Brentwood campus a go
‘God’ brings delight
Walking off to victory
Construction on the Brentwood campus is set to begin mid-April with a ceremonial groundbreaking — page 3
The Drama Deprtment’s production of “Hand to God” was humorous but pulled at emotions as well— page 4
LMC baseball finally broke its four-game losing streak in a game against Napa Valley College — page 6
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Tragedy inspires action
March is Women’s History Month March 26-31
Spring Recess
April 27
Last day for withdrawl from a full-term class
May 19-25
Final Exams
Food Drive makes way Los Medanos College Student Life is hosting the MLK/César Chávez Food Drive event in support of the LMC Food Pantry through 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 regarding the food drive, contact Student Life at studentlife@losmedanos.edu
Experience • Adria Watson
LMC students Jacqueline Villalobos, Patricia Granados and Chris Chu pay tribute in the campus Student Services Center to honor the 17 Stoneman Douglas High School students who lost their lives last month.
District teams up with JFK Therapists from JFK University have partnered with the Contra Costa Community College District to offer free therapy sessions on campus to students at LMC, DVC and CCC. For appointments, referrals and further information, contact WellnessLMC@ email.4cd.edu or call (925) 473-7449. To make appointments at the Brentwood location, call (925) 473-7459.
Experience • Adria Watson
Student Ambassador Alexander Chavez.
LMC recruits ambassadors Los Medanos College is now hiring Student Ambassadors to work at high schools. Students can gain leadership skills, learn about LMC programs and support services, have a $10.50 an hour pay and more. If interested, students can pick up an application at the Welcome Desk.
Experience • Chris Ruiz
Pittsburg High student protests with a sign.
Students rise above violence By LILLY MONTERO @lilly_montero3
High school and college students around East Contra Costa County made their voices heard during the National School Walkout Wednesday, March 14. Students from Freedom, Heritage, Dozier Libbey, Pittsburg, Antioch and Deer Valley high schools, as well as from Los Medanos College, walked out of their classrooms in protest against gun violence and to advocate for stricter gun control. The National School Walkout which was promoted by the Women’s March organizers was executed by local student leaders across the nation with the help of their school administrators. Students walked
Experience • Brenna Enos
Deer Valley High School student Isabella Rosales displays her message “don’t shoot” on her hands during the 17-minute protest. Rosales also gave a speech on gun violence. out of their classrooms at 10 a.m. and remained outside for 17 minutes, each minute in remembrance of the victims of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. LMC used the time as “a tribute” and a way to make a “call to action” LMC President Bob Kratchovil said. A modest amount of students
gathered in the Student Services building for a moment of silence and to listen to speeches from various campus leaders. “We must be advocates for all of those every day who lose their lives to gun violence,” said LMCAS president, Marco McMullen. See WALK, page 5
Instructor receives accolade
LMC votes on blocks
Nasworthy wins Teacher of Year
By PERRY CONTINENTE
A.S. makes decision @perrycontinente
By BRENNA ENOS @brennasenos
Contra Costa County Office of Education Teacher of the Year for 2018 was awarded to co-chair of the Los Medanos College Industrial Technology department Cecil Nasworthy by the Academic Senate Feb. 23. Nasworthy received multiple nominations by fellow LMC colleagues who believe he is deser ving of the award, but David Wahl, who is a part of the LMC Workforce & Economic Development program, made the
Photo courtesy of John Schall
LMC Professor Cecil Nasworthy, winner of the Teacher of the Year award, stands before a classroom of students. official nomination to the senate. “I think Cecil is an example of why the award was developed by the CCCOE in the first place,” said Wahl. “All of our faculty work hard and do their best for students, but Cecil adds the element of industry engagement like no one else I’ve ever seen.”
Having known Nasworthy for the past 10 years, and closely working with him for the past five due to the grant-funded Engineering Technology (ETEC) projects, Wahl has seen Naswor thy’s dedication to his students and to the ETEC program first-hand. See CECIL, page 5
Los Medanos College Associated Students voted Monday to oppose The Web blocking system installed last fall throughout the Contra Costa Community College District Monday, March 12. The statement opposed the blocks, both on the grounds of their being exclusionary to students who do not have computer access and as a means of unnecessary censorship. The statement supports unrestricted access while also raising a question of the ethics of blocking access to sites in what, for many students, is their only means of Internet access. A passage reads, “This censorship creates a barrier for students who do not have the means or privilege of private access.” See BLOCK, page 5
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“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”
— Katherine Hepburn
Jose Ignacio
Lilly Montero
GUEST COLUMNIST
BUT I’M NO EXPERT
Taking a stroll to cure boredom
Gender equality is indefinable
Walking is healthy, that’s what you usually hear. Going for a walk is usually associated with health and a good state of mind, and that’s great. But for me, it really just is a simple cure for boredom and also an excuse to get out of the house. Boredom is the word. Boredom is usually there if you’re just idling away in life or just plain tired of the mundane day to day task that you’re dealt with. As a twenty-something young man with no dependents, I’m often visited by boredom. There are many ways that I deal with such inconvenience, for example, I could pop into a local pub and have a few pints. But the trouble with drinking is that you have to take care of the bill at some point in the evening and in my case, the bill is often quite huge. So in my quest to cure boredom and not spending too much money, I’ve soon discovered walking. Ah yes, walking; people often associate walking with older people who can’t jog because of health reasons and so. I find that walking is best because it’s cheap. Walking is the cheapest, most basic thing one can do to entertain their self. Walking is completely free and best of all, it’s good for your health. I say entertain because during your walk, whether you like it or not your scenery would be slightly different and that alone can have an impact. Us humans we deal with boredom in many forms some take up hobbies or volunteer to a cause, those are great ways to make use of one’s time. But the trouble with hobbies and all is that they cost money, heck all you need maybe is a good pair of shoes. So I say just take up walking. I’ve been walking for right about five years now, I average two walks a week and probably do right around four miles in total. You see, when I took up walking, I never really bought the right gear, because in my mind there’s no right gear. My main goal in walking is just to do away with boredom and keep things at a bare minimum like just start walking with what you have on. Usually, in my case, I wear some comfortable shoes and a good pair of oh, by the way, no smartwatches either. So jeans plus a shirt. See how simple that was, try it, have a simple stroll like me and check out your local neighborhood. Walking isn’t just for killing time but according to the American heart association it also reduces the risk of heart disease, so I guess it’s a win-win aye? But seriously walking really is healthy and helps you clear your thoughts. Walking can do wonders, from thinking about your bitter past to realizing that you did nothing with your life, you’ll encounter all those thoughts while you go for a stroll. You may find yourself sad and bitter after your walk but at least you’re no longer bored. So yeah with those in mind maybe walking really is good for you. It’s great that something so basic can leave such an impact. You walked because you wanted to entertain yourself but you ended up thinking more about other things during your stroll, so isn’t that romantic that; that’s how the human mind works while walking. The next time boredom strikes, pick up and go for a walk then maybe you’ll think of something creative. Heck, maybe you’ll figure out how to make money just by walking. No, that’s not going to happen but hey you get the point, right? Not only it cures dullness but it also helps you keep your mind off or on things that hold some significance in your life. So, there I say it walking is the best cure for boredom.
