but known hotbeds of malware like Gorillavid and Putlocker are not restricted.

Senate and Buisness professor Janith Norman called for another perspective on the issue.

“We need IT to come and explain this from their perspective,” she said. “We are operating in an era where technology is subject to all kinds of malware.”

“We were very concerned that we have to vet our content with the district.

We feel it goes against academic freedom.”

— LMC Librarian Roseann Erwin

Mathematics professor Julie Von Bergen said the senate should seek more information and said “Palo Alto networks should also be contacted.”

Academic Senate President Silvester Henderson echoed Norman’s concerns about malware.

“When I was at U.C. Berkeley no sites were blocked, but all adult sites were blocked,” he said.

“I do view it as censorship, but also as liability protection,” against possible hostile workplace See WEB, page 6

Food Drive makes way

Los Medanos College Student Life is hosting the MLK/Ceasar Chavez Food Drive event in support of the LMC Food Pantry. Starting Monday, Feb. 5 until Friday, March 23 students, faculty and staff can drop off canned goods or non-perishable items at the Office of Student Life or the Food Pantry. For more questions, contact Student Life at studentlife@losmedanos.edu

Experience • Brenna Enos

Community members marching outside of the Los Medanos College Library during the East County March for Equality Jan. 27.

Community marches for equality

By BRENNA ENOS

benos@lmcexperience.com

Experience • Adria Watson

Student Ambassador Alexander Chavez.

LMC recruits ambassadors Los Medanos College is recruiting outreach ambassadors to represent LMC through campus tours and outreach. The job boasts a flexible schedule in addition to providing experience for jobs and college admissions. Students can apply at the Office of Student Life.

Daily class cancellations

Save yourself from making an unnecessary trip to campus for a class that has been canceled.

Professors cancel classes unexpectedly and often can’t tell their students in person. The LMC website offers a daily class cancellation page, visit www. losmedanos.edu/

Typically, the parking lot at Somersville Towne Center in Antioch is packed with cars and mall-goers. But Saturday, Jan. 27, the parking lot was instead filled by a group of over 50 people who were protesting in the East County March for Equality and Unification.

Sponsored by the organizations Indivisible Contra Costa County, the East County branch of NAACP and Todos Unidos, the march had been in planning since Sept. 2017 and both ICCC and the participants were eager to begin the protest, but emphasized its peaceful manner.

“We want to make sure that we are orderly,” East County NAACP President Victoria Adams instructed the

Experience • Brenna Enos

East County NAACP PresidentElect Victoria Adams. waiting crowd. “But at the same time, we want to let people know that we are here for unification and equality.”

Following some safety messages from Adams, participants enjoyed free coffee and music before embarking on their march from Somersville mall

to Los Medanos College at 10:30 a.m.

With banners, signs and speakerphones, the group of protestors began their march to LMC while chanting “united we stand, divided we fall.”

Arriving at LMC at 11:00 a.m., the chanting vibrated off the buildings and illuminated the campus quad as the group came to the end of their march.

“We made it to the promise land,” exclaimed Harry Thurston, Chairperson of Indivisible East Contra Costa County.

The events of the march did not end at the LMC campus however, as East Bay community members such as representatives from the city council, the sponsored East County March groups and the Mayors of Pittsburg and Antioch presented speeches.

Among those giving a speech was

Los Medanos student Lucas Stuart-Chilcote. After stating that he is both a person with disabilities and a member of the LGBTQ community, Stuart-Chilcote explained in his speech his belief that people in the local community need to come together to support those in minority groups.

“There is an issue with equality in the East County,” said Los Medanos student Lucas Stewart Chelcote. “It effects our community negatively… we need unity and equality for our home, East Contra Costa County, and we need it now.”

Another passionate individual to take the microphone was Arturo Fernandez. Student at UC Berkeley and a DREAMer, Fernandez explained how he previously worked on a sanctuary

Govt. shutdown garners reaction

Change is underway

By AZI CARTER

Instructors share views

acarter@lmcexperience.com

By ROBERT PIERCE

rpierce@lmcexperience.com

The Los Medanos College campus wasn’t the only thing that closed over the break —the federal government was shut down for three days, from midnight EST Saturday, Jan. 20 to the evening of Monday, Jan. 22. Even when a bill was eventually passed to continue funding the government, it only extended operations until February 8. With the Republicans busy with their annual retreat from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 and the Democrats occupied with their own retreat starting Feb. 7, there will be little time to work out another extension before the next cutoff date, which could lead to a second shutdown.

The main causes of the shutdown were debates over See GOVT, page 6

See MARCH, page 6

Experience • Crea Jones

Facilities Manager Russ Holt with Arntz Builders, Inc. workers at the new Student Union site last semester.

Students, administrators, coaches, athletics and inquiring minds anticipate the completion of the physical education and student union buildings. According to Vice President Kevin Horan, the two-pronged project is on target for an August 2019 completion date. Horan has been the glue holding this project together since its inception and is satisfied with the progress of the project.

But he says,“There have See LMC, page 6

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“The evils of capitalism are as real as the evils of militarism and evils of racism.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

Lilly Montero

Jesus Cano

BUT I’M NO EXPERT

CANO’S CORNER

Enough with the shoulder pads

Be a fan, not a backseat coach

As World War II took mankind by storm, women went to work adorned with shoulder pads. The style was considered militarized, masculine and capable. The shoulder pads empowered women at a time when the world was at its weakest and men were most vulnerable. When the war ended in 1945, the shoulder pads were quickly tossed out and women returned to their usual feminine dress and domestic practices.

Forty years later however, shoulder pads strutted their way back onto the scene in the 1980s Power Suit. The Power Suit, for all its intended swagger, was a fashion disaster to say the least. Padded blazers were boxy, awkward, and sometimes flimsy. But did this empower women and command men’s respect in workplace? No. Perhaps the women felt empowered, but as recent history has shown, they commanded no more respect than before. That is because beneath those shoulder pads lies the idea that masculinity is superior to femininity.

Shoulder pads were a defense mechanism, a way to assimilate into the male-dominated workplace. Rather than embracing the strength of their own femininity, women compensated for it. And though shoulder pads are not the latest trendy eyesore, the idea they embody influences conversations about feminism today.

The modern feminist likes to think of herself as a woman empowered by her ability to choose to be as stereotypically masculine as she pleases. In doing so, she often trips into the pitfalls of Shoulder Pad Feminism, in which feminity is belittled or rejected.

Media today often promotes tomboys for girls and the working woman who manages to have it all, for women. These girls and women alike are praised for being independent, active and ambitious while others who enjoy classically feminine practices are not.

Lately, girls who enjoy makeup, baking, or want to grow up to be moms have been trivialized or shunned for their stereotypical femininity. Women who choose to stay home are viewed as women who have failed to have it all. They are frequently encouraged to abandon their femininity for sterotypical masculine traits, reinforcing the idea that femininity is simply not enough.

Take the blockbuster hit, “Wonder Woman.” Diana is both a force to be reckoned with, and soft and caring at the same time.

A perfect feminist role model for many, but not enough for others.

Shoulder pad feminists cherish Diana’s determination and strength, but fault her for falling in love and needing a man’s help. She doesn’t promote confidence and independence, so how feminist can Diana really be? Some ask.

But how feminist are we if we’d rather a woman compensate for her weaknesses with pride? Even more, how feminist are we if we don’t hold men to the same standard?

Never has Superman, Batman, nor Aquaman been faulted for getting help from others or for falling in love along the way. In fact, when these masculine heros are soft they are praised for it. So why belittle our feminine heros for doing the same?

The ways in which we treat femininity in the public sphere, be it through fashion or through media, affect those who are watching and listening. When girliness is belittled and disrespected little girls internalize that and look for ways to differentiate themselves from “other girls.” When women are deemed as economic failures, they may feel as though they are not doing enough for their family.

Rather than rejecting classical feminine practices for fear of being stereotyped, we should be addressing the inaccuracies of such stereotypes. Girly-girls and stay-athome moms are feminine, intelligent and capable without the atrocious shoulder pads.

Physical activity is important for everyone, especially children in their early development, which is why we often see parents encouraging them to play sports. Whether it is soccer, football or even badminton, it is no secret that the participation in youth sports increases by the year.

No one can automatically become the LeBron James, Lionel Messi or Mike Trout of their respective sport the moment they touch a ball for the first time because even they were not experts when they started playing.

It takes time, dedication and, most importantly, coaching.

I’d be lying to you if I said a player should not have multiple coaching perspectives growing up, because as a former athlete, I know how much working with a variety of coaches can do to enhance someone’s performance.

And it doesn’t have to be someone who has been coaching the game for years or a former player who was the greatest of all time.

Normally, a child’s first coach is a parent or family member. These family coaches may not have been the best when they played, or maybe they didn’t even play the sport at all, but they want to see their children excel.

But there is a time to coach and a time to be a fan. And some parents fail to understand this.

I am not saying parents should keep their mouths shut during games, but unless they are an official team coach, they should not be coaching from the sidelines or from the stands.

That doesn’t mean they can’t be supportive.

Phrases often like “let’s go team” or “keep your head up ladies” and even “show them why you’re the better team” are totally acceptable.

But when it crosses into coaching, then it becomes an issue.

Essentially, they’re telling someone how to do their job, and it affects two positions; the players and the coaches.

How ridiculous would it be if I told Seth MacFarlane how to write “Family Guy” or order Bill Belichick to run the New England Patriots in a different direction? Coaches are there for a reason — to orchestrate their teams.

That’s what they get paid to do. Imagine if those coaches came into your work environment and started telling you how to do your job. It makes no sense.

In addition, players are supposed to receive command from the coaches.

So imagine when they’re trailing 2-1 in the last 10 minutes of the soccer game or have the bases loaded with the final at bat: The coach will obviously tell the players what to do, and they should oblige.

But then you hear a parent say something completely different from what the coach said, and it is going to cause confusion on the field of play.

And of course, pro athletes hear all the time from fans in the stands about how they should play. But that’s the pros, and they’re adults.

Children who hear mixed messages will be torn about who to obey — the parent or the coach. Whether you listen to the coach or the parent. It doesn’t even have to affect coaches or players, but the officials in charge of the game too.

In addition to staying out of the coaching business, parents should also stay out of the refereeing business. Officials in charge of the game should be left alone when it comes to calling the shots.

So parents, curb your coaching comments and choose instead to cheer on the team.

Remember: Impact Soccer Club isn’t the MLS, Little League isn’t the MLB and AAU basketball isn’t even close to the NBA.

Experience • Josh Wood

Editorial

Weed is a complex issue

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alifornia voters made the decision to legalize the recreational use of marijuana by passing Proposition 64 in 2016. Two years later, we would come to recognize this as the first step to righting some of the wrongs of our criminal justice system.

The legalization of weed is a multifaceted issue. Topics like the rate of taxation and the processes people go through to obtain weed legally have all come up, naturally. However, one of the most discussed issues to come from this unprecedented decision is the retroactive freeing of people imprisoned for possession of the substance. To no one’s surprise, the people spearheading this movement are none other than San Franciscans. San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón said Wednesday that the plan is to make the new marijuana laws applicable to thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases that would result in the expunging or reduction of sentences.

According to Gascón, he and his office plan to examine cases dating all the way back to 1975.

This would give people another chance at having a better life. They’d have an easier time finding jobs and honestly, we’re all for that. The reason a lot of these people were put away in the first place was the implementation of racist and misguided drug laws, this is the least we can do to make up for imprisoning many of these non-violent offenders.

What would be even better is to see other states and regions follow suit, though we may be putting the cart before the horse.

An argument people keep making is along the lines of “Well, it was illegal then.

They must’ve made a law like that for a reason.” Well, laws fade in and out of popularity often due to how ridiculous they end up being in the context of a new society. If laws were always in place for the right reasons, slavery would be legal, bathhouses would be illegal and women wouldn’t be able to drive around in house coats in California.

Letter to the Editor

Promote success, add resources DEAR EDITOR: During my time as a student here I have discovered a lot of useful resources in all aspects of student life. With the existing resources available, there are a lot of extra ways students can receive support during their academic journey. But I feel there are a couple things that can be added to these resources to better assist students overall.

Coming to LMC or any college campus straight from high school can be intimidating. First-time students in general could be overwhelmed stepping foot on the campus.

I feel there should be campus tours offered in the beginning of each term. People could sign up and follow a tour guide that shows them the different buildings and specific areas of LMC. This is a great way to alleviate pressure from first-time students and get them more comfortable with LMC as a campus in a shorter amount of time. Students may even feel more inclined to join clubs after seeing the

vast amount of active clubs on campus. Having immediate knowledge of where everything is located will eliminate one less thing they have to learn regarding their schooling.

Having financial aid and scholarships available are great resources that help with financial obligations. Being in EOPS can help cover book fees. I believe there should be an application process similar to applying for FAFSA. Even though being in EOPS can help with book costs, having a more complete package of receiving financial aid for tuition and books would be useful to a number of students. Many students live dynamic lives and try to balance work, family or passionate hobbies with their college education. Having a more accessible way of waiving book fees will help students economically and enable them to sign up for more classes. This proposed resource will help LMC students be able to pursue their academic goals more confidently.

— Michael Cordoves

Reader Opinion Policy

The Experience welcomes Letters to the Editor and Guest Columns. All members of the Los Medanos College community — students, faculty and staff — are encouraged to write.

If you are interested in expressing your opinions on campus, national or world issues, bring your submissions to room CC3-301 and put them in the Perspectives Editor’s mailbox or mail them to Experience c/o Los Medanos College, 2700 E Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565. You may also send them electronically through the Experience online newsite lmcexperience.com.

Letters and columns must be typed, signed and include a phone number for verification. They may be edited for clarity, content taste and length at the editor’s discretion.

Voices

How has the legalization of recreational marijuana affected you?

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“I do partake, but probably wouldn’t go to a dispensary because of the prices.”

— Zachary Noble

“It hasn’t affected me immediately, but I do know people who it’s helped medically.”

— Raquel Minor

“It hasn’t affected me at all. For the next six months the medical cards are still good, but the dispensaries will change into recreational.”

— Trevor GustavoLopez

“Now all of my friends don’t have to go through illegal ways of getting it.”

— Dennis Cecilio

“Not at all, but it’s ’bout time.”

— Chris Ealy

“It hasn’t had any effect on me personally.”

— Jessica Serrano

“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

Editor-in-Chief ........................ADRIA WATSON Perspectives Editor..................JORDAN NEEL Campus Editor ..............PERRY CONTINENTE Features Editor ........................BRENNA ENOS Sports Editors .......................CARLOS RUIZ & JONATHAN LITTLE Social Media Editor ............. ROBERT PIERCE Photo Editors .............................CHRIS RUIZ & A.R. BROOM 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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“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.”

— Ralph Ellison

Newswatch

UC financial aid workshop

If you have applied to a University of California you can learn your next steps toward transferring on Feb. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Library L-109. Hear from UC Davis Financial Aid officers about timelines and opportunties along with discussions from UC transfer students about making your college experience more affordable and comfortable. For more information about the workshop, visit the official website at ucdavis.edu/top.

CS East Bay helps transfer

Students wondering about transferring are in luck, because Cal State University East Bay will be in town to help this spring. Students at both the Pittsburg campus and Brentwood Center will be able to make an appointment with an East Bay representative to offer transfer advice and address questions.

PITTSBURG n Tuesday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. n Tuesday, Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. n Thursday, Mar. 15, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

BRENTWOOD n Tuesday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. n Thursday, Mar. 8, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Appointments on the main campus will take place in the Student Services Center on the fourth floor. Appointments on the Brentwood campus will take place in the Transfer and Career Center. Scheduling for these appointments are not available online, so call Transfer and Career Services at (925) 473-7444. For more information about this or other transfer events go to losmedanos.edu/transfer and check out the calendar of transfer workshops and events.

Experience • A. R. Broom

Mariah Guinto of the food pantry works her table at club day raising awareness and support for the center.

The food pantry, located next to the cafeteria, provides one free food item per student per day.

Clubs go on display

By ALEX CAMILLI

acamilli@lmcexperience.com

LMC students were given the chance on Tuesday Jan. 23 to get acquainted with the representatives of various Student Services and student activities clubs.

The expansive Club Day event was held during Welcome Week to show students the resources and activities available to them throughout the semester.

Student Life and a diverse collection of representatives came out to remind students that they have many options if they’re seeking friendly faces and common interests.

Welcome Week started more than 10

Register for basketball league

Los Medanos College will be holding a recreational, intramural basketball league for students during the spring semester. Games will be held Feb. 27 through March 20 every Tuesday in the LMC gymnasium from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is being held from Feb. 1 to Feb. 23 in the Student Life office. For more information, visit the Office of Student Life in person or online at studentlife@losmedanos.edu or give their phone line a call at (925)473-7554.

Pizza with a Cop

LMC Police Services and the Office of Student Life are holding the Pizza with a Cop event Thursday Feb. 8 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Library L-109. The event is an opportunity to get to know the campus police and enjoy free pizza.

There will also be a raffle for a Spring 2018 parking permit at the event. Registration not required. For more information visit the Office of Student in person or online at studentlife@losmedanos.edu or give them a call at (925) 473-7554.

Collegebuys.org offers deals

Los Medanos College students, faculty and staff can visit CollegeBuys.org for information on a host of exclusive deals on popular software programs such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud, as well as discounted hardware from phone cases and charges to full laptops at up to 50 percent off. Visit the website today for more information.

Collegebuys.org is sponsored by the Foundation of Califonia Collunity Colleges.

Return your books for cash

Strapped for money? The LMC Bookstore is hosting a textbook buyback on Tuesday, Feb. 6 and Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A wide range of textbooks are being accepted so bring in everything you want to get rid of.

Books in better condition are worth more so bring in what you have and claim your rewards.

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 Adria Watson at awatson@lmcexperience.com.

News Briefs: If you are involved in an event that you would like publicized or have a short announcement for 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 garuanteed.

What’s lost may yet 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 1. Inquiries must be made in person or no pick-up will be made.

A brief description of the missing items will be expected by people wanting to pick them up.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

years ago and Director of Student Life, Theresa Archaga, said it has proven effective in encouraging more students to participate in extracurricular activities.

Freshman Melissa Romo, who attended the event, said it is good to let students know about campus groups, because people don’t often go out of their way to engage in activities or to find out about joining a club. The objective is to share experiences in a common interest and see it as a learning opportunity.

“In addition to finding friends with common interests, clubs impact academic success as well,” said Student Life Coordinator John Nguyen.

The positive impact that clubs have on students is what motivates the Inter-Club Council to ensure clubs have the support they need. There are currently 23 active clubs that are funded by ICC and abide by their guidelines.

To join a club students should sign up with their name and email and will subsequently be added to an email list for club information. Students can also go to the club’s regularly scheduled meetings for more information.

“We use it as an opportunity for clubs who may have lost members due to transfer or change in officer,” Archaga See CLUB, page 6

DSPS provides student support

By VERONICA ZESATI

vzesati@lmcexperince.com

Disabled Students Programs and Services provides accommodations and suppor t to students with disabilities, and is also looking for students who would like to offer a helping hand to those in need.

Counselor Haydee Lindgren explained that one of DSPS’ main goals is to advocate for students with disabilities and ensure their needs are made as important as any other student on campus.

“We want to create a community where disability is not a stigma, so students don’t feel ashamed about asking for the help they need,” Lindgren said.

She works daily with students to determine which accommodations will best aid them in their academic pursuits

according to their documented disabilities.

DSPS provides many alternate forms of media to accommodate students, such as audio textbooks, braille, lecture recordings and closed captioning. This also includes access to Kurtzweil 3000, software built to assist students in the program who would benefit from having text enlarged on exams and textbooks or have it read to them.

“We have these accommodations here so students don’t have to struggle in class to get the same education everyone else gets. It gives them an equal chance at success that any non-disabled student has,” said Franklin Chavez, DSPS College Program Assistant, who also provides training in any form of alternate media

Experience • Adria Watson

DSPS College Program Assistant Franklin Chavez assembles a book for a student who requested alternate media services. provided.

Which accommodations a student receives is determined on a case-by-case basis after meeting with a counselor, who will go over that student’s documented disabilities with them and determine which accommodations are appropriate.

“Even with the same diagnosis, two students with ADHD might have totally different needs,” said Lindgren. “We make sure they have what will work best for them.”

Accommodations are also provided during tests, as well See DSPS, page 6

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Art show is a treat

arbroom@lmcexperience.com

Los Medanos College Student Ar t Show opened for viewing Tuesday, Jan. 30, but if you have yet to see the show you’re in luck. The art gallery show be open through Feb. 27. The show itself is free, but you will need a valid parking permit to attend.

The gallery is located in the library building and the art show hours are the same as normal gallery hours. It will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and again from 4-6 p.m.

According to gallery Director Judi Pettite, students had a year starting from Dec. 2016 to Dec. 2017 to produce art for the show.

“There are supplies and gift certificates available to students and the Art Guild of the Delta is offering $1500 in cash awards,” said Pettite.

The students’ art will be placed into nine categories but the Art Guild of the Delta will be awarding based upon four separate categories.

Ashley Martinez created a bust of a woman’s figure for a class and decided to enter it in the show.

“I’m really proud of the glazes, the different colors and the drips down the back,” said Martinez.

The piece took approximately two weeks to construct and Martinez said the inspiration came from fellow artist, Craig Booth.

Martinez was not the only

— Angela Davis

Mania over album

Students display work

By A.R. BROOM

“We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society.”

By KIMBERLY STELLY

kstelly@lmcexperience.com

student artist who created a sculpture, however. Sam Halladay made a sculpture of his own head, with a surprise twist.

“I decided to make it into a cookie jar, because that sounds like much more fun to have something around the house I could use, rather than have something that sits around their house that never gets used,” said Halladay.

The sculpture known as “Sweets on the Mind” which has a cutout on the back of the head for cookies, took Halladay three weeks to create.

“I think it’s kinda funny to do something of yourself. You can make fun of yourself and have it be self-deprecating,” said Halladay adding, “If you mess up on someone else’s face you know, it’s kind of an insult, but if you mess up on your own face you’re like ‘It’s ugly ‘cause I’m ugly,’ or ‘It’s good looking, ‘cause I’m good looking.’”

Halladay said the sculpture is an effective cookie container, as everyone in his family is too creeped out to touch it.

Patricia Granados entered two pieces into the student art show.

The first, a space alien inspired Google Doodle and the second piece was composed using a variety of images and other art to show her transition from military service to motherhood.

Experience • A.R Broom The show’s award ceremony will be held at the LMC Art LMC student Sam Halladay eats a cookie from his piece, “Sweets on the Mind” Gallery, on Thursday, Feb. 8 that is displayed in the Student Art Show. This sculpture features Halladay’s own from 4-6 p.m. head that has been converted into a cookie jar.

University of San Francisco

Fall Out Boy marked their most recent aesthetic and musical transformation with the release of their eighth studio album “M A N I A.” It started with the most superficial of changes — a purple-colored album cover rather than a blue or red one, followed by the release of purple merchandise.

The first single from this album, “Young and Menace,” had an acompanying visual equipped with beautiful cinematography and great storytelling which includes llamas for some reason, that continue to show up in other videos and in the band’s merchandising.

“M A N I A.” is nothing short of a solid attempt at showing off the band’s versatility and fearlessness.

This album marks the band’s fourth no. 1 album on the Billboard charts and the accolades are well-deser ved because this is the most cohesive and musically interesting album the band has put out since 2009’s “Folie a Deux.”

In the past nine years, Fall Out Boy has put out five projects, including a 13-minute punk ep and a trap-infused remixing of their 2015 album “American Beauty/American Psycho.” Through these works, it is evident that Fall Out Boy has put forth a serious effort to try and change things up a bit from the angst-ridden sound they are known for. “M A N I A” is a culmination of these efforts.

REVIEW

See MANIA, page 6

Actors bring A-Game Auditions are held for ‘Hand to God’

P L E A S A N TO N

LEARN TODAY. CHANGE TOMORROW. PROGRAMS IN: MANAGEMENT | NURSING (925) 867-2711 | usfca.edu/pleasanton 6120 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Ste. 150, Pleasanton, CA

CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE

By AZI CARTER

acarter@lmcexperience.com

Adrenaline, anxiety and fear spewed over into the hallways of the College Complex as both seasoned and new actors prepared to audition for the upcoming LMC Drama Department’s production “Hand to God.” The play follows Jason, a young man who finds an outlet for his anxiety at a Christian Puppet Ministry in the devoutly religious, small town of Cypress, Texas. Jason’s complicated relationships with the town pastor, the school bully, the girl next door and his mother are thrown into upheaval when Jason’s puppet, Tyron, takes on a shocking and dangerously irrevenent personality all its own.

Written by Robert Askins and directed by LMC’s drama instructor Jack Nicolaus, “Hand to God,” explores the fragile nature of faith, morality and the ties that bind us.

Bringing their best game, experienced actors prepared themselves with tongue curls, cheek pops and lips smacks. Enunciation, pronunciation, tone, emotion and rhythm were part of the prep work utilized by advanced drama students who know the importance of being able to drop into a blank slate, a neutral and relaxed body that can easily adapt to the character they are about to read for.

“Coming out of my comfort zone to audition for this production took a minute,” said Jyessica Morin, who has auditioned for other Drama Department productions in the past.

“Once I read, “Hand to God” I realized it was

Experience • Chris Ruiz

LMC students Jayda Nunley and Robert Dunn audition in front of drama professor Jack Nicolaus. fun, but really different from the other plays, “ she said. “I was excited to try something new.”

Three evenings of auditions brought many theater majors and new LMC students like Ryley Lim. As a new student, Lim was honest about being nervous about auditioning but maintained his composure and stayed through the wait for his turn to read.

According to Nicolaus the play was chosen with great thought.

“Generally, plays are selected with the intention to match the seriousness and weighty tone of society,” said Nicolaus.

He and department chair, Nick Garcia, spent a lot of time sorting through plays and a lot of thought was put into how they related to each other.

“With so much going on in the world today, See PLAY, page 6

Metal band impresses

By PERRY CONTINENTE

pcontinente@lmcexperience.com

Meshuggah brought their disciplined technicality, towering complexity and unrelenting aggression to the Filmore Sunday, Jan. 28 for a powerful show.

Promoting their new album, ‘The Violent Sleep of Reason,’ the progressive death metal band married their masterful musicianship with a similarly precise light show.

Every beat of the rapid and powerful drums was met with a response from the lights, seemingly every photon matched to the millisecond. This was even more impressive given the band’s polyrhythmic song structure and relentless pace.

REVIEW

Surprisingly, the band’s songs were preformed flawlessly, given the intricate nature of the songs. The songs showcased the band’s almost superhuman mastery of their instruments.

The opening act, Toothgrinder opened with a surprisingly long set, their punk inspired metalcore music contrasting Meshuggah’s Labyrinthian songwriting.

The hour-long set showed Toothgrinder’s musical chops with their fun, punk-influenced take on extreme metal.

Frontman Justin Matthews’ positivity between songs and pleasant audience banter set the tone for the night — the juxtaposition of the brutality of the music with empathy and positivity was a constant

Experience • Perry Continente

Audience members raise their hands while Meshuggah plays. theme throughout the show.

The grinding, churning and thrashing of the music electrified the crowd with every brutal riff and mechanical solo whipping them further into frenzy. The resulting mosh pit reflected the ordered chaos of the concert, the chaotic pit churning always counterclockwise. The pit was a surprisingly See METAL, page 6

L O S

M EDAN OS

C OL L E G E

Sports

Quotable

E X P E R I E N C E

FRIDAY,

FEB.

2,

2018

5

“Do your job.”

— Bill Belichick

Mustangs win big by 47 points

Leaders in division

By A.R. BROOM

abroom@lmcexperience.com

Los Medanos College women’s basketball jumped out to an early lead in their game against Contra Costa College Friday, Jan. 28 and never gave it up.

The final score between the Mustangs and the Comets was 86-39, despite LMC only having one player on the bench.

CCC put up a fight in the first quarter of the game, scoring a total of 11 points, but could not keep up with LMC who landed four 3-pointers, six free-throws and three 2-point shots.

In the beginning of the second quarter, the Mustangs shallow roster began to show.

The team was beginning to look tired.

“That’s gonna happen when you have six players,” said head coach Richard Villegas.

“We never planned to have a shallow roster but unfortunate situations happen,” said Jayden

Tolentino. “There are obvious disadvantage to only have six players, but our team chemistry is like no other.”

Villegas added that part of the team’s strategy involves putting enough pressure on the other team to get its coach to use timeouts so he doesn’t waste his.

During halftime Villegas said he talked about ball movement and told the team to focus more on defense to limit the Comets in the second half.

Danielle Daniels said the team’s defensive strategies are to stay aggressive, stay content and not to foul, which forces the team to play smart and stay communicative.

“At halftime we talked about not letting them get to 50 points and we did just that,” said Tolentino.

The second half star ted well for the Mustangs, which

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

LMC’s Adorah Buggs makes an attempted shot during their win over Contra Costa College.

See WBALL, page 6

Softball on diamond

Baseball underway

Stangs splits series

Close loss in opener

By CARLOS RUIZ

By CARLOS RUIZ

cruiz@lmcexperience.com

The Los Medanos College softball team had their first preseason doubleheader against the De Anza College Dons Saturday, Jan. 27. The team split the series after having a 9-7 loss against the Dons in the first game but came back with a 10-5 win in the second game.

Freshman Shaylyne Siino was on the mound for pitching duties during the first game. The first inning contained action packed moments with two diving catches by outfielder Skye Lee and a wild pitch that gave the Dons a 1-0 lead.

That lead did not last long after LMC’s second baseman Mar y Borlongan scored RBI doubles and Lee followed with a one-run single to gain control of the game in the first inning with a 4-1 score.

Siino’s efforts kept the bats silent and the Mustangs scored three more runs, giving them a 7-1 lead through three innings.

But De Anza’s runs in the fifth and sixth innings brought them back in the game. Ultimately, the Dons took charge by getting six runs in the top of seventh, which ended in them winning the first game of the doubleheader 9-7.

cruiz@lmcexperience.com

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Los Medanos College’s Jenny Morgan swings big in her at-bat.

LMC’s loss did not break their determination.

Mary Borlongan took over the mound in the second game and was immediately off to a hot start by retiring De Anza’s first three batters.

Yet the Dons drew first blood again getting four runs touching home base. The Mustangs countered well and big with singles by Borlongan and Lee, a double by Siino and a deep two run homer by third baseman Ashley Derby that made the score 6-4 after three innings.

A minor hiccup at the top of the seventh gave the Dons a bit of hope to come back again but the LMC’s team efforts and strength lead them to a 10-5 final score to take the second game of the series.

“We should’ve won the first game but we let it slip away and DeAnza hit the ball well,” said head coach Tim Rognlien, “but the second game we came out swinging the bats better and we had good defense and pitching that gave us the win that we believe we deserved.”

Last year’s 6-12 team placed third out of fourth place in the Bay Valley Conference but looks to accomplish more in the upcoming season.

“We’re proud of the kids, they’ve been training and working hard and we’ll see what happens and what we’re going to do in the preseason,” said Rognlien.

The softball team will travel to Modesto Junior College Monday, Feb. 12.

As the spring semester gets under way, members of the Los Medanos College baseball team are looking to continue where they left off in 2017.

With both experienced and rookie players on the roster, last year’s second-place Mustangs, who overcame the odds to defeat the No.1 seeded College of San Mateo, hope to repeat that success and more.

“This year’s group is a younger group with a lot of new faces from last year so there will be a lot of opportunities early for us to learn a lot about ourselves,” said head coach Anthony D’Albora.

To do that, the 2018 Stangs had one of their first scrimmage games Friday against Modesto Junior College. Despite losing a close 3-2 game to the Pirates, the team is determined to learn from preseason mistakes in the preseason.

It wouldn’t have been a LMC home game without the team’s traditional B.O.F. (balls on fire) pregame huddle chant after the National Anthem. On the mound was sophomore

See BASE, page 6

Stangs cruise over CCC Team still third in the conference

By JESUS CANO

jcano@lmcexperience.com

CALL IN. CLICK IN. OR COME IN. CARE, THE WAY YOU WANT IT.

kp.org/diablo

The Los Medanos College men’s basketball team went on a 12-point scoring run in the heart of the second half and never looked back in their 7262 victory over Contra Costa College Friday, Jan. 26.

Deaumariye Smith began the run by hitting a layup and a free throw. Andrew Hall also contributed to the instrumental drive by delivering eight points, five of them consecutive.

LMC held the lead after that, but by the closing minutes of the game an eight-point deficit was on the scoreboard, still within striking distance of a comeback for CCC. Right before CCC could respond to LMC’s strong run, Mustang player Quincy Smith collided with Comet Isaiah Alders. Smith took the brunt of the collision as blood ran down his face, and onto the gym floor from a gash on his head.

According to head coach Derek Domenichelli, Smith headed to the hospital after the game and received stitches.

With 45 seconds left, freshmen Raazhel Watkins held possession to run out the clock.

He eventually drove the ball down the court, drawing a foul.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Los Medanos College’s Raazhel Watkins makes his path away from a Contra Contra College player.

After successfully making both free throws, Watkins followed it with another bucket to finalize the score of 72-62.

The beginning of the game was rough for the Mustangs.

They struggled to keep possession of the ball as the Comets’ defense managed several steals against the offense.

“We weren’t really trippin’ though because we knew we were getting the win from the start,” Watkins said.

Nevertheless, it was a back and forth contest between both of the teams in the first half until LMC went on scoring streaks in the second quarter.

Before Quincy Smith’s exit

from the game, he posted 12 points, and led in field goals in the first half. Watkins and Hall led with 14-points apiece.

Domenichelli said the team is performing well. He points to series with Contra Costa to illustrate this. In the previous match between the two, the Comets came out on top.

“Our team chemistry has really stepped up in the past couple of weeks,” Domenichelli said. “In the second half we played much better as a team with passing the ball and it resulted in us having better high percentage shots.”

LMC will face Merritt College at home, Feb. 7.

L O S

M EDAN OS

C OL L E G E

Sports

Quotable

E X P E R I E N C E

FRIDAY,

FEB.

2,

2018

5

“Do your job.”

— Bill Belichick

Mustangs win big by 47 points

Leaders in division

By A.R. BROOM

abroom@lmcexperience.com

Los Medanos College women’s basketball jumped out to an early lead in their game against Contra Costa College Friday, Jan. 26 and never gave it up.

The final score between the Mustangs and the Comets was 86-39, despite LMC only having one player on the bench.

CCC put up a fight in the first quarter of the game, scoring a total of 11 points, but could not keep up with LMC who landed four 3-pointers, six free-throws and three 2-point shots.

In the beginning of the second quarter, the Mustangs shallow roster began to show.

The team was beginning to look tired.

“That’s gonna happen when you have six players,” said head coach Richard Villegas.

“We never planned to have a shallow roster but unfortunate situations happen,” said Jayden

Tolentino. “There are obvious disadvantage to only have six players, but our team chemistry is like no other.”

Villegas added that part of the team’s strategy involves putting enough pressure on the other team to get its coach to use timeouts so he doesn’t waste his.

During halftime Villegas said he talked about ball movement and told the team to focus more on defense to limit the Comets in the second half.

Danielle Daniels said the team’s defensive strategies are to stay aggressive, stay content and not to foul, which forces the team to play smart and stay communicative.

“At halftime we talked about not letting them get to 50 points and we did just that,” said Tolentino.

The second half star ted well for the Mustangs, which

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

LMC’s Adorah Buggs makes an attempted shot during their win over Contra Costa College.

See WBALL, page 6

Softball on diamond

Baseball underway

Stangs splits series

Close loss in opener

By CARLOS RUIZ

By CARLOS RUIZ

cruiz@lmcexperience.com

The Los Medanos College softball team had their first preseason doubleheader against the De Anza College Dons Saturday, Jan. 27. The team split the series after having a 9-7 loss against the Dons in the first game but came back with a 10-5 win in the second game.

Freshman Shaylyne Siino was on the mound for pitching duties during the first game. The first inning contained action packed moments with two diving catches by outfielder Skye Lee and a wild pitch that gave the Dons a 1-0 lead.

That lead did not last long after LMC’s second baseman Mar y Borlongan scored RBI doubles and Lee followed with a one-run single to gain control of the game in the first inning with a 4-1 score.

Siino’s efforts kept the bats silent and the Mustangs scored three more runs, giving them a 7-1 lead through three innings.

But De Anza’s runs in the fifth and sixth innings brought them back in the game. Ultimately, the Dons took charge by getting six runs in the top of seventh, which ended in them winning the first game of the doubleheader 9-7.

cruiz@lmcexperience.com

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Los Medanos College’s Jenny Morgan swings big in her at-bat.

LMC’s loss did not break their determination.

Mary Borlongan took over the mound in the second game and was immediately off to a hot start by retiring De Anza’s first three batters.

Yet the Dons drew first blood again getting four runs touching home base. The Mustangs countered well and big with singles by Borlongan and Lee, a double by Siino and a deep two run homer by third baseman Ashley Derby that made the score 6-4 after three innings.

A minor hiccup at the top of the seventh gave the Dons a bit of hope to come back again but the LMC’s team efforts and strength lead them to a 10-5 final score to take the second game of the series.

“We should’ve won the first game but we let it slip away and DeAnza hit the ball well,” said head coach Tim Rognlien, “but the second game we came out swinging the bats better and we had good defense and pitching that gave us the win that we believe we deserved.”

Last year’s 6-12 team placed third out of fourth place in the Bay Valley Conference but looks to accomplish more in the upcoming season.

“We’re proud of the kids, they’ve been training and working hard and we’ll see what happens and what we’re going to do in the preseason,” said Rognlien.

The softball team will travel to Modesto Junior College Monday, Feb. 12.

As the spring semester gets under way, members of the Los Medanos College baseball team are looking to continue where they left off in 2017.

With both experienced and rookie players on the roster, last year’s second-place Mustangs, who overcame the odds to defeat the No.1 seeded College of San Mateo, hope to repeat that success and more.

“This year’s group is a younger group with a lot of new faces from last year so there will be a lot of opportunities early for us to learn a lot about ourselves,” said head coach Anthony D’Albora.

To do that, the 2018 Stangs had one of their first scrimmage games Friday against Modesto Junior College. Despite losing a close 3-2 game to the Pirates, the team is determined to learn from preseason mistakes in the preseason.

It wouldn’t have been a LMC home game without the team’s traditional B.O.F. (balls on fire) pregame huddle chant after the National Anthem. On the mound was sophomore

See BASE, page 6

Stangs cruise over CCC Team still third in the conference

By JESUS CANO

jcano@lmcexperience.com

CALL IN. CLICK IN. OR COME IN. CARE, THE WAY YOU WANT IT.

kp.org/diablo

The Los Medanos College men’s basketball team went on a 12-point scoring run in the heart of the second half and never looked back in their 7262 victory over Contra Costa College Friday, Jan. 26.

Deaumariye Smith began the run by hitting a layup and a free throw. Andrew Hall also contributed to the instrumental drive by delivering eight points, five of them consecutive.

LMC held the lead after that, but by the closing minutes of the game an eight-point deficit was on the scoreboard, still within striking distance of a comeback for CCC. Right before CCC could respond to LMC’s strong run, Mustang player Quincy Smith collided with Comet Isaiah Alders. Smith took the brunt of the collision as blood ran down his face, and onto the gym floor from a gash on his head.

According to head coach Derek Domenichelli, Smith headed to the hospital after the game and received stitches.

With 45 seconds left, freshmen Raazhel Watkins held possession to run out the clock.

He eventually drove the ball down the court, drawing a foul.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Los Medanos College’s Raazhel Watkins makes his path away from a Contra Contra College player.

After successfully making both free throws, Watkins followed it with another bucket to finalize the score of 72-62.

The beginning of the game was rough for the Mustangs.

They struggled to keep possession of the ball as the Comets’ defense managed several steals against the offense.

“We weren’t really trippin’ though because we knew we were getting the win from the start,” Watkins said.

Nevertheless, it was a back and forth contest between both of the teams in the first half until LMC went on scoring streaks in the second quarter.

Before Quincy Smith’s exit

from the game, he posted 12 points, and led in field goals in the first half. Watkins and Hall led with 14-points apiece.

Domenichelli said the team is performing well. He points to series with Contra Costa to illustrate this. In the previous match between the two, the Comets came out on top.

“Our team chemistry has really stepped up in the past couple of weeks,” Domenichelli said. “In the second half we played much better as a team with passing the ball and it resulted in us having better high percentage shots.”

LMC will face Merritt College at home, Feb. 7.

L O S

M EDAN OS

C OL L E G E

Web

E X P E R I E N C E

Back Talk GOVT From page 1

funding for the national Children’s Healthcare Insurance Program —which expired September 2017— funding for President Trump’s proposed border wall project and the ongoing debate over the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) laws and Dreamers. Some people, including the White House itself with a partisan answering machine message during the shutdown, blamed Democrats, accusing them of jeopardizing CHIP and the rest of the government to protect Dreamers by forcing a vote on them.

“The Democrats are turning down services and security for citizens in favor of services and security for non-citizens.

Not good!” tweeted President Trump Jan. 22. “Democrats have shut down our government in the interests of their far left base. They don’t want to do it but are powerless!”

LMC histor y professor Joshua Bearden disagrees with the idea that any one group holds total responsibility.

“Really there is a lot of blame to go around. Republicans did the same thing when Obama was president,” he stated, referring to the 2013 government shutdown in which a Republican congress ‘forced’ a government shutdown in an attempt to block or downsize Obamacare.

“Regardless of one’s own ideological perspective, there are two bigger questions here,” Bearden continued.

“Should the budget be held hostage to a party’s ideological agenda? And should the parties compromise more?

From my perspective, both parties need to answer those questions.”

Political science professor Ryan Hiscocks also weighed in, agreeing that both parties contributed to the shutdown.

“The Republicans control the levers of power for the federal government so they have to assume some level of responsibility for the actions of government,” said Hiscocks.

“Funding is a complex process and when other political issues are attached to it, especially

issues that are as emotionally charged and imminent as DACA, it can break down as we’ve seen.”

In the end, a short term spending bill was approved by a margin of 81-18. No vote was held on the fate of Dreamers, though the Republicans under Mitch McConnell verbally agreed to hold a vote at a later date. California senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris both voted against the deal and later attacked it, with Harris expressing disappointment at the lack of an “ironclad” guarantee.

“Is there such a thing as an ironclad promise in our political system?” Hiscocks asked of the situation. “Any and all promises can be broken because what matters at the end of the day is how the law is created and enforced… the President explained his immigration deal during the State of the Union address so we know that Congress will probably begin negotiations… will this deal become law, it’s anyone’s guess at this point.”

Bearden stressed that regardless of the reasons why shutdowns occur, neither party should be able to cause one simply for the sake of pushing an issue.

“Each item should be handled separately,” he said.

“I fully support DACA and immigration reform, but Republicans forced a shutdown when they couldn’t repeal Obamacare any other way.

Neither par ty should be allowed to do this.”

However, Hiscocks sees “deal-making” and “logrolling” as parts of the political sprocess, citing filibustering as a similar concept.

“It is a part of our system that is probably not going to change any time soon,” he said. “As long as minority parties have leverage… to obstruct legislation in order to gain concessions in other areas that they value, they will use that leverage during the legislative process.”

Bearden expressed relief at the fact that the situation was handled relatively quickly.

“Compared to 2013, this one was short and sweet,” he said. “Because most of the shutdown occurred over the weekend, hardly anyone noticed that the shutdown occurred at all.”

MANIA From page 4

“Young and Menace” is the most un-Fall Out Boy track on the album. Though they do play instruments on this track, the most notable element is the EDM infusion that has not found its way into any other Fall Out Boy song. On this song about feeling like an outsider and finding ‘your people,’ they fully commit to their newfound electronic sound.

Their second single, “Champion”, really sets the tone of the entire album. If you like this song, a punchy, mid-tempo, pop-rock anthem,you’ll like ever y song on this album.

That can be a good or bad thing depending on your preference. One of the things “M A N I A” suffers from, is having multiple songs that are alike in composition. However, the tracks work well with one another and each track is complete with a catchy chorus and a litany of pithy one liners chock full of pop culture references. They pay homage to Britney Spears on “Young and Menace” by adapting her “oops I did it again” line. In opening track “Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea,” the second lyric reads “I’m about to go Tonya Harding on the world’s knee.” However, a fan favorite comes from “Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)” that says “I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker color.”

Arguably the best track on the entire album, is “Heaven’s Gate.” It’s the most unique track on the album as it it is a love ballad that proves you

don’t have to be a FOB fan to appreciate it. The song has the same chord progression as, but the thing that makes it stand apart from the other songs on “M A N I A”, is the fact that lead singer Patrick Stump provides some of the prettiest backing vocals.

One of the strongest elements of any Fall Out Boy album, are the backing vocals.

These are clearest on songs like “Church” featuring Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy and “Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea.” Unlike their remixed album which featured a different rapper on ever y track, and unlike their 2013’s “Save Rock and Roll,” “M A N I A” is a little light when it comes to collaborations. The “Champion” remix featuring Rap Monster of the Korean pop boy band, BTS, doesn’t add anything to the song that wasn’t already there, but the attempt to work with international pop artists is duly noted. Both Rap Monster and Burna Boy join a long list of collaborators Fall Out Boy has previously worked with including Elton John, Big Sean, Courtney Love and Lil Wayne.

The road to making this album a success was a long one, initially, the album was set to be released last September, but was pushed back to January of this year. The band’s reason for delaying the project was because it wasn’t ready to release, and they didn’t want to put something out half-finished.

This shows the band’s dedication to their craft, but also to their fans.

Through “M A N I A,” not only has Fall Out Boy shown a seamless maturation, but have also showcased their interest in switching up their sound. It hasn’t always been a smooth journey, but the boys prove they won’t shy away from a little change.

F R I D AY,

FEB.

2,

2018

6

Follow the LMC Experience online at lmcexperience.com

LMC From page 1

Experience • Cathy Lawernce

Los Medanos College at bat during their game against Modesto Junior College Friday, Jan. 26. Despite their best efforts, the Mustangs lost the heated preseason game 3-2.

BASE

Things started to pick up in the fourth after freshman pitcher Dominic Arias took over the mound and grabbed two swinging strikeouts.

Sophomore infielder Jason Ochoa ripped a single up the middle. Meanwhile teammate Myles Coston got them on the board with an important double that allowed Ochoa to score from first.

Despite the fact the Stangs defense and pitching was keeping the Modesto’s offense quiet, they were still unable to overcome the two-run gap and gain control of the game.

There was a glimpse of hope after a Jack Downing walk and a Jason Bray single, when second baseman Jose Vasquez

reached first base off an error that cut the deficit by a run.

Yet that wasthe last run of the game despite the Stangs continuing ef for t, making the final score 3-2 after nine innings.

“Obviously the final scores/ results weren’t what we wanted,” said D’Albora. “The beginning of the season is about working hard to compete and figuring out a lot about ourselves and how we will play together and as long as we continue to sharpen and get better every day we are moving in the right direction.”

For more information on the LMC baseball team go to http://www.losmedanos.edu/ baseball/default.asp

complaints regarding others accessing adult sites.

Goff responded that “the liability is not there because parameters are already in place,” explaining the library r ules that already forbid pornographic material being viewed publicly.

As the discussion drew to a close, it was clear the issue is far from resolved. Questions about the ethics and efficacy of the blocks were raised, but unanswered.

Goff was adamant about the Library’s view on the issue.

“The library’s position is

that this is not an IT issue,” she said asserting the Library’s stance that this is a free speech rather than a security issue.

After the meeting, Goff said she is hopeful about the future.

“I felt that we were received well,” said Goff, “this is just the first step.”

DSPS

METAL CLUB From page 4

From page 3

as extra time if it is under the student’s set of accommodations. To receive this help, a student should notify DSPS as soon as they are aware that a test is being given so that DSPS staff can contact the professor ahead of time and request a copy of the test to proctor. This copy will then be adapted to the students’ needs, and given on the same day as the test normally would, but in the DSPS testing room.

To become part of DSPS, students should take documentation of their disability from a licensed professional to the DSPS office in the Student Services Building, Room 321.

At that point, they will arrange a meeting time with a counselor to get the paperwork to request specific services and accommodations.

For students who would like to help their disabled peers, there are multiple positions available, such as volunteer note taker or scribe. If you happen to have the same class as a DSPS student who needs assistance, you can become a volunteer note taker and share your in-class notes with a student who may have difficulty getting complete notes on their own.

“It’s easy, ’cause you’re taking the class anyways.

You just give them the notes you’re already taking. A scribe is a little bit different, since you’re going that class to write anything they need,” said Jessica Havelhorst, who has filled both roles.

The position is a paid job, in which the scribe attends class with the DSPS student to write for them. Students interested in these jobs can speak with Eden Olsen, who coordinates the service and implores students to fill these roles.

There is also a student coach positions, which involves helping students in class, keeping them focused, and assisting them with social cues, especially useful for people with disabilities like ADHD or autism.

DSPS staf f agrees that students who take advantage of the ser vices that DSPS provides are more motivated and become empowered to reach their educational goals.

welcome place, with generally jovial participants, and participants frequently hugging after particularly intense hits.

Meshuggah’s vocalist Jens Kidman led the band with ruthless intensity. The trademark death metal growling vocals sounded inhuman.

Kidman somehow managed to maintain these throat-ripping vocals throughout the entirely of their two hour set.

Every song played seemed to rise in intensity, building to the band’s fan favorite song ‘Bleed.’

‘Bleed’ started with Kidman nonchalantly stating, “this next song is called ‘Bleed,’” to thunderous applause. The lights shut off, only returning to strobe in time to the pounding drums.

The lights came up in time with Kidman’s growl, leading to a perfect blend of music and visuals encompassing the fury of the song.

Meshuggah put on an utterly fantastic show- there was not a miss for the entire night.

Every song was built higher and higher to an unbelievable point.

Few bands play a show quite like Meshuggah.

also said.

The Art Club, an example of this, currently has 20 members and encourages anyone interested in art and creativity to join.

“Our goal is to accept all ar t,” said member Marisa Bebeau.

For example, the Art Club does not require joining members to have a specific expertise and accepts all mediums of artistic expression. In the future, Art Club will have creative workshops and meetings so students are able to hone in on their skills no matter where they begin.

Regular meetings are held in CC3-336 during the weekdays from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

The Anime Club reviews films and introduces students to the Japanese language and culture.

Club T reasurer Katherine Lemmer explained they have “Words of the Day” and “Manga Exchanges” which spread the culture of Japan where the art form originated.

They do not currently have scheduled meetings posted, but usually meet in rooms CC2-221 and CC2-222.

If students have difficulty finding a club that sparks their interest, they may also grab some friends and create their own.

To create a new club, all members must abide by the rules and attend the meetings that the ICC arranges.

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right-handed pitcher Austin Cannedy making his first start of the season on the mound.

Cannedy star ted strong earning a swinging strikeout and not allowing a hit in the first two innings. The Stangs however, wouldn’t get their first hit until the bottom of the second when freshman utility player Jason Bray got a base hit off an infield error yet was called out at second base after a failed attempt to extend a single to a double.

First blood was drawn by the Modesto Pirates with a three-run lead at the top of the third inning with little offense by the Mustangs.

WEB From page 1

From page 3

PLAY From page 4

“Hand to God” is the type of production that the department agreed would lift the mood of the campus, giving theatergoers something else to think about,” Nicolaus said, adding “We decided to change the tone, we want to give the people a chance to laugh.”

Monday morning the results of the auditions were posted: Jason Miller as Jason, Ariel Dunn as Marge, Terryn McMury as Timothy, Clare Barton as Jessica and William Thompson as Pastor Greg.

Rehearsals started Tuesday and the drama department is getting in gear for the big show.

Play dates are scheduled for March 8,9,10,12,15,16,17,19 at 7 p.m. A matinee will be held March 14 @10 a.m. admission will be $7. General admission is $15, $12 with student or service ID, $10 with a middle or high school ID. If you love theater don’t miss it.

WBALL From page 5

amounted a 21-point scoring run, further solidifying the lead.

The Mustangs only allowed 11 second half points, while making 18 of 21 free throws.

Adorah Buggs led the Mustangs in points in both halves of the game with 29 points in total. Buggs said the team’s focus is to both push the other team to work harder while conser ving energy to last throughout the game.

“We’ve definitely learned to play as one unit,” said Tolentino. “It’s always ‘we,’ not ‘me.’”

The LMC Women’s Basketball team’s next game is against Merritt at home on Feb. 7.

been a few unexpected problems due to unforeseen conditions. However, the team has adapted and developed appropriate responses.”

Russell Holt Facilities Manager is responsible for the dayto-day operations of the project, and its integration into the existing campus and has the responsibility of maintaining the safety of everyone at the college. Active construction is currently obstructed from view by coverings, primarily for the protection of students and faculty.

“I work with the contractors to schedule any shutdowns of vital services for a time when the shutdown will not interrupt normal operations of the campus, “said Holt.

Alex Porter, Vice President of Business and Administrative Services handles all concerns from faulty and students and communicates these concerns to construction managers.

Some of these concerns are as simple as lighting and safe travel around the construction area.

The complex under construction by the gym incudes a new Physical Education facility that houses a general weights and cardio room, two classrooms, offices for PE and Athletics faculty and staff, locker rooms and showers, an equipment storage room, an athletic trainer room, and two new dance and fitness studios.

The Student Union, which will be located by the Math building in front of parking lot B, will ser ve both the college and community with accommodations that will facilitate groups and meetings.

Student activities and some learning communities will be housed there.

For a more in depth look, visit www.losmedanos.edu/ construction. The site allows curious onlookers to see the area of the construction allows for a bird’s eye view. No one is allowed in the area without prior permission, a hard hat or an official escort for safety and security reasons.

In addition to the new building construction, parts of the College Complex have recently received a facelift.

Redesigned classrooms on the second floor welcomed the spring semester students.

Many of the upgrades go unnoticed to the naked eye, like the mechanical aspects such as better air and lighting.

Others are more noticeable: new carpentry, white boards and desks.

The ecofriendly classrooms generate the welcoming atmosphere administrators and design directors strived for.

Restrooms on the west side of the College Complex have also been remolded and are environmentally healthy and adhere federal specifications called for by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The restrooms on the east side of the College Complex are still under construction and will be re-opened once work is complete.

According to project superintendent Mike Gutierrez, the previous restrooms were not wide enough to conform to ADA regulations.

The second floor-remolding project is funded with money from the $127.5 million in bonds approved by taxpayers with the passage of Measures A and E to update facilities in the Contra Costa College District. The new PE and Student Union buildings is funded from Measures A and E, with a total expenditure of $61.8 million.

MARCH From page 1

campaign in Pittsburg and he shared his beliefs on unity.

“I am undocumented and unafraid,” Fernandez yelled into the microphone. “In all of us we sense the injustice and feel the pain.”

Bringing a close to the event, Indivisible East Contra Costa County Chairperson Harry Thursten boasted his happiness from the march: “You know what I heard from this event? A proud East Contra Costa County voice.”