OHLONE COLLEGE
MONITOR
THURSDAY DECEMBER 4, 2014 Vol. XLVIII No. 10
The Niles Train of Lights delivers holiday spirit to Fremont. See photos on Page 5.
FREMONT, CA OHLONEMONITOR.COM
LAURA GONSALVES / MONITOR
Candles burn in remembrance of Alameda County residents who died last year while homeless, during a vigil at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Fremont on Nov. 21.
Local events, volunteers help homeless MITCHELL WALTHER Features editor This semester, Ohlone student Tala Jamjoum has volunteered for more than 30 hours with Fremont’s Abode Services, helping to direct homeless people to government housing programs and working with landlords to find a place for them to stay. She said the work has had a major impact on her. “Volunteering and interacting with the less fortunate was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done
WE SHOULD NOT HAVE PEOPLE DYING ON OUR STREETS. - LOUIS CHICOINE in my life,” she said. “It really makes one appreciate every small blessing, especially the blessing of being able to go to school and seek a higher education.” Last week, countless volunteers mobilized across
Doctor discusses Ebola ALIZAIB LODHI Online editor
Widespread concern over Ebola is a recent phenomenon. However, the first known outbreak occurred in 1976, and a decade ago scientists already had the makings of a possible vaccine, Ohlone instructor Dr. Gessica Johnston said. “Ten years ago, some scientists in Canada and the United States did an experiment, and they had created a vaccine in the laboratory … that was 100 percent effective in protecting nine monkeys from a subsequent Ebola infection,” Johnston said Nov. 21 in a Science Seminar on the Fremont campus. “If they had developed that vaccine, we would now not be worried
about an Ebola epidemic.” Johnston, who has a doctorate in virology, pointed out the key facts about Ebola, including the history of the disease, current treatment options, and the search for a cure. She began by showing some illustrations of human cells. She then showed what would happen to a cell if it became infected with Ebola. No vaccine for the virus is available. Things could have been different, however. “Ten years ago, these people who developed this virus vaccine decided not to carry on the research anymore because there was nobody out there to give them money to do it,” she said. “Luckily, the Canadian government took Continued on Page 3
the country for the annual National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Meals, homes, events and support groups were organized to provide assistance to the homeless from Nov. 15 to 23.
The goal of the drive, organized by the National Coalition for the Homeless, was clear and concise: “The plight of those without a home, or those living in poverty, can be both lonely and difficult. Addressing their struggles by organizing and participating in this week may bring greater solidarity and understanding, as well as promote future involvement.” Abode also answered the call, putting on two Fremont events. The group organized a “Feed your Soul” music
and poetry event at Mission Coffee on Nov. 20 and a candlelight vigil at St. James’ Episcopal Church on Nov. 21 to spread the news. Abode secures permanent homes for those who have none. With more than 4,200 people homeless in Alameda County, something needs to be done, Abode Executive Director Louis Chicoine said. “We should not have people dying on our streets because they could not find a place to live,” Chicoine said. “It’s a troubling occurrence Continued on Page 4
Buildings 1, 2 and 8 to close RYAN PARCHER Editor-in-chief Next week, when students are heaving sighs of relief at putting their final exams behind them, the construction crews working on the Fremont campus will be revving up for a push during the winter break. Heidi Birch is the lead program manager for Gilbane Building Co., the contractor organizing the construction efforts at Ohlone. Birch said there will be two significant changes on the campus when students return for the spring semester. “The portables will be open for classes and offic-
LAURA GONSALVES / MONITOR
Math Professor Geoff Hirsch shows off the abundant decorations in his office in Building 8 before he relocates.
es,” she said, “and Buildings 1, 2 and 8 will be closed and fenced off.” The portables originally
were scheduled to be at least partially available for this semester, but a delay Continued on Page 2