With the advent of the Internet, it often seems as though society is moving just as fast as what is trending on Twitter. In spite of what Internet progressives and activists would like us to believe, there are limitations on progress that have not been properly evaluated. Gender equality in sports is one such challenge. In the way of achieving it, is the difficulty of undoing socially entrenched gender roles, undeniable biological differences between the two sexes, and a pathway which would only subdue or invalidate a person’s gender identity. Western culture, along with many other cultures, has an obsession with gender roles which dictate the expectations of both males and females and these expectations tend to dictate their experiences. In the argument between nature versus nurture, one has to admit that nurture goes a long way. Participating in what are considered male or female practices helps shape a person’s identity and how they view their own abilities. Additionally, socially implemented standards can act as a barrier to leaving those gender roles. For example, in “The Decade of Decline: Gender Equity in High School Sports” co authored by Don Sabo, Ph.D. and Philip Veliz, Ph.D., found that “by 2010 girls participated in greater numbers than in the beginning of the decade; however, girls’ share of total athletic opportunities decreased across the decade as compared to boys’ share.” So long as society clings to its gender roles which deem female participation in sports as unimportant, gender equality in sports cannot be achieved. Biological differences are also in the way of gender equality in sports. Humankind as a species is sexually dimorphic, or typically demonstrate differences in physicality. For most sports which are predominantly physical, the comparison between male and female performance in sports is notably different and to compare the two would be unfair. However fast the fastest woman is, she will never be faster than the fastest man. This is not to imply women are less talented than men, but rather to say comparing them on would be a disproportionate comparison. In the same vein, transgender or intersex women could very well be the pathway to gender equality in sports, but this has its own limitations as it simultaneously invalidates their gender identity. Take Caster Semenya, an olympic athlete, for example. Semenya was born a woman but has an intersex condition which gives her the physical strength of a man many see as an unfair advantage. The International Association for Athletics Federations sought to address “hyperandrogenism” in sports, and stated if a woman tested positive for it then she’d be forced to either give up the competition or undergo hormonal treatment to subdue the condition. Fortunately, the Court of Arbitration for Sports later decided that the rule was too invasive and caused permanent physical damage to athletes. The alternate route many critics say is available to transgender women and athletes like Semenya, is to compete with the men. However, athletes like Semenya would not place in the olympics with men, because they do not have as much testosterone and for transgender women it would deny them their true gender identity. Even if trans women athletes are blessed with physical capabilities commonly associated with men, they are not men. They are women and so they should compete with the women. The combination of these factors make achieving gender equality in sports almost impossible. Perhaps in the future a solution will be found and gender equality will be achieved. Until then, the least we can do is evaluate the difficulties preventing progress.
Experience • Josh Wood
Editorial
President contradicts CA
T
rump has had a historically apathetic relationship with the state of California, only intervening when Californians do something he doesn’t like. On everything from immigration to education, Trump seems contrary to Californian values. Only when it’s something that piques his interest, like a certain wall on a certain border, then, and only then, does he finally decide to focus his efforts on our state and cause a problem. It’s common knowledge that he disagrees with California’s stand on immigration issues. President 45 was actually in the Golden State this week to scope out space for his wall and then for a fundraiser in L.A. While he was here, he also accused Gov. Jerry Brown of running California poorly. But of course, this is the only thing involving California he really cares about. When California labeled itself as a sanctuary city, swearing to protect immigrants as much as possible from deportation, he responded with insults, which continued as he took to Twitter before his So-Cal visit saying, “California’s sanctuary policies are illegal and unconstitutional and put the safety and security of our entire nation at risk. Thousands of dangerous & violent criminal aliens are released as a result of sanctuary policies, set free to prey on innocent Americans. THIS MUST STOP!” On the other end of the spectrum, is his penchant for apathy. When he’s expected to act presidentially, he’s nowhere to be found. Last year, wildfires ravaged California homes causing death and damage statewide. He said nothing, and did nothing. In fact, this most recent visit was his first since taking office. Trump and California are two things that will never mix. California has its share of issues, but it should be allowed to sort those issues out in accordance to the beliefs of its people. We probably aren’t as liberal as everyone makes us out to be, but enough are and we’re not backing down from our values. If Trump’s going to keep ignoring us until its convenient for him, we’re just going to have to accept it and keep fighting for what we believe in.
Call-out culture can be poisonous It’s important to let people know when they are hurting someone, perpetuating harmful stereotypes or being unreasonable. Unfortunately, we as a society don’t allow for much in the way of personal growth. We’re always out to “call someone out,” or “cancel” someone, but who exactly does that help? There are only two results that can come from this: the person in question becomes defensive and doubles down on their behavior, or they fix it. Otherwise, correcting it doesn’t seem to matter because once it’s decided that a person is “problematic” they carry that label for years. Or the incident is buried until the person is doing well, and the Twitter hivemind decides it’s time to bring it up again. This tactic shouldn’t be used on those who have learned their lesson. This tactic should be reserved for the particularly inoffensive. Everyone’s doing their best, yet we hold celebrities to an unrealistic standard. Then, within the same breath if we like a famous person, chances are we’re defending some heinous thing they’ve done. Isn’t it hypocritical to defend some and not defend others considering we’ve all said and done nonsense? This is easily the most infuriating aspect of call out culture. Normal everyday people are offended by something a celebrity did 15 years ago, but won’t call out their friends and family for doing the exact same thing. When you call out Justin Timberlake for cultural appropriation, are you also calling out your non-black friend who wears box braids and says the N-word every third word? Human beings are complex and multidimensional — good luck trying to find someone who hasn’t said something questionable in their lifetime. And this might be born from
Voices
Kimberly Stelly SOCIALLY UNWELL
a hypocritical mouth, considering my own track record with being offended by the words and actions of famous people. But at least I’m aware enough to pull back when needed and it’s more than can be said for others who waste their days “cancelling” people on social media and hopping on ostracism-bound bandwagons without context or correct information. Everyone’s social beliefs are a little problematic and while I think bad behavior deserves to be called out, I reject the idea that a good person who has learned from their mistakes must keep apologizing for doing something ignorant in their past. It’s a good thing to call out people who think it’s ok to spew slurs, but I’m not going to reprimand someone who said an ethnic slur once when they were 15. Time can be better spent chastising people for legitimately questionable morals and ethics. This isn’t about those who get caught saying something and apologizes only to save their career. This is for those who have done their share of genuinely apologizing and taking action to prove they aren’t garbage people who set out to purposely harm others. I’m willing to be offended when truly heinous things are said or done, but I’m not here to senselessly call out people for mistakes they’ve already made up for.
LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE
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“I think it’s great that the young adults are doing something about it because the adults seem to be doing nothing.” — Jaime Orozco
“It’s a good thing they’re doing that ... I feel like it’s a great thing to stand up for something.” — Dionesha Cameron
“I think it’s appropriate because ... it opens doors to show that we matter as students and that we need protection on campus.” — Akeia Lloyd
“I think it’s great that these people speak out and share their clear disgust toward [this] atrocious crime.” — Ebenezer Ayoko
“I think it’s really important that students are voicing their opinion across the country. It’s important we keep in mind the issue.“ — Katherine Lemmer
“It’s a very good thing. it shows solidarity for that cause ... It takes too long to make a change.” — Robert Brown
“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 Copy Chief..............................LILLY MONTERO Perspectives Editor..................JORDAN NEEL Campus Editor ..............PERRY CONTINENTE Features Editor ........................BRENNA ENOS Sports Editors ........................JESUS CANO & HUGO CALDERON Social Media Editor ............. ROBERT PIERCE Photo Editors .............................CHRIS RUIZ & A.R. BROOM Web Editor ........................ KIMBERLY STELLY 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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“I beg you to take courage, the great soul can mend even disaster.”
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From the ground up
Newswatch S.A.C.H.E. club looks to help
The Students with Abilities Coordinate to Help Each-other or S.A.C.H.E. club is looking for students who are either already a part of Disabled Students Programs & Services or have an intererst in helping to spread the voices of students with disabilities to join their service-based club. All students, staff and faculty are welcome to join, and you can email the club’s administrators at sache.club@ gmail.com for meeting details, dates and times. For more information, visit their website at www.lmcsache. weebly.com.
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 Community Colleges.
Botany classes offered
Several botany focused classes are being offered by the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanical Gardens. These courses include a workshop on how to tend to a native garden, seed propagation of native plats and even a five day trek through scenic Joshua Tree National Park located in southern California. For more information visit www.nativeplants.org and check under the classes, field trips and workshops tab. Those interested can also contact Linda Blide at bgardenreg@gmail.com.
CTE drop-in counseling
The Counseling Department is offering drop-in consultations for students in a variety of Career Technical Education programs on campus: n Wednesday, March 21: Child Development Center, CS1-110, 12:30-2 p.m. n Tuesday, April 10: CC2-255-ETEC Lecture area, 11 a.m.-12 .p.m. n Thursday, April 19: CC3-505-Appliance Service area, 4:30-6 p.m. Appointments are also available. For more information, visit the fourth floor of the Student Services building or call (925) 473-7449.
Start Smart fights pay gap
Start Smart invites students to a free workshop designed to provide women with knowledge about the wage gap, salary benefits, and an opportunity to develop confidence and skills needed to negotioate fair compensation. The event is presented by LMC Transfer & Career services in partnership with the American Association of American Women. The program asks students to join the ranks of some of the most powerful women in the country demanding equal pay and career opportunities. The workshop will take place March 21 in Library L-214 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Registration is now open at tinyurl.com/fightpaygap.
Awesome Sign Legends
Assist students of sign language practice and help educate the public about deaf culture and American Sign Language with Awesome Sign Legends club. Club meetings are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Room CC2-213. For more information please contract Taydi bush at tbodley551@insite.4cd.edu or Yessenia Marquez at ymarquez941@insite.4cd.edu.
Senior Saturday hires students
LMC is looking for student leaders for Senior Saturday who would represent LMC, network and gain skills. the main events are April 21 and 28 and pay $11 an hour. Trainings for the event take place March 9, 16, 23 as well as April 6 and 13. Students can get an application at the welcome desk in Student Services SS3-320 or call (925) 473-7433 for more info.
LMC hiring tutors
LMC is hiring toutors to work at Pittsburg Senior High School. Toutoring subjects are mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics and foreign languages federal work study welcome. In order to qualify for the job students need a grade B or higher in the toutoring position’s subject. Student toutering hourly wage is $11.50 an hour. Applications can be sent to www.losmedanos.edu/stem/. Prospective tutors can also contact Anthony Duldulao at (925) 517-3407 or at anduldulao@losmedanos.edu for more information.
Experience • Lisette Urbina
A peak into the future: This model is an artist’s rendering of the planned Brentwood Center. The new campus will be much larger than the current one, and is expected to open Spring 2020.
Campus to be built in Brentwood By ROBERT PIERCE @RobertP_EXP
Construction on the new Los Medanos College Brentwood Campus is slated to formally begin April 18 with a groundbreaking ceremony. Located at 1351 Pioneer Square near the Trilogy housing development, construction will start ahead of schedule of a later planned date of July 2018 given by an LMC webpage. “The groundbreaking ceremony on April 18 will provide LMC students, employees, and community members the opportunity to celebrate what has been in the planning stages for many years,” LMC President Bob Kratochvil stated. “Construction of the new Brentwood
Center is long-awaited by residents of East Contra Costa County, and the groundbreaking ceremony certainly is a momentous occasion for all of us at LMC.” The current Brentwood Center on Sand Creek is only a leased building; the new Brentwood Center will be a permanent and State Chancellor’s Office approved “Off-Site Educational Center” according to a Frequently Asked Questions document on the LMC website. The construction has been divided into Phase I and Phase II due to funding concerns. Phase II has yet to be fully designed or funded, but Phase I involves a 55,000 square feet building on the north side of the land parcel with approximately 30,000 square feet of parking space,
By D’ANGELO JACKSON @Di_Journ
Sixteen lucky students won a total of $5,000 in scholarship money at the 13th Annual Academic competition at Los Medanos College March 10, sponsored by the Office of Student Life and the Los Medanos College Associated Students. The competition was structured in four rounds, each one meant to test the student’s knowledge in the subjects of English, mathematics, science, history and social sciences. This year’s competition is the first that allowed student participants testing accommodations from Disabled Students Programs & Services. Proctor Jocelyn Villalobos said she’s happy these accommodations were made this year. “A lot of students who are DSPS, it was hard for them last year to participate,” said Villalobos. “But this year they had accommodations, which
Experience • D’Angelo Jackson
Jesus Mauricio and Ryan Marawala from Team IUPAC collaborate to decipher a problem on one of the Academic Competition’s four tests. I’m really proud they offered… I feel like it’s more inclusive to all the students.” Registration for the competition began at 8 a.m. inside the gymnasium and participants were treated to a free continental breakfast as they prepared. Students assembled teams of four — those who arrived without a team were put together at registration although a number of participants were groups of friends. Competition coordinator Scott Cabral reviewed the rules, and then the competition began – four rounds with a lunch break midway through.
In the end the four winning teams included, First place: Team An Unsettling Number of Bees, $2,000 Second place: Team TacticalMangoes, $1,500 Third place: Team DAVE, $1,000 Fourth place: Team Popcorn, $500 Jack Stehn from Team An Unsettling Number of Bees felt that it was due to the team’s ability to quantify their own abilities that they were able to win despite ever yone in the team not knowing each other too well at the start of the competition.
“Team organization [and] coordination was probably as big a part of our success as our actual academic specialties,” he said. “I legitimately didn’t know half of the team before I showed up here… I was forced to engage with people and talk to people that I normally wouldn’t see, especially outside my discipline because I’m mathematics… I don’t see a lot of people in the other disciplines so it was kind of nice to see.” Student Life coordinator John Nguyen underscored the fact that the Academic
By VERONICA ZESATI
plates “You’ve got more whipped cream than pie!” The date and time of the Pi Day celebration is a reference to the mathematical constant pi, which is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. The first six numbers of pi are 3.14159, which is why pi day is celebrated specifically on 3/14 at 1:59 p.m. The table had a sign explaining Pi Day and its creation in 1989 at the San Francisco Exploratorium, with scientists, mathematicians, and the public marching in circles and eating fruit pies. The date also happens to commemorate the birthday of Albert Einstein.
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 guaranteed.
Experience • A.R. Broom
Students gather in the Math building at LMC on Pi Day for delicious free pie. The event is a yearly tradition at LMC.
See COMP, page 5
People gather ’round for pi Veronica_Zesati
What’s lost may yet be found
— compiled from press releases and staff reports
See BUILD, page 5
Teams vie for money
How to report news
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 allowed to be made. A brief description of the missing items will be expected by people wanting to pick them up.
which will offer “expanded faculty/staff offices, science labs, tutorial labs, library resources, linger and learn space, bookstore and food service, and instructional classrooms” according to the website, and is funded via Bond Measure E, approved in 2014 by Contra Costa County voters. The center is currently estimated to be open for operations during the Spring 2020 semester, and will offer classes in over 25 disciplines including Administration of Justice, Biology, Drama and Political Science “as well as new subjects not currently offered, such as Chemistry” according to the Frequently Asked Questions document. The process has not been without
Students gathered in the math lab Wednesday, March 15 in celebration of Pi Day for a free slice of pie, provided from generous donations made by LMC staff. Various pies lined the table: lemon, apple, cherry, chocolate, pumpkin, and cheesecake. Most were store-bought, but a few staff members went the extra mile to make a pie themselves. A can of whipped cream was provided for those who wanted it, and many did. Math Lab Coordinator Julio Guerrero jokingly told students who piled whipped cream onto their
See PI, page 5
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“We can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.”
— Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time
‘Hand’ is a fun romp
Comedy also displays depth By BRENNA ENOS @brennasenos
From the moment that the lights illuminated the stage of the Los Medanos College Little Theater and Jason (Jason Miller) and his vulgar puppet Tyrone enter the stage, you can tell that this is not going to be just a typical comedy show. With a group of rag-tag teenagers in a church puppet club, Jason’s widowed mother Margery (Ariel Dunn), and an overly optimistic pastor Greg (William Thompson), “Hand to God” is packed with laughs, emotion and sometimes, even visits from the devil himself in the form of Tyrone. This play begins with Jessica (Clarissa Barton), Timmy (Teryn Macallan) and Jason in their church puppet club that is ran by Margery. Pastor Greg has requested that the club perform a puppet show for the church in a few days but the puppet group struggles with their preparations. Aside from her failing puppet club, Margery is also struggling due to her husband’s recent passing, as well as unwanted advances from Greg. The show begins to take a turn when an odd relationship buds between Timmy and Margery, creating some very uncomfortable, yet entirely hilarious scenes between the two
REVIEW
Experience • Brenna Enos
Margery (Ariel Dunn) and Timmy (Teryn Macallan) get caught having intimate relations by pastor Greg (William Thompson) in a hilariously awkward scene during “Hand to God.” of them for the rest of the show which kept the audience squirming in their seats. In the meantime, Jason is struggling with his feelings towards Jessica and his troubles with his mother, but Tyrone keeps influencing — and at times even dictating — the way Jason acts towards them. As the play progresses, it becomes very obvious that Tyrone has started to take more control over Jason’s life, as right before the end of the first act, Tyrone greatly harms Timmy after an emotional argument between him and Jason — resulting in a large
pool of blood left on the floor. The show continues with a fair amount of heated conversations, a sexual puppet scene, and more blood as Jason has a melt down with Tyrone. “Hand to God finishes on a high note and keeps the audience craving to know, “what happens next?” The acting in the show was really powerful, and the lighting and music between scenes captured the mood of each scene perfectly. The crowd’s reaction to some of the hilarious and shocking scenes also made the show even
more enjoyable, due to the intimate atmosphere in the Little Theater. Overall, “Hand to God” displayed multiple dimensions and effortlessly took the audience through a whirlwind of emotions; one moment you’ll be cracking up and the next, you’ll be shifting uncomfortably in your seat. If you are interested in catching “Hand to God” before it is over, shows will run through March 16,17,19. General admission will be $15, $12 with a student or military ID and $10 with a school ID.
LMC gallery displays local artists’ work By KIMBERLY STELLY @kstelly1994
Photos by Chris Ruiz • Experience
Above: Artist Jim Scales and his wife Beth Scales both admire “The Reason I Smile” by Angela D. Simms. Far right: Glass pieces “Turtle and Two Hearts” and “Hawaiian Reef” by Andrea Schwartz at the LMC Art Gallery.
Film captures feeling of youth By ADRIA WATSON @adriarwatson
Ava DuVernay’s film adaptation of the science fantasy novel “A Wrinkle in Time’” is packed with profound emotion and stunning visuals that capture the story’s theme of loving and accepting who you are, as you are. “A Wrinkle in Time” tells the story of a young girl’s journey to find her father who disappeared into the depths of the universe for four years. With the help of three celestial beings, her younger brother and a new friend, protagonist Meg Murry (Storm Reid) discovers more of her own capability on this interplanetary adventure than what the universe has to offer. DuVernay encapsulates the story’s message of overcoming self-doubt and insecurity by having each of the vibrant and versatile characters leave an impact on one another with each of their interactions throughout the film. When viewers are first
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Mrs. Which (Oprah) helps Meg Murray (Storm Reid) to find her father in the movie. introduced to Meg, it is clear that her father’s disappearance has taken a toll on her confidence. From there, we see how each interaction she has with someone, or something, is a step toward her gaining the confidence she believed she would never have. There’s a scene in “ A Wrinkle in Time” when Meg and her friend Calvin (Levi Miller) are in her backyard and he expresses fondness for her natural, curly hair and she tells him her hair isn’t beautiful and for him to stop saying anything See TIME, page 5
Members of Brentwood’s Art Guild of the Delta showed off their talents at the Los Medanos College Art Gallery reception held Thursday, March 8. One of the people who came to look at the many pieces displayed in the gallery was none other than MESA Director Nicole Trager. Having been to several art shows in the past, she came out to support local artists. “Art makes us think and also makes things more beautiful,” she said. Trager also expressed she had a hard time pinpointing a single piece in the gallery that was her favorite, because they were all so well-made. Artist Mary Lamb had a few pieces, some of which were for sale and others that were not, displayed in the gallery one of which sold for $125. She isn’t keeping the money however. Lamb said she plans to donate the money to the LMC Foundation so that Art Professor Judi Petite can purchase more
art supplies. “As a member of the Art Guild and one of the founders, we’re really pleased to work with the LMC gallery too,” said Lamb. “It’s just a nice partnership with our organization and the young artists that are coming out of LMC.” Another artist Hillary Scott had a collage hanging up in the gallery entitled “Peculiar Children.” The mixed media
piece showcased some of her musical and artistic interests including quotes from books, popular bands and handwritten words scrawled across the piece. Scott said the piece was born out of a dark time in her life when she was anxious and depressed. Scott has also displayed work in the previous LMC student art show earlier this semester. In addition to being an artist of many mediums, she is also currently interning for the Delta Art Guild. Other ar tists exhibiting their work include Pamela Tabel, Sherr y Cummings, Beverly Turner and Doug Ota. Their work was displayed prominently in the front part of the gallery. Though the reception has already taken place, these pieces will be on display through Thursday, April 5. The LMC Art Galler y is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., and again from 4 to 6 p.m.
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“Cecil is always willing to take on more work as long as his students will benefit,” said Wahl. “We ask a lot from our CTE faculty and Cecil never says he’s too busy to take on another project.” Naswor thy has fully immersed himself into the ETEC program, and after 10 years at LMC, still feels very passionately about what he does. “I feel like I’m a major part of this program,” said Nasworthy, as he looked around the ETEC building filled with his students. “This is more important to me than anything else.” Nasworthy has been active in the Baywork and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Naswor thy has worked to create pathways for Instrumentation Control Technicians and Electronic Maintenance Technicians for the Water and Wastewater Industry. Catherine Curtis, Workforce Reliability Manager at the Utilities Commission, offered similar praise. “Cecil Nasworthy has been invaluable,” said Curtis. “Not only does he of fer one of the best programs for this trade in our industry, but his knowledge, professionalism, and personal connection with students and industry made him unique.” It has been his hard work throughout the community, however, that has separated him from the average worker. With a growing and successful ETEC program at LMC, many people and companies, such as BART, have reached out to the program. When the San Francisco Foundation wanted to fund a bridge program for underserved students, they went straight to the LMC ETEC program and asked for Cecil. This repetition of success in the ETEC program and Nasworthy’s unwavering assistance to help have contributed to an almost 100 percent employment rate for students upon their completion in the program. Along with Wahl, Interim Dean of Math and Sciences, Ryan Pedersen was one of the staff members who nominated Naswor thy for Teacher of the Year and emphasized his commitment to students. “Cecil has built a strong reputation for both the college and himself among our industry partners in the community,” said Pedersen in his letter nominating Nasworthy. “His dedication to their future success has paid off through the countless life-changing employment oppor tunities that he has provided them.” His dedication has also paid off through him winning this award — an award that is only given to an LMC instructor every three years due to other ECCC colleges in the district who also nominate teachers. “If you were to create a top 10 list of how to become a model community college CTE program, you’d describe Cecil and ETEC,” said Wahl. “If someone wants to know what it takes” all you have to do “is introduce them to Cecil Nasworthy.”
about it. But when Calvin continues complimenting Meg on her hair throughout the film, she stops trying to fight it. At first it may seem like she only learned to love her hair because a boy is telling her how beautiful it is, but when watching their scenes together, Calvin only ever complimented Meg about her hair after he spoke highly of her intellect and personality. These interactions also followed pivotal moments that played a role in Meg’s own realization regarding how amazing she is — his compliments only really acting as a measurement of Meg’s growth as the more she accepts what he says. But it’s the Mrs. and Meg’s internal conflicts throughout the film that truly play an essential role in her self-discovery. A film could not get any more inspiring than having celestial being Oprah descend from the sky just to tell a young black girl she is smart, amazing, beautiful and above all, a warrior. Each time Mrs.Which (Oprah) and Meg shared a scene together, their chemistry only heightens the intensity of the moment. Each scene with these two was filled with overwhelming emotion and the dialogue between them seemed genuine, as if Mrs.Which had been waiting those four years to share her wisdom and words of encouragement with Meg. There is also something about Oprah’s voice and presence that speaks to an audience. Although Mrs.Which, was directing all the acclamations of self-love and believing in who you are to Meg, every time the camera panned to her face it felt like she was sharing those words with me. It is in these scenes with Mrs. Which that took me back to when I was Meg’s age, feeling as if the world was against me and that I would never figure out what I’m meant to do or who I’m meant to be. I wish I’d had my own Mrs.Which to tell my younger self I could do anything as long as I believed in who I am. This relatability may not have been as successful as it was if it weren’t for DuVernay’s casting choices. The chemistry between the actors and their strong character performances carry the best parts of the film. Do not go into “A Wrinkle in Time” expecting this film to be anything more than a Disney movie. The film’s storyline fits in with Disney’s dream big, be inspired propaganda and the targeted audience members are clearly young adults. That’s not to say there haven’t been Disney films, especially in recent years, that adults related to and found awe inspiring, but “A Wrinkle in Time’s” film adaptation is an all around feel-good movie — it provides comfort and nostalgia for those who found security in the book or who remember what it’s like to be 14. To genuinely understand “A Wrinkle in Time’s” importance, putting yourself back in the shoes of your 14-year-old self helps.
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LMCAS voted 5-0 to send the statement with a single abstention. This follows the unanimous vote by the Academic Senate on March 12 to send a similar resolution to the IT department and district administration. Author of the statement and LMCAS president Marco McMullen said, “This is a pretty big deal. It’s a heated topic so far. I think this will carry a lot of weight.” McMullen described the decision making process. “What compelled us to pass the statement was the fact that this software was inhibiting student learning. As advocates for the student body, it is our primary concern to ensure the general welfare of students, especially those who do not have private, non-censored computer access at home.” LMCAS treasurer Marco Mendez was also motivated by possible equity issues. “I liked that the resolution focused on students who did not have easy Internet access,” he said, “We were
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Experience • Brenna Enos
Students at Deer Valley High School protest gun violence and honor the victims of of the mass shooting in Parkland, Fla by walking out for 17 minutes, one for each person killed by the shooter. Joint protests were held at schools all over the country to encourage new gun legislation.
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Dozier Libbey High School also took time to remember the victims. Five minutes before 10 a.m. when the protest was to occur, the names, ages, and occupations of the victims were read over the intercom. Afterward, students gathered in the quad and chanted, “No more silence. No more gun violence.” Various speakers also stood up to make their voices heard. “To anyone who demeans us, we will be able to vote soon,” said Brianni Flores, a senior. Coming into adulthood and making a political debut was a common theme among the protests. Students said that they were fed up with the slow-pace of change in Congress and that they hoped their advocacy would make finally make a difference. “It’s sad that it keeps happening like this and nothing is really changing,” said Peyton Thornton, a student at Freedom High. However, he said he was hopeful the discussion
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will not die down this time because, “the students are more involved with it and it’s not washed away.” Students also emphasized the need for strict gun control in the hope that it would keep their schools safe and prevent further gun violence on campus. Justin Clar “I don’t think the adults see it how we do,” Pittsburg High School student Justin Clark said, “because we’re actually in the schools and we don’t feel safe every day.” Other students agreed with the need for stricter gun control, but had disagreements about the best way to achieve their goal. As for “the adults,” school administrators were sure not to explicitly support the political move for legal reasons, their compliance helped make keep the demonstrations safe and peaceful. Administrators were proud of their students and the way they presented
themselves. Though many were excited and emotional — like Heritage with their rallying cries of “Not with the B.S.” or the impassioned speeches of the students at Deer Valley — they were also peaceful and well thought out. Heritage principal Carrie Wells said, “I think that [the protests were] within the parameter of students’ rights to free speech. I was really proud of our students, listening to the adults on campus.” Kelly Menke, Freedom’s principal expressed similar sentiments about her faculty
and students. “We definitely underestimate teenagers,” she said. “I think it’s just because there are more of them than there are of us.” Staff and students alike were excited to participate in the nation wide event and hope that this is the beginning of the end to gun violence on school campuses across the country. — A.R. Broom, Jesus Cano, Brenna Enos, Chris Ruiz, Perry Continente and Robert Pierce contributed to this report.
PATH I would have picked the Mokeloumne Trail site and I would have been patient and waited for the better deal.” While the location will most likely not be changing, the concerns that the two voiced did not fall on deaf ears: LMC has worked with Tri Delta Transit to provide public transportation to the Trilogy site . “Tri Delta Transit will operate express bus service to the new Brentwood campus once it is completed,” Director of Marketing for Tri Delta Transit Mike Furnay said. “Express Route 202 will provide direct service from the Brentwood Park & Ride to the campus. Transfers to Route 202 will be possible from four weekday routes at the Brentwood Park & Ride.” The four weekday routes are 300, 385, 391 and 384 a new route starting May of this year. It is not entirely certain when the routes will begin including the Brentwood Campus, but Furnay expects it to coincide with the opening. Plans for additional routes beyond 202 do not currently exist, but Furnay states, “We constantly evaluate and re-evaluate our service and the needs of the area/ community”. For more information on the construction of the campus and how it will operate after it launches, visit http:// www.losmedanos.edu/construction/ brentwood.asp.
controversy, however. While the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board approved the site near Trilogy by a 4-1 vote, vocal opposition came from Ward V Trustee Greg Enholm, who voted against the site in 2014 and has continued to argue for an alternative location at the Mokeloumne Trail/Highway 4 e-BART station since, stating that it would be easier to access for LMC students in Oakley and parts of Brentwood. “It would certainly be more convenient for any student in Oakley to go to the Mokeloumne e-BART,” he stated. “We’re trading off a new building with lots of parking for being inconvenient… and the four other board members decided that was unimportant.” LMC student and Oakley resident and city council candidate, Mike Dupray, agrees that a lack of transportation is an issue with the Trilogy location, and prefers the Mokeloumne option. “That would have made more sense to me, it’s closer for Oakley,” he stated. “Most of the students that go to that Brentwood really worried about equity.” extension are north of the Trilogy site. The decision to make the It also made more sense to me, because statement was inspired not they had 20 or 30 acres to work with and just by the student response, they could have combined that with the but also following a meeting BART station in order to make transit McMullen had with history really easy and simple… If it were me, professor Josh Bearden. Bearden, along with Library director Christina Goff and Librarian Roseann Er win have been driving forces in From page 3 explained the process of getting the opposition to the blocks. One student who partook in the pies together. The district’s newly ap“We usually just send out pointed Vice Chancellor of the celebration, Nana Abena Education and Technology Adade, gave her thoughts on an email to everyone, and we Mojdeh Mehdizadeh as well the comparative quality of buy a few ourselves,” Guerrero as District Chancellor, Fred the pie, “I’ve had four slices said. “We didn’t count them but Wood will speak about the so far and they’re all pretty we got at least 15 pies, maybe blocks and respond to the good. I liked the cherry and even 20. More than we did last statements at the Academic the cheesecake best, but if I year, which is great.” had to pick a favorite, definitely Duldulao, who has helped Senate Monday, April 9. with Pi Day for 4 years now “We want to work with the the cheesecake.” The cheesecake seemed said, “It’s something nice we district, and the district seems to be interested in working to be one of the most popular can do for the students, to give with us,” said Bearden. “We’re picks, behind apple, which them a break. A lot of them are taking tests around this waiting on Mojdeh to take her ran out first. Another student, Megan time, so they can come out new position.” The Academic Senate meet- Salinas, said, “I got the cheese- of the lab from studying and ing has a public comment cake. It’s amazing, but cake is just take a breath. It’s also a good time for them to bond portion where students will be still better than pie.” Math Lab Coordinator Julio with the staff, because the allowed to make statements at the meeting. The meeting is Guerrero and Administrative Math Lab Coordinator is out in Library L-109 on Monday, Assistant Abby Duldulao or- here walking around getting ganized the event. Guerrero to know them.” April 9 from 3 to 5 p.m.
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Experience • A.R. Broom
An Antioch High School student gives a speech.
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where she got her big opportunity to show off her skills and further her education. “I have absolutely loved playing ball here. I have met some of my closest friends on this team, and have so many memories that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” she said. The sophomore played volleyball and basketball at Clayton Valley High School, along with softball, but she said, “out of the three sports, softball has always been my home.” Although playing college softball has always been a dream of hers, she has had to work hard to overcome challenges in the sport. “I get in my head a lot on the field. I’ve gotten a lot better at letting mistakes go and not stressing out about the what if’s of a game,” she said. “I just try to focus on what’s next and let all my practice take control when I’m out there.” That focus has turned her into one of the top softball players currently competing at LMC. As the season marches forward, her last at LMC, she is excited about the team’s future. “We have a strong line-up this year with the potential to win league,” she said. “We’re just going to continue to keep working and let it all fall into place.”
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Competition is an event that allows people in dif ferent parts of the LMC community who normally wouldn’t cross paths to collaborate with and support each other. “This school is more than just academics,” said Nguyen. “We want to combine extracurricular activities with academics as well so our students can be well rounded individuals.” And while the main goal is for the teams to engage with each other and win money by way of testing their academic knowledge, it could even be suggested that the testing of academic knowledge itself is more important. According to LMC student Manny Jimenez, who was working at the com-
petition, taking part in the competition is something that can be used to test one’s academic abilities. “I’d say the importance of the event lies really within the academic proficiency because for the most part, what some people overlook coming to an event like this is the fact that it looks good on a resume when it comes to transferring to another college,” said Jimenez. “So I say if you have a good place in mind and you’re headstrong about your decisions, coming to a place like this is not only for the money but it’s for the name, and carr ying it off somewhere else looks good. I think you should really be aware of that.”
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“I’ve had to learn to fight all my life — got to learn to keep smiling. If you smile things will work out”
— Serena Williams
Experience • Cathie Lawrence
LMC celebrates its 4-3 victory over Napa Valley on Tuesday. Center fielder Jason Bray celebrates while teammates pile over Jack Downing who hit the walkoff.
Comeback kids walk off By HUGO CALDERON @Hcalderon925
Los Medanos College snapped its four game loosing streak, as it emerged victorious on Tuesday’s thriller against Napa Valley College with a final score of 4-3. LMC’s Riley Cleary hit a homer in the bottom of the first inning with teammate Daniel Glorioso on second base putting the team up 2-0. Cleary would have another date with home plate later in the game. “That homerun was a good confidence booster for us especially going into conference,” said Cleary. As the game went on, it seemed the home side would keep its lead up until the end of the
game. The Storms had other things planned. In the fifth inning designated hitter Carter Pennington was able to make a run on a wild pitch, while left fielder Brooks Green also made a run due to an error by the Mustangs’ Miles Coston. With the teams even at 2-2 and two outs on their name, up stepped Napa Valley’s Joey Kassis who hit a single RBI, putting his team up by one run. LMC’s Scott Meylan was introduced in the top of the sixth on the mound. He came in clutch for his team; striking out seven of the 19 batters he faced and didn’t allow any runs. “It was a great feeling [striking out seven batters] one of the best feelings for a pitcher. Its months of blood, sweat, and tears coming
Bangert follows path to success By JONATHAN LITTLE @Jonathanglittle
For Brittany Bangert, the catcher and captain for the Mustangs softball team, playing sports at Los Medanos College is a family affair and she is not the only Bangert to don the cardinal and gold of LMC. Her two brothers played baseball and football at Los Medanos. Just like her, Banger t’s mom was on the softball team. “My family really supports me playing college ball”, she said adding that she plans to continue when she transfers next year. Bangert is excited for the next step in her softball career. She was offered a scholarship to play for the
together in one moment,” said Meylan.“In the final innings when I was on the mound I was shaking, but I knew I had to stay calm and stick with basics.” Mustang Jack Downing stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the fifth. Downing had two strikes to his name and the team had two outs. The catcher matched Cleary’s hit earlier, sending the ball far over the wall for his team’s second homer of the game tying the score 3-3. The game stretched out 10 innings with tension in the air. In the final inning, Cleary hit a double giving his team a glimmer of hope. Again it was Downing who stepped up to the plate, getting on base due to an error by the Storm catcher, who allowed Cleary to earn a
run and give his team the win. “I tried to keep everything slow. I saw Riley on second base. He looked calm and that’s what really calmed me down,” said Downing. “I felt pretty relaxed. I’ve been in that situation before and I knew what to expect.” Downing has 11 RBIs and 18 runs to his name so far this season. “We haven’t been finishing a lot of those innings, those plays, and those games. The best part of days like today is that it can kind of relax you a little bit,” said head coach Anthony D’Albora. “We ran into an issue there [in the fifth inning] because we didn’t make some defensive plays and we didn’t execute some pitches.”
University of Pikeville in Kentucky. “I plan to commit,” she said. Given the opportunity she has had at LMC it is no surprise she is moving on to the next level. The practice and work she has put in so far this season has contributed to the team’s success, as she has a dominating batting average of .458 with 5 RBI’s (runs batted in) so far. She knows that it’s not all about athletics. She will graduate with an A.S. in criminal justice and sociology, but she said, “ I am thinking of switching to nursing once I go to Pikeville.” Experience • Cathie Lawrence Leaving LMC will be bittersweet for Bangert since Los Medanos is Los Medanos College softball catcher Brittany Bangert tags out a Gavilan runner in a series that See PATH, page 5
saw the Mustangs split 1-1. Bangert had two hits and one RBI in the games.
Rasslin’ is on the rise
If I had a dollar every time someone asked technology. Even as early as 2008, the indeme “Why do you watch pro wrestling if it is pendent scene was not as popular. Nowadays, fake?” I would be able to pay off the entire you can easily type in the event of your choice and watch it on demand through any Internet sports staff’s tuition and beyond. Pro wrestling isn’t a sport — it’s entertain- server. Back in the day, if you didn’t have the ment. Vince Kennedey McMahon, owner of opportunity to buy tickets and attend the event, WWE, has said it himself and even prohibits you would just read about it the next day. his commentators from refering to his athletes The main difference between WWE and as professional wrestlers. Furthermore, pro the independent scene is that WWE is more wrestling isn’t fake — it’s scripted. Just like entertainment based, while the Indies showcase “The Big Bang Theory”, “Pawn Stars” and more athletic ability between the competitors “Orange is the New Black”, pro wrestling has in the ring — especially since there is no creative writers, producers and agents whjo restriction of scripted moves. work on coming up with But WWE is the alpha new ideas, stor y lines male of the pro wrestling and, of course, matches world, for now. +And if to display for its audience. WWE cannot adapt to But the biggest mishow well independent conception is that pro promotions like New wrestling is dead. Pro Japan Pro Wrestling and wrestling is thriving and Best of the west Ring of Honor are doing, is stronger than it ever they will soon be tumbling has as a unit. And I’m down the ranks. not just talking about the WWE, because if I But WWE is starting to take note. While were, it would be about how they’re lacking. superstars like John Cena, Brock Lesnar and I’m talking about pro wrestling as whole. Even Randy Orton are all homegrown entertainers of smaller promotions such as Ring of Honor the company, the new direction ahead of current and New Japan Pro Wrestling are doing well. executive vice president, Paul Levesque, better As of the publication of this article, pro know as Triple H, is changing the landscape. wrestling fans are currently witnessing the Just look at the NXT brand. road to WrestleMania — WWE’s version of Many former indy stars like AJ Styles, the Super Bowl. This year’s WrestleMania is Samoa Joe and Bobby Roode have been key going to emanate from the Mercedes-Benz components in the main roster. Superdome in New Orleans. The last time the NXT is WWE’s version of a developmental Big Easy saw the grandest stage of them all was league, what would be the D-League in bas2014. It drew an estimated 75,167 people. The ketball or Triple-A in baseball. Wrestlers like Aleister Black, Andrade venue also held the Super Bowl XLVII, which is set to be the biggest stage in any sport. But “Cien” Almas and Johnny Gargano made a it drew a smaller audience with 71,024 fans name for themselves in the independent scene and brought that flavor to the developmental attending, less than WrestleMania. If you were to tell me when I was 8 years old brand, and as early as the next month will be that companies not named WWE were going up on the main roster. While pro wrestling was at its peek back in to be more entertaining, I would have thought the early ’90s, it will again reach to the top by you were nuts. Now, that is reality. Much of that has to do with the growth of the end of the decade.
Jesus Cano