T
TEMPEST
Does it really matter where you go to college? OPINION ON 2
Arty’s presentation hosted Sunday garners awards in theater FEATURES ON 4
Steve Reczkowski / Tempest
Solano College student and Vacaville mayoral candidate Rodney Harrison II hugs his grandfather, Darsey Varnedoe, after the City of Vacaville Mayor Candidate Forum Sept. 8, 2014, in Vacaville. See pg 6 for the story.
Falcons fly in middle of pack during Solano Classic SPORTS ON 7
• SEPT 17 - SEPT 30, 2014 • VOL. 31, NO. 2 • FAIRFIELD, CA • www.solanotempest.net •
Broken, but not forgotten Vietnam veteran to be remembered after broken plaque discovered Addi Simmons Opinion Editor lsimmons@solanotempest.net
Dagmar Kuta / Tempest
Joe Ramos cradles the broken plaque that once honored Lt. Gatlin “Jerry” Howell.
Retired SCC cop Joe Ramos was working the graveyard shift five years ago when he walked into the athletic building and found a plaque, honoring a Vietnam veteran, broken and thrown into the trash. “I’m sure it was an accident,” Ramos said. “I couldn’t imagine anyone doing this intentionally.” The plaque first caught Ramos’s attention because it was broken, but upon further inspection he realized that it had been awarded to Lt. Gatlin Jerryl Howell, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. A veteran himself, Ramos said he couldn’t bear the thought that a hero’s sacrifice and achievements had been so disrespected. Lt. Howell was a former outstanding track and cross country runner. Every year, back when SCC still had a track team, the name of a “Most Inspirational” track or cross country athlete was added to the plaque in memory of Lt. Howell and his sacrifice.
“Maybe one day they’ll have a track team again or cross country and then they can resume all of this,” Ramos said. Ramos’s goal is to refurbish the plaque and either present it to a family member of Howell’s or have it placed at the Vallejo campus among the historic photographs and other memorabilia of Solano College’s early years. Lt. Howell was born in 1935 and died at the age of 31 during combat. He signed up to fight in the Vietnam War because “The government paid my way through college. I never really did anything for them. Now my debt is paid in full,” Howell said in an interview with The Associated Press in July of 1967, a week before his death. Howell attended Solano College, which at the time was called Vallejo Junior College, before getting a degree from San Francisco State University. He then went on to coach track and teach physical education at a junior high school in San Francisco. “Just looking at his picture I felt sort of a kinship,” Ramos said. “When I ran track back in the 60s, it was probably on the 8SEE PLAQUE, PAGE 6
Vallejo land purchase first step to expansion Salvador Torres Staff Writer storres@solanotempest.net
Solano College is taking its first steps toward improving its campuses, and Vallejo’s campus will be getting more parking and an athletics field. In September, the Solano Community College Governing Board approved the purchase of property at 1683-1699 North Ascot Parkway in Vallejo for $6.52 million. The purchase is the first move in a series of college facility improvements under Measure Q, a $348 million bond passed by voters in November 2012, to update and expand the campus. “I’m excited, it will be a great addition to our campus,” said Jerry Kea, the Dean of Solano’s
Vallejo Campus, in a phone interview. “[It] will provide athletic opportunities for our students, which is very important.” The Vallejo campus currently has 1,392 students. This project is the first of many to come from Measure Q, which funded 14 projects in total for Solano College. Projects contained in the Measure Q funding list include a new science and biotechnology building on the Vacaville campus, an auto tech building on the Vallejo center, and a science building on the Fairfield campus, according to Camille James, business operations coordinator for Measure Q. The theater on main campus will be renovated using part Measure Q funds and part state money starting in 2015.
Steve Reczkowksi / Tempest
A map of the area including and surrounding Vallejo’s satellite campus.
MORE ONLINE AT WWW.SOLANOTEMPEST.NET How “Magic: the Gathering” changes will affect your game
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Political language... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.” - George Orwell
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THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 17 - SEPT. 30, 2014
OPINION
campus calendar
Sept. 17
Oct. 6
Financial Aid Workshop Room 501 3-4 p.m.
Student success workshop exclusively for veterans, active-duty, and reservists: Study Skills Room 1421 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Outreach Health Services Nurse Visits to Center Vacaville Center room 104 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Professional Branding: Job Seeker Development Room 403 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 18 How to Study “Smart” Room 806 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Oct. 7 Prepare for the Fair Vallejo Center Room 213 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Oct. 8 SSU admissions workshop Fairfield campus 11 p.m. to 12 p.m.
Sept. 20
Oct. 9
SCC Faculty and Staff Softball Game vs Kaiser Employees (5K Fun Run/ Walk on Campus) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Student success workshop exclusively for veterans, active-duty, and reservists: Study Skills Room 1421 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Sept. 23 Sonoma Information Session Room 705 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sept. 24 How to Study “Smart” Room 801 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 Student success workshop exclusively for veterans, active-duty, and reservists: Learning Styles Room 1421 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Sept. 26 Middle and High School student Food Pantry Fairfield PAL Center 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 3rd Annual Golf Invitational 1095 Hiddenbrooke Parkway Vallejo, Ca 95687 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 15 Fall 2014 Job and Internship Fair
Oct.16 Last day to petition for degrees/certificates
Oct. 23 Sonoma Information Session Vacaville Center room 705 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Oct. 26 Last day to drop a full term class with a “W”
Nov. 10 Student success workshop exclusively for veterans, active-duty, and reservists: Test Anxiety Room 1421 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Does it matter where you go to college? A lot of students who attend community college do so with the intention of transferring to a four-year university. When considering what school will best fit your needs as a student, it might seem as though you should attend the best school you get into. But does it really matter where you go to college? While there are many reasons why students might attend a university, the most common one is so that they can graduate with a diploma and up their chances of getting a job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate is twice as high for those who did not earn a college diploma. Having a degree can definitely increase your odds of landing work after college, but would you earn more if you received a diploma from a prominent university? Maybe not. A study by economists Stacy Dale and Alan Krueger in 1999 compared the earnings of those who graduated from an elite college to those who obtained a degree from a less selective school. They found that 20 years after graduation, the earnings for both groups had differed very little to not at all.
A follow-up study was conducted in 2011 with similar results.
four years. More than 60 percent of college students take six years to graduate, according to TIME magazine.
Another thing to If you got look at is location accepted and the commute if into an you don’t plan to live Ivy League Addi Simmons on campus. Some school, colleges can be a lot Opinion editor lsimmons@solano- more expensive to would tempest.net you go? attend than another, Although simply because the having a cost of living in that degree from an Ivy League city is higher. college might stand out momentarily, job experience is Going to a school that one of the most important isn’t as selective will also factors as a new hire. allow you to stand out easier. At Ivy League Would you rather hire schools, competition to do someone with no experiwell is fierce. Instead of ence who received a bachputting your skills to use elor’s degree from Yale? somewhere they might be Or, would you be more overshadowed, attending likely to hire someone with a less competitive school the same degree from a will allow your accomstate university who has a plishments to stand out, lot of job and internship which looks even better on experience? You have to put resumes. yourself in place of those who will be potentially hirAccording to the United ing you. States Department of labor, the higher your level of Going to a distinguished formal education, the less university can also be likely you are to be unemployed. expensive. According to the National Center for All in all, it’s the person, Education Statistics, Ivy League schools cost around not the school that will determine how successful $40,000 a year. If you’re you become in your career. unable to get financial aid, that’s $160,000 in debt you It doesn’t matter where you go to get your degree, it just will accumulate by graduamatters that you do. tion day, if you graduate in
SCC offers drop-in writing lab Solano College has a dropin writing lab for students who need help writing essays for any course, not just English courses. Instructors will provide assistance with brainstorming, organizing, drafting, and revision and proofreading strategies. The hours are: Fairfield -room 101 Monday & Friday 10 a.m.-
11:30 a.m., noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m.-11:30, noon-1 p.m. Tuesday & Thursdays- 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Vacaville –room 137 Mondays & Wednesdaysnoon-1:30 p.m. Vallejo –room 124
Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30 -2 p.m. Students should bring a copy of the assignment and notes written. Drop-in is okay if space is available. Appointments can be scheduled ahead of time.
Instead of putting your skills to use somewhere they might be overshadowed, attending a less competitive school will allow your accomplishments to stand out.
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 Include full name, and contact information (for verification purposes) and be advised that letters may be edited and/or shortened for length.
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Mondays, Wednesdays- Fridays noon-1 p.m.
corrections In the story “New faces in student government” printed in the Sept. 3 issue of The Tempest, Ariyana Smith’s name was misspelled. In the story “Olympian joins SCC coaching staff for women’s team” printed in the Sept. 3 issue of The Tempest, Sydney Sjoberg’s name was misspelled.
OPINION
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 17 - SEPT. 30, 2014
3
Depression: Unhappiness by the numbers Feeling down? Life getting to you? Chances are you could be sad. But when does someone stop being sad and depression kicks in? People often confuse the term “depression” with the run-of-the mill sadness we all experience. Sadness or downswings in mood are normal reactions to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness. It can also be a disorder. According to the National Association of Mental Illness, major depression is also known as clinical depression, major depressive illness, major affective disorder and unipolar mood disorder and can affect nearly 5-8 percent of adults in the United States – over 300,000 out of 25 million Americans. The association also estimates that only about half of them receive any kind of treatment.
food when I feel like that. Depression sufferers tend to have more frequent and intense headaches than your average person. Generally these headaches linger, often worse in the Kemberlee Jones Staff writer morning or the kjones@ evening. These solanotempest.net are known as tension headaches-when the muscles in the neck and scalp tense or contract. You may not even realize you’re tensing up until you start to experience pain. Most people never realize that there is more to it than just being depressed. Feeling this way makes it hard to function, do anything or feel anything positive.
Depression affects not only your emotions, but also your thoughts and your behavior toward even the most mundane things. It also affects your overall physical health. Robin Haight, PsyD, reported in Everyday Health that sufferers of depression tend to have issues with digestion such as nausea, diarrhea, and queasiness. Because of this, one’s appetite tends to suffer. I don’t know about anybody else, but I have a hard time dealing with any kind of
It’s amazing how one word can have a multitude of meanings to the sufferer. Depression makes it tough to function and enjoy life like others around you. There are times that even getting out of bed in the morning is a struggle because, no matter how many good things happen that day, there is always that overwhelming feeling of hopelessness. It may be hard for some to imagine what it’s like to have so many good things hap-
pen and someone still feel as though their life has no meaning. I’ve always attributed being depressed as putting lotion on your hands, and then trying to turn a doorknob to leave the room. You really want to leave, but you’re trapped until the lotion is absorbed into your hands. Sufferers want to leave the room that depression has boxed them in, but always seem to struggle with turning the knob.
It may be hard for some to imagine what it’s like to have so many good things happen and someone still feel as though their life has no meaning. posed to do to feel better, so why am I still depressed?
Most people tend to feel shame in admitting something so personal about themselves. Like they are less of a man or woman for allowing a “feeling” to overwhelm them. There is no shame in admitting when you hurt or need help to get you through. From the time I was a teenager I have suffered from the ups and downs of depression. Always being told if I was seen moping around or not getting out of bed that I was “faking it,” that there was nothing wrong with me. I never had anyone who understood what I was going through until I saw my doctor because I was losing a lot of weight. He took the time to dig a little deeper to get to the root of my problem. He set me up with a therapist and I was put on anti-depressants. I slowly but surely started to feel better. Even now as an adult I still have my moments where the world seems like it’s falling apart around me. Sometimes it seems like what I’m doing isn’t really working because I feel like if I’m doing everything that I’m sup-
There is no “quick fix” for depression. It’s a lifelong healing process for some. This disease can be deadly to some because if it goes undetected then it can lead to suicide. Mental Health America reports that eight out of 10 people considering suicide give some sign of their intentions. Whether it be by verbal suicide threats (“You’re better off without me,”) lack of interest in the future, and even giving away personal items to loved ones. People who talk about suicide, threaten suicide, or call suicide crisis centers are 30 times more likely than average to kill themselves. If you see someone suffering, don’t just brush them off or assume that there isn’t anything wrong with them. Sometimes a cry for help can be seen in something so small as the giving of a gift. If you need help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-8255
campus conversation Reporter: Salvador Torres, Photos: Dagmar Kuta
Do you think the ‘Freshman 15’ is fact or myth?
“I don’t think so, I have no basis for that.”
“I think it’s true sometimes. Depends on whether or not you go to the gym.”
“I don’t even know what that is. Is it real?”
“I don’t know, I guess [it’s] kind of true.”
“I think it’s true because I’ve been eating cheeseburgers ever since I’ve been here.”
-Ronald S. Barnett, junior, mechanical engineering
-Leah Canlas, sophomore, sociology
-Hannah Faye Timtim, sophomore, graphic design
-Sara Morgenstern, freshman, biology
-Emily Ortiz, freshman, biology
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
TEMPEST
THE
THE VOICE OF SOLANO COLLEGE
Dagmar Kuta editor-in-chief
staff photographer: staff writers:
news editor: Dagmar Kuta
Romero Garcia Deborah Graham Jasmine Grimes Nicole Harrell Salvador Torres Kemberlee Jones
opinion editor: Addi Simmons
copy editor: Ruben Rangel
sports editor: Carlo Marzan
Kemberlee Jones
*
*
*
features editor: Christine Butler online editor: Christine Butler photo editor: Steve Reczkowski
faculty adviser: Samanda Dorger
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 SEPT. 17 - SEPT. 30, 2014
FEATURES
ATTENTION GAMERZ:
New card shop open in Napa for gamerz all over to come and battle Carlo Marzan Sports editor cmarzan@solanotempest.net
A group of like-minded people have gathered in Napa to compete, and to be forever immortalized in the Hall of Gamerz. Opened by Napa local gaming enthusiast Ron Bello, the intention of the store is to make a place in Napa where everybody could come to play games and feel comfortable. With such sayings as “A place for like-minded people to go and have fun, and where Napa comez to play,” Hall of Gamerz has become almost a second home for gamers of all kinds in Napa. “I just open the doors and really let the people decide how they want to use it,” said Ron. “I thought he was crazy and, you know, it was a big risk, but he was real passionate about it and really really wanted to do it, so he needs to kind of fulfill his dream, and so far so good, he’s having a great time,” said Janelle Bello, Ron’s wife. The casual gamer herself, Janelle does what she can to help around the store and has enjoyed the atmosphere the Napa community has brought to the shop, which has been open since Aug. 2013. “I think it’s the best place on earth, and I’m not just saying that. In the short time we’ve been open, we’ve developed like a family here and this small community in Napa has really come and supported Ron’s dream to be here,” Janelle said. With over 50 different games, including CCG (Collectible Card Games), the shop caters to both the casual gamer and the most hardcore of competitive players, as well as everyone in between. “As long as we stay open to all these new games and peoples differences, I think that’s what’s going to set us apart,” Ron said. The more popular card games such as Magic: the Gathering, Yu-gi-oh!, and the Pokemon TCG are in great stock at the shop, while some newer card games, such as Card Fight Vanguard and Weiß Schwarz, have been growing in popularity in the shop. Ron and numerous other gamers are ready and willing to help newcomers learn and familiarize themselves with a number of games on hand. “I play almost everything here, like nine different card games I think,” said Napa gamer Devon Johnson. “I’m here every single day probably, at least four or five hours a day.” If card games are not your thing, they have an array of differ-
ent table top games for many to enjoy. Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and Warhammer are played in great amounts. If enough people come through, video games have been known to play at the shop, which has already hosted an Ultra Street Fighter IV tournament.
Wall display at the “Hall of Gamer
Hall of Gamerz holds tournaments and competitive play to fuel the competitive appetite of the Napa community. Pokemon CCG tournaments are on Mondays at 4pm, Weiß Schwarz on Tuesdays at 4p.m., Yu-gi-oh! on Thursdays at 4pm, Magic: the Gathering on Fridays at 5pm, and then Table Tops (D&D and Warhammer) on Wednesdays at 4pm and Sundays at noon. Saturday’s host a variety of games, usually rotating weekly depending on the players. The shop even goes past a game shop as Ron uses the shop to help the community in Napa grow. Ron has art from local artists, people who cosplay that have donated, costume designers, people who paint figurines, and carries a comic book from a local artist in Suisun, showcasing the different talents and communities of Napa and the Solano area. “The most important thing is I just want people know we’re constantly evolving and changing, and the one thing that we’ll never really say is ‘no’, unless it’s something that is illegal,” Ron said. Always one to listen to the customer, Ron has already made changes and renovated the shop, fine-tuning everything he can. “I just want to have this place grow on the strength of what we offer,” Ron said. Hall of Gamerz can be found at 816 Third Street, Napa, CA 94559, open Mon-Thu from 12 noon to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 noon to 12 midnight, and Sunday from 12 noon to 6 pm. For more information, you can check out their website at www.hallofgamerz.com or contact them at (707)287-3412 or email at hallofgamerz@gmail.com.
“I think it’s the best place on earth, and I’m not just saying that. In the short time we’ve been open, we’ve developed like a family here and this small community in Napa has really come and supported Ron’s dream to be here,” -Janelle Bello
ARTY
Janelle and Ron Bello own the new card shop “
Let’s get this
Dagmar Kuta Editor-in-chief
dkuta@solanotempest.net
Photo by: Daphne Kuta
Stephanie Hambright and Henry Swenson perform a scene from “Moon Over Buffalo,” Solano’s play that took home four Arty Award’s Sept. 14.
This was the atmosphere of the 30th annual Solano County Arty Awards on Sunday, where theater enthusiasts from all parts of Solano County gathered in the Solano College Theater for a night of celebration and awards. The Solano Community College Theater Department (SCCTD) was nominated for 20 awards, and took home four trophies. Winners include: Sound Design, Levi Duncan, “Moon Over Buffalo;” Set Design, Darcia Tipton, “Moon Over Buffalo;” Lighting Design, Conner Watson, “Moon Over Buffalo;” and Supporting Actress, Krys-
started!
tique Bright, “Moon Over Buffalo.” Members of the theater department performed scenes from “Macbeth” and “Moon Over Buffalo.” Solano’s theater got its first, and last, chance to host the show in the existing theater, as massive renovations will begin in 2015. “It’s neat to have had the Artys there for the final send-off for the old theatre,” said Rick Bullis, an SCC theater professor. “It’s really exciting to have a new theater, but considering what a workhorse that theater has been over the years, it’s important to acknowledge it before it’s gone.” After 29 years of hosting the Arty Awards after their inception in 1983, the Daily Republic handed manage-
ment of the ceremonies to Performing Arts Network, a local company that helps organize and support local theater events. “The event went very well. The PanArts people really jumped in from the Daily Republic’s control, and they operated the whole thing very well. We didn’t have any real problems the entire night,” Bullis said. “I hope this event will find a home here,” said SCC Superintendent/President Jowel Laguerre to the audience. He also expressed hopes that rising theater stars will come to Solano College to further their education in the arts. “It’s really great to get high school students on campus,” Bullis said.
FEATURES 5
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 17 - SEPT. 30, 2014
A psychological thriller that offers mystery and secrets Deborah Graham Staff writer dgraham@solanotempest.net
Carlo Marzan/Tempest
rz” in Napa.
Christina Schwartz’s first fictional novel has come charging out the starting gates giving us mystery and intrigue. “Drowning Ruth” is a stunning portrayal of two sisters who share bonds that tie them together as much as they tear them apart. The story unfolds in post-WWI America with a frigid, rural Wisconsin winter, a frozen lake and a mystery provided by an engaging though puzzling first sentence, “Ruth remembered drowