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TEMPEST
SCC dance learns West African style from Bay Area choreographer OPINION ON 5
Oc-Ed a hidden gem on SCC’s campus NEWS ON 6
Letter to the Editor: Solano’s public image in question
SCC softball wins again SPORTS ON 8
OPINION ON 5
• MARCH 19 - APRIL 1, 2014 • VOL. 30, NO. 11 • FAIRFIELD, CA • www.solanotempest.net • 7 Kimberly Romby and Sylvia Rand show one of the steps they do in the welding process.
Christine Butler / Tempest
7 Crystal Rodriguez works on a car during an auto body class earlier this month. Christine Butler / Tempest
It’s not always a man’s world
Deborah Graham Online Editor
dgraham@solanotempest.net
March is Women’s History month, during which we celebrate the contributions women have made to society. Solano Community College has two vocational areas where women have taken courses which many deem as male-dominated trades: welding and auto body and repair. “My family worked with metals and so I decided to join in the trade. I took a summer course; I liked it and signed up,” said Evelyn Hernandez, 22. “I just really like building
things,” she added. Hernandez is just one of 30 students, and seven women who have joined instructor Jeff Kissinger’s welding program. The program prides itself in being more than just welding. “I think all the women in the program are great,” Kissinger said. “Everybody starts out the same. Even someone with a physical disability can join and find out they will be treated the same as everyone else,” Kissinger said. Shernell Kelly, 21, was a participant of both the welding and the auto body program. She liked both programs but she says she prefers welding. She likes the challenges it
SCC to host Battle of the Bands Addi Simmons Staff Writer
lsimmons@solanotempest.net
SCC students, prepare for an epic battle to occur next month on campus. Spring break will go out with a bang as SCC hosts the first Battle of the Bands. Rodolfo Rangel Jr., welding major, created the event as a way to bring more influx to the school and create awareness of the local art and music scene in Fairfield. “There’s a plethora of creative talent and young artistic people in Fairfield, which is great and I wanted to shine
a spot light on them,” Rangel said. “I think that we are at the time and place, we have the right mindset, the right young people, and the right attitudes within our generation to totally put Fairfield on the map culturally and artistically.” Although Solano College has a lot to offer, Rangel feels it lacks creativity when it comes to extracurricular activities and events. “I think that Solano is a good school but it’s in desperate need of some type of student body activity or some type of community events. Everyone kind of 8SEE BATTLE, PAGE 6
gives. “I always had a dream to do hands-on work. At first it was scary but once safety is learned, it is a very good field for women to be in,” Kelly said. Sylvia Rand, Ricole Tiger, Kimberly Romby, Danielle Vanden, and Demeetry Armstrong make up the other women that are in the program. Ulrich’s auto body and repair program also has two women that do not let their gender inhibit them from excelling in life. Both Crystal Rodriguez, 28, and Jessica Rossi, 20, say the 8SEE MAN’S WORLD, PAGE 6
SCC speech and debate team take home the gold from CCCFA tournament Dagmar Kuta News/Photo Editor dkuta@solanotempest.net
Solano Community College’s Speech and Debate team won numerous awards in the 2014 CCCFA (California Community College Forensics Association) State Championship tournament this past weekend, and took home three gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. This four day event was hosted by SCC, and held in Concord, where nearly 30 schools competed in numerous categories, including Informative, Persuasive, and Im-
MORE ONLINE AT WWW.SOLANOTEMPEST.NET See all these stories and more online
promptu speech, with hopes to move on to the national competition later this semester. Solano students will be moving forward to compete in the national competition. Winners include: Malcolm Gamble, silver in Informative Eric Gentry, gold in Persuasive Amanda Lamb, silver in Prose Amanda Lamb, gold in Informative Amanda Lamb, gold in Persuasive Brian Nelson and Karen Gallardo, bronze in Duo Brian Nelson, bronze in STE Marnie Salvani, silver in STE
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “So, why do you write these strong female characters?” “Because you’re still asking me that question.” - Joss Whedon
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THE TEMPEST n MARCH 19 - APRIL 1, 2014
OPINION campus calendar March 20 Last day to petition for
March 27 Ethnic Studies Presenta-
degree or certificate Submit petitions to office of admissions and records Info: admissions@solano. edu
tion Series Frank Maurer Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy 1 p.m. -2:15 p.m. Back Half of Cafeteria
March 22 March 30 Suicide prevention walk Walk to save lives Last day to drop with a Register online at http:// afsp.donordrive.com/ event/solano Questions or concerns contact Kim Mora at Kmorasolanocoe.net
“W” Classes can be dropped on my.solano.edu And admissions and records office
March 24 Suisun Valley Review
April 01 Ethnic Studies Presenta-
submission deadline Student and non-student submissions welcome. suisunvalleyreview@gmail. com
tion Series Yanina Cywinska Holocaust Survivor 2 p.m. -3:15 p.m. Back Half of Cafeteria 6 p.m. -8 p.m. Vallejo Center
correction In the March 5 issue of The Tempest “New bus pilot program...” Kamber Sta. Maria’s name was misspelled
Is the glass ceiling broken or just cracked? After decades of discussions, initiatives, and proposals, I feel our corporate world has not fully embraced women in their executive levels. In an article written by the American Management Association entitled, “Glass Ceiling is cracked but not broken,” a survey of 400 senior human resources executives from 24 countries found the respondents reported only 20 percent of all their executive committee members are women. I feel that women who get these coveted spots have to wonder: Did they get it due to satisfying hidden gender administration requirements or did upper management really base their placements on qualifications?
The problem lies in the fact that many of the “good ole’ boys” will never fully recognize the leadership roles that women are in today. Sherilyn Shackell, CEO of Highfield Human Solutions (U.K.), told AMA that she acknowledges women’s progress among the global workforce but also notices the slowness of this evolution. “There is no doubt that women have progressed considerably among our global workforce, especially over the last few decades,” Shackell said, “Yet, despite reports that women are breaking through the ‘glass ceiling,’ it appears that the ceiling is just ‘slightly cracked’ rather than broken.”
Society looks at women like Oprah Winfrey or Barbara Walters and views them as representatives of the changes in our corporate world. The real heroines however are the suffragists and reformers of the 1800’s. They made women stand up and believe in themselves and their place in our nation. Nancy Gertner, Harvard Law By Deborah professor, recently told the Boston Graham Globe what she felt is the plug in Web editor the pipeline of progress . dgraham@ “The leadership of most of the solanotempest.net law firms across the country has stalled at 13 to 15 percent women equity partners, even though for the past 25 years the law schools have been graduating 50 percent of their class women,” Gertner said. Gertner is right, and the stall isn’t just in law firms. The problem lies in the fact that many of the “good ole’ boys” will never fully recognize the leadership roles that women are in today. Many are still convinced that a woman had to use her sexuality to move up the chain. Try telling that to former U.S. Supreme Justice Sandra Day O’Connor who despite graduating at the top of her law school class was turned down by at least 40 law firms, because she was a woman. She persevered and is a true reflection of what women can do when they put their mind to it.
OPINION 3
THE TEMPEST n MARCH 19 - APRIL1, 2014
The importance of public image Why does it matter and what can you do? Editor’s note: This letter was originally sent to SCC Superintendent/President Jowel Laguerre then later sent to The Tempest Dear Dr. Laguerre, I am a student at Solano Community College. I wanted to take this opportunity to bring to your attention an issue that I think could benefit the current welfare and future of the college. There is a point in each person’s life when the right road and the easy road is not the same, and you have to make a choice between the two. In your blog, you wrote about that point in your life, when you chose to come to America to study, leaving your comfortable life in Haiti. I am at that point. As a mother of two young children, with a husband who does not have a full-time job, I could get a minimum wage job to help pay the bills. Instead, I have chosen to go back to school after 6 years away, and get a certificate in Medical Assisting. It is a field that not only provides upward movement, but a respectable salary, job security, and good health benefits. I know you can understand how difficult that choice is, having made such a decision yourself – you, too, had to do what was best for your future, even if it made your present a little more difficult. As the Superintendent-President of this college, you have had to continue making those types of decisions. You have to keep your eye on the future goals of the faculty, students and institution, and make decisions accordingly, even if you draw criticism for their immediate effects. In the process of making that choice, I researched the five community colleges in my surrounding area: Napa Valley, Solano, Diablo Valley, College of Marin, and the Los Rios
Community Colleges. On first glance, SCC comes up pretty short. Based on my comparative analysis, though, I found that not only is this college consistently comparable to those around it, but, in some areas, it rises above the rest. For example:
only will your enrollment increase, but you will see a reflection of this in your fundraising, as that is also affected by the image the public has of this college. I would love to know if you decide to implement a campaign or make any changes in this area. I am also happy to help in any way I can – I am very passionate about this and am willing to be a part of that work should you need anything.
• SCC has a superior selection of course and degree offerings when compared to counties with more wealth and prestige. • Despite the county’s reputation for crime, this college is not much worse than any of the others – there is more theft, but less serious and potentially violent crimes. • This college has an astounding success rate. This was reinforced when Curt Johnston, the Executive Director of the SCC Educational Foundation, came to visit our class and shared the impressive transfer and graduation rates with us.
Thank you for your time, and for all the work you do on behalf of the students at this college. Sincerely, Allison Clark Student, Solano Community College
Unfortunately, none of this information was easy to come by. Even though I live in this county, I would not have chosen this college if I had not done my research. Most prospective students either do not know how or do not have the personal motivation to do that research. The perceived reputation of this college does not measure up in any way with the reality of how good this school actually is. I was almost swayed by that reputation into making a choice that would have been worse for me in the long run.
VOICE YOUR OPINION If you have something to say, a reaction to a story or an opinion on a topic, email us your view: tempest@solano.edu
When faced with a choice, you, as President of this college, want students to choose to come here not because it’s easy, not because it’s popular, but because it is right. It is my opinion that you need to implement a campaign that provides prospective students, parents, and all other stakeholders with the information that reflects the success and value of this school. That way they can make an educated decision when the time comes for them to make that choice. I believe that if you can be successful in this, not
Include full name, and contact information (for verification purposes) and be advised that letters may be edited and/or shortened for length.
campus conversation reporter: Naama Angulo-Rios photos: Jonathan Beserra
What you think about our school’s public image?
“I think that it’s like saving grace for most students, but for those who view community college as that sigma of community college, I feel like it gives off that negative connotation.”
-Cody Eisen Psychology
The Tempest is published by Solano College students. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the individual writers and artists, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the college’s governing board, the administration, the faculty and staff, or the Associated Students of Solano College. Readers may take up to five copies of The Tempest free. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents. Member: California College Media Association • Journalism Association of Community Colleges • California Newspaper Publishers Association • Associated Collegiate Press
“It’s a good school to start and then transfer to get a better education”
-Daphne Doiron, Nursing
“It seems like a really good place for fresh graduates to start building their basic general ED stuff... in any case it’s looking more and more like a viable option to younger people rather than just going straight into state school.” -Joel Cribb, English
“I think generally people have positive attitudes, positive opinions towards it, the academia is great…lots of transfer students going to where they want to go, lots of vocational success stories” -Justin Duhow, Mechanical Engineering
TEMPEST
THE
THE VOICE OF SOLANO COLLEGE
Christine Butler editor-in-chief
staff writers: Naama Angulo Rios Justin Johnson Leslie Rivera Addi Simmons Jonathan Beserra copy editor: John Glidden
staff photographers: news editor: Dagmar Kuta opinion editor: Ruben Rangel sports editor: Carlo Marzan features editor: Mitchel Bobo
Naama Angulo Rios Andro Palting Steve Reczkowski Erin Marie Fritz *
*
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online editor: Deborah Graham photo editor: Dagmar Kuta
faculty adviser: Samanda Dorger
“Well, I know that Solano is not a high top university... I think the school has a pretty good image since it’s a really nice campus, it’s got pretty good staff… It’s a good way to just get into the whole college life…. -Nick Reed Urban Development
contact us: It is Tempest policy to correct any errors in the paper. Please contact us if you spot one. To get in touch with us: phone: (707) 864-7000, ext. 4361 e-mail: tempest@solano.edu postal address: SCC, Room 1861 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, California 94534
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THE TEMPEST n MARCH 19 - APRIL 1, 2014
FEATURES Choreographer adds diversity to dance
Christine Butler Editor in Chief cbutler@solanotempest.com
Ginger Cane, dance instructor at SCC, has brought in a professional choreographer to her dance production class for their showcase performance at the end of this semester. Cane came in contact with Mischwa Murphy-McAdams through one of her former students who dances in MurphyMcAdams’ company. McAdams has been dancing for over 35 years and her dance company is called Kucheza Ngoma
Dance Co. Inc in San Luis Obispo, California. She is directing her third location here in northern California and that is called Kucheza Ngoma II Dance Co. Inc. Murphy-McAdams specializes in West African traditional dance, which includes Senegal and Sabar traditional dances from Senegal, West Africa. “I teach Guinea Liberian dances and the Mandinka ethic group style dances. I also teach Congolese, Jamaican folklore, and American Modern interpretive dance,” said Murphy-McAdams.
Cain says she invited Murphy-McAdams to help showcase the diversity on campus. “I don’t think it has been done through dance production. There is so much culture and history for students to learn about their heritage and what better way to show through dance,” said Cain. Cain’s dance production class will have their showcase at the end of the semester on May 9-10 at 8 p.m. in the theater building. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable performance.
Photos: Dagmar Kuta/Tempest
Left: (left to right) Nyshecia Flowers, Kemberlee Jones, and Karla Holman rehearsing their West African dance routine with choreographer McAdams March 3, 2014. Above: Mischwa Murphy-McAdams rehearsing with Ginger Cane’s dance production class March 3,2014.
“Lone Survivor” is Wahlberg’s best role in a long time Justin Johnson Staff Writer
“The Messenger” and “3:10 to Yuma”, and Taylor Kitsch whose short filmography includes “John Carter” and “Savages”. And as their Navy Seal commander, who is rarely with the four main characters but still plays a very vital role, is played by Eric Bana, whose presence may be more intimidating here than when he played The Hulk.
jjohnson@solanotempest.com
There is no doubt that Mark Wahlberg has become one of the go to movie stars when a film wants to show off dominant and strong masculine men with his recent films being along the lines of “Pain & Gain”, “The Fighter”, and the yet to be released “Transformers: Age of Extinction.”
As I said, with nearly half the film being a gun fight, I could see how it could be overwhelming for some. But I became engrossed by the characters and the decision and actions they had to make and to know that it’s based on a true story makes it even more engrossing and amazing to watch and makes you realize that the injuries sustained in the film actually happened makes you appreciate the tough job that our soldiers are doing, despite whether you agree with the war or not.
He’s always been attracted and coerced into playing characters that are tough and hyper-masculine, let’s not forget that his breakout role was that of porn star Dirk Diggler who sweats tough manliness. But I think that that masculinity is what helps him in his newest film, “Lone Survivor.” “Lone Survivor” tells the story of four Navy Seals as they are assigned to just observing the whereabouts of a known terrorist leader who, in the film, “killed just 20 marines last week.” Though the film takes it’s time getting into the actual story I really liked the beginning parts. After an opening credits montage of real Seals training and becoming broken down like horses through grueling physical tasks, you see what becomes of most of the Seals, with our main characters playing around, racing and playing cards, having as good as a time as they can in such a harsh environment. But it doesn’t take long for our main characters to be assigned their mission and they are off, dropped in the middle of the woods and then the story really takes off and it rarely slows down.
Theatrical poster for “Lone Survivor” I’m not going to try and give away the story, but long after they are off, their mission is compromised and it becomes a near fifty minute gun battle between our four main characters and nearly 200 Afghani soldiers, with the main characters becoming beat up so badly that any other civilian would not be able to handle it. Along with Wahlberg as the main character, there are other great actors supporting him. His Navy Seal brothers in the film who he spends most of his time with are played by that of Emile Hirsch of “Into the Wild” and “Speed Racer” fame, Ben Foster whose past films include
The film isn’t saying anything political at all I think. The film just shows what is going on over there pretty much. And the sound, which it was nominated two Academy Awards for this past Oscar season, the sound mixing and editing, makes the film really cringe worthy in some spots. There are moments where our main characters are falling down a hill and you can hear bones cracking and thumps as they land on trees. The film, despite what your personal political stance, doesn’t try to make a statement. It shows the war straightforward as it is and that’s what I enjoyed most about it. The reality of the film comes at the very end when it shows the real 19 Navy Seals whose lives were lost during the mission. It’s a brutal, honest look at the war and the lives that it takes.
FEATURES 5
THE TEMPEST n MARCH 19 - APRIL 1, 2014
Coming full circle Invited poet Gary Thompson offers timeless insight to aspiring writers and editors Ruben Rangel Opinion Editor rrangel@solanotempest.com
From Fairfield to Washington, England, France, Kolkata, and even South Africa, SCC’s Suisun Valley Review magazine (SVR) has established a worldwide appeal that attracts submissions from all over the world. Besides geographical boundaries SVR also holds no regard for those imposed by time as it enters its 31st issue since 1981. In this light, perhaps it’s fitting that SVR jumpstarted its latest efforts by inviting Washington poet Gary Thompson to campus for a poetry reading and guest lecture. Thompson, a poet who calls himself an “archivist,” a writer who “places myself and the reader of the poem in a historical context,” is the upcoming issue’s featured writer and the latest to participate in the Spring Writer’s Series on March 4, an annual reading that SVR hopes can expose the timelessness of literature to writers and spectators alike. “[The readings] help students understand what living literature really is, the reality of it and how it functions in the world,” said English professor Sharyn Stever, an educator and poet who edited for the magazine in its formative years when it was created by the late Quentin Duval, professor emeritus of English and creative writing. During the lecture and reading, Thompson provided the SVR editors a historical context for their work, explaining his early friendship and collaboration with Duval in college and his editing for Duval’s posthumous collection “Like Hay.” For many editors the connection came full circle. “Having Thompson as our featured writer this year – we’re doubly blessed,” said SVR editor Steven Fordyce. “Not only is he a great poet but he also has a connection to the magazine’s original creator Quinton Duval.” “What drew me to SVR was to be part of an ongoing legacy,” said Dylan Youngers, a three-time SVR editor who was also drawn by the magazine’s completely student ed-
Dagmar Kuta/Tempest
Thompson reading reading his work in the SCC library ited direction, a direction encouraged by current magazine After Another” he examines particular places during paradviser and English professor Michael Wyly. ticular moments in time while always aware of those who “SVR empowers Solano students to reach into our may have been there in the past and who may be there in surrounding communities.” Wyly said. “Every aspect of the future – the state of human experience. the organization of this course is therefore affected; we “I like thinking about the future,” Thompson said to a position ourselves as writers, editors, and designers with a roomful of writers and editors during his guest lecture, mutual responsibility to living literatures of our present-day “and particularly … thinking about human life … in the communities … The role of publishing is to provide new larger picture of the cosmos.” creative works precisely, because literature is an essential, As a literary magazine now spanning the globe and over celebratory act of sharing and preserving what it is to be three decades in time perhaps SVR is something writers human.” like Thompson will continue to think about for years to In this way SVR and Thompson may have something in come. common. In Thompson’s newest collection “One Thing
Gluten-free pizza that ‘Rocks’ Steve Reczkowski Staff Writer
current state of drought? Nope, these were the mixed greens promised in the pizza description.
sreczkowski@solanotempest.com
Flat, dense, nasty cardboard-like flavor. Mmmm, sounds like a gluten-free pizza crust. Celiac’s disease sufferers and fad dieters alike pay upwards of $20 for these premium-priced piccolo pies at popular parlors like Amicis, Mary’s Pizza Shack, Pizza Pirate, Extreme Pizza, and even Dominos. The ho-hum, “it’s better than nothing” gluten-free pizza has been available for several years now. Surprisingly, non-pizzeria contender BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse makes the most palatable of the gluten-free pizzas in this east coast native’s opinion. Enter Pizza Rock. A stylish pizzeria / bar / practically nightclub located in downtown Sacramento. The pizzeria offers two gluten-free gourmet pizzas with the option of converting any other menu pie with a five dollar up charge. The gluten-free pancetta gorgonzola pie ($18) was dreamy, but I was skeptical upon its arrival at the table. Under the restaurant’s candle level lighting, I spied a two-inch high mountain of salad sitting on top of a perfectly good twelve inch pizza. Was there a restriction on plates due to California’s
Pizza Rock: 1020 K Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 737-5777
Well, I started forking away at the salad summit separately because it seemed like the right thing to do. Once I chipped away at enough of the greens welldressed in light balsamic vinaigrette, I grasped one of the six slices and bit down into heaven. And this is a gluten-free pizza, mind you. The crust was light, airy and dare I say reminiscent of a thinner and less greasy Pizza Hut crust? Is it sacrilegious comparing a gourmet pizza crust to an aging fast-food pizza franchise? My apologies to Tony Gemignani, 2007 World Pizza Cup winner and creator of Pizza Rock. The melding of salty smoked pancetta, creamy mozzarella and gorgonzola cheeses with the greens tossed in vinaigrette was a party in my mouth hole. I started to regret eating the greens separately from the outset as the pairing with the cheeses and bacon was just perfect. Gluten-free pizza just had the bar raised ten times over. This review addresses less than five percent of the menu of world champion pizza maker Gemignani’s menu. If he can craft a great gluten-free pizza, I can only imagine what tantalizing tastes lie in the rest of his creations.
Mon. - Thu. 11am - 10 pm Fri. 11 am - 3 am Sat. 10:30 am - 3 am Sun. 10:30 am - 10 pm
Steve Reczkowski / Tempest
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NEWS
THE TEMPEST n MARCH 19 - APRIL 1, 2014
Women growing strong in career-tech courses 7 MAN’S WORLD, FROM PAGE 1
Both Crystal Rodriguez, 28, and Jessica Rossi, 20, say the guys just treat them like one of the guys. They have to pull their own weight. Rodriquez, who is prior military, did the mechanical side of it in the service and is now learning how to paint cars. Rossi, whose ultimate goal is restoration of vehicles, is glad for the experience the course is teaching her. “I will be the first person in my family to do any type of auto work. They tell me they are glad I know what I am doing,” said Rossi. Three of Kissinger’s past women students have recently been accepted in the American Welders Society, sponsored by the Ironworkers Local 377 union in Benicia. All of the women agreed that if it wasn’t for their instructors they would not have gotten as far as they did. The students said they learned safety and how to trust one another. Ulrich and Kissinger both have high praises for all their women students and want to encourage women to enter into both trades. “I place about 50-60 percent of my students into welding jobs. The best thing about welding is [that] there [are] no gender or race differences, just being human,” Kissinger said. Danielle Vanden says if there is any suggestion she would give to any women who are considering welding or a nontraditional women’s trade is to just follow their heart and go for it. “Hey, women always do things better,” Vanden said.
Christine Butler / Tempest
Kimberly Romby, Evelyn Hernandez, Danielle Vaden, Shernelle Kelly, Sylvia Rand, Ricole Tiger, and Demeetry Armstrong pose for a photo between assignments in the welding classroom.
Occupational coordinator unlocks hidden gem on campus Deborah Graham Online Editor
dgraham@solanotempest.net
Former Solano Community College student and current occupational education coordinator Debra Berrett sees vocational programs as a stepping stone to high-paying jobs and increase of women in the occupational fields. Berrett, who has been at the college for 23 years, started at SCC taking drafting courses. Upon graduation she returned to SCC when a part of her graduate program required her to do a teaching internship. She loved it, and after completion of that degree took a teaching position that opened up in interior design drafting. She has been motivating and inspiring students ever since. “This is a job I really like, because I get to see the positive results I talk about every day. [Students] can take the stuff we talk about and use it in their life. It is not someday we get to see students succeed, we get to see it now,” Berrett said. Over the years Berrett has seen more women become involved in the occupational programs. Many of them come to the college, and learn about the OCED programs and use them to not only support their families, but also get those degrees and careers they want. “We see a lot more women now in our occupational programs. “We see these women in our welding classes, auto body, drafting, etc. When I was taking drafting classes I was one of maybe two or three women and it was not that common,” Berrett said. “However when I worked on Mare
Island down on the submarines, I was the only woman. Today many women are finding these are high-skilled, high-paying jobs and women want to support their families as much as the men do.” Berrett’s intern administrative assistant, Alanna Worth, was unaware of all the programs that SCC’s vocational department offered. “I have been out of the workforce for a while, at home doing volunteer work,” Worth said. “I have been going to this college [since] 2010. I took OT 151 Office Systems & Procedures, and thought this would be a great way for me to get a feeling of working again,” Worth said. “I didn’t even know this college had this department when I first started here. It is really the best kept secret on campus. I encourage anyone to take an occupational major. You will learn something new. It might help you find out something you are talented in.” Berrett, who also has been chairing the college’s career education fair for the last three years, wants the community to know that there are these programs on campus. “Every year the fair has grown. Julia May and I were chairing it for the last three years. This year, however, I will be just helping with the drafting fest. It was created as a family event to see a lot of the occupational choices Solano has to offer,” Berrett said. The first program, OCED 90- Occupational Work Experience, is designed for students who are working in a job directly related to their declared major. The other program, OCED 91, is for students who are working or volunteering somewhere and just want to get some of the experience.
This class teaches more soft skills such as email etiquette and business etiquette. “As an employer of a non-profit organization, I benefited tremendously from this program,” said admissions and records representative Tonya Kent. “I took OCED 91 and ended up employing one of my classmates to help me design my website. He used 75 hours over the course of the semester and got it up and running,” Kent said. Kent also said she only found out about program by reading through the school’s catalog. The program has added a new class starting March 18, OCED 101. It covers the critical tools to help occupational students develop the soft skills needed for a smooth transition to the work force. There is no job requirement to take the course and it can be used to transition into an internship and ultimately work experience. Berrett occasionally goes to various classrooms on campus to let faculty and students know about the OCED programs. She feels this is a great compliment to any discipline on campus.
FOR MORE INFORMATION... www.solano.edu/degrees/catalog_201213/ occed.pdf or
Debra Berrett at debra.berrett@solano.edu
Battle of the Bands to rock SCC campus 7 BATTLE, FROM PAGE 6
sees this as like a purgatory that they have to withstand in order to go to the school that they really want to go to, but why can’t Solano be a great transitory phase? Why does it have to be boring or uninspiring or unfulfilling? I think Solano needs things like this to attract more students and to strengthen the community,” Rangel said. The Battle of the Bands will be judged by a panel that will have a rubric by which to grade the bands, to ensure the judging is unbiased. Rangel said there will be a total of three judges, one of whom has already signed on and is a faculty member. Also,
there will be a cash prize for the first place winner as well as well as the opportunity to play a full set at Gordon’s Music & Sound in downtown Fairfield. Another coordinator for the event is Music Theory and Composition major, Yava Zalis-Echols, who said there could be more incentive for the bands than just the prizes entailed above. “There will be talent scouting at the Battle for artists to be featured on upcoming local indie label, Kitch Records. Artists or bands with exceptional work will be taken into consideration for publishing their original musical work with Go Ask
Zalis Publishing© ASCAP 2014,” ZalisEchols said. Geology and 3-D Art major Sachi Peddicord, is the President of the Fine and Applied Arts Club, which is sponsoring the event, and said volunteers are currently needed. “We’re really looking for involvement right now. If people want to donate or if people want to help out with fundraisers or help out with maybe, collecting tickets at the door or if they want to be involved in any way with battle of the bands then that would be awesome and it would really help to let me or Rodolfo or anyone else know,”
Peddicord said. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased for $4. If you have a current, valid student ID or report card from any school, tickets can be bought for $5 at the door. General admission is $7. The Battle of the Bands will take place Saturday, April 19 in the 1400 building. Doors open at two. For more information, contact Rodolfo Rangel at 723rangel@tmobile.com or Sachi Peddicord at speddico@students.solano. edu .
SPORTS 7
THE TEMPEST n MARCH 19 - APRIL 1, 2014
SCC softball dominates in win
Steve Reczkowski
Falcon infielder Britney Taglieri rockets the ball back at the batter awaiting her fate en route to first base, March 13, 2014. Solano trounced Yuba City in a double header at home for the Bay Valley Conference opener 8-0 and 17-6.. Staff Report
With the women’s basketball season coming to end, the Solano Falcon’s softball team continues the tradition of the Solano Falcons winning streak as they faced off against Yuba College March 13. In a dominant fashion, the Solano Falcons easily obliterated the Yuba College 49ers 8-0. This win puts Solano at a
2-0 record for conference and 12-2 overall, pushing a five game win streak. Solano is ranked No. 2 in the Bay Valley Conference behind Napa who is 4-0 currently for their conference. The Solano Falcon’s next home softball game will be against Napa College on Thursday, March 20 at 1:00 p.m.
The Solano Falcon’s next home softball game will be against Napa College on Thursday, March 20 at 1p.m.
Women’s Basketball SPORTS CALENDAR
Solano’s reign comes to an end
Staff Report
Tues. March 18, 2014 2 p.m. - Baseball vs Contra Costa College at San Pablo Thurs. March 20, 2014 1 p.m. - Softball vs Napa College at home 2 p.m. - Baseball vs Contra Costa College at home Sat. March 22, 2014 2 p.m. - Baseball vs Contra Costa College at San Pablo Tues. March 25, 2014 1 p.m. - Softball vs Contra Costa College at home 2 p.m. - Baseball vs Laney College at home Thurs. March 27, 2014 1 p.m. - Softball vs Los Medanos at Pittsburg 2 p.m. - Baseball vs Laney College at Oakland
Sat. March 29, 2014 1 p.m. - Softball vs Santa Rosa Junior College at home 2 p.m. - Baseball vs Laney College at home Tues. April 1, 2014 1 p.m. - Softball vs Marin College at home 2 p.m. - Baseball vs Los Medanos at Pittsburg Thurs. April 3, 2014 1 p.m. - Softball vs San Mateo at home 2 p.m. - Baseball vs Los Medanos at home
With an undefeated 18 game winning streak, it seems no one could stop Solano women’s basketball team on their quest for the Northern California championship. However, the Fresno College Rams proved to be a noble advisory as they went head to head in the regional semi-finals on Wednesday, March 5. In a close game, the Rams pushed forward and reached ahead with the win over Solano, 79-67, bringing Solano Falcon’s win streak and season to an end. “I thought if we could had been a little bit smarter in the first half and rebounded in the second half we could have pulled it out” said head coach Matt Borchert. “We got into some foul trouble in the second half and their rebounding was tremendous, they were kind of able to hold us off.” Both teams were stacked and were head to head with one another, ending the first half tied at 36 points each. Solano was in foul trouble and put the Fresno Rams in the bonus and scoring 21 points off of free throws alone.
“I feel like everybody gave their best until foul trouble started to creep up on us, them being in bonus really early in the second half was challenging because they shot free throws pretty well,” said SCC forward Ariel Clay.
Clay scored a double-double, accumulating 14 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor Hamilton scored 15 points along with three each of rebounds, assists, and steals. Denisha Lundy led the team in points, racking up 22 for the team. “I’m so thankful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this team. We all clicked on and off the court,” Clay said. “I thought it was one of the best team’s I’ve had here since I’ve been here my 14 years” Borchert said. “and I think this was not only one of the best team’s I’ve had since I’ve been here, but maybe one of the better teams in the history of the program.” On top of being the Bay Valley Conference champions, the Solano Falcon’s women’s basketball team also set numerous records such as consecutive win streak, most conference wins, most points scored, and rebounds per game record.
8
THE TEMPEST n MARCH 19 - APRIL 1, 2014
SPORTS Solano suffers frustrating defeat against Mendocino
Steve Reczkowski
Falcon Robert Contreras loses the battle to the Eagle’s catcher in a dust cloud on home plate, March 11, 2014. Mendocino defeated Solano 2-7 in the Bay Valley Conference opening game in Fairfield.
“If you could teach kids to have heart, that’d be great, but there’s no way to teach one how to have heart, so we just got to hope these guys figure it out and want to be out here more and more” - Matt Borchert
Solano drops the ball Carlo Marzan Sports Editor cmarzan@solanotempest.net
On a day where spring season was becoming evident, the heat proved to be too strong for the Solano Community College baseball team as they suffered a defeat at the hand of Mendocino College, 7-2. Right off the bat, Mendocino came out swinging, motivated and ready to score. Solano, unable to convert a double play, allowed Mendocino to score five runs in the first inning. “I feel that if that first inning didn’t happen, we would have competed and it would have been a re-
ally close game,” said SCC outfielder Dareion Evans. “Everything counts; we got to play inning by inning.” Mendocino was on point with their defense, virtually stopping Solano from getting to home plate and halting their attempts at first. By the bottom of the ninth inning, Mendocino was leading 7-0. Though the Falcons were able to make it onto the scoreboard through Evan Faccenda and Brandon Mihelich, the lead was too overwhelming for Solano to come back. “If we had turned the double play, they would have scored no runs,” said SCC baseball head coach Scott Stover after the game.
“It just guys out there who don’t want to play college baseball hard enough.” “If you could teach kids to have heart, that’d be great, but there’s no way to teach one how to have heart, so we just got to hope these guys figure it out and want to be out here more and more.” Stover said. “It was good scoring those two, but we can’t let that happen. We have to keep continuing scoring throughout the game,” said SCC utility player Nick Perez. Solano Community College’s next home baseball game will be on Thursday, March 20 against Contra Costa College at 2 p.m.
Steve Reczkowski
Falcon Anthony Morris watches from the rail during Solano’s losing home game, March 11, 2014. The Falcons lost to the Mendocino Eagles 2-7 in this Bay Valley Conference opener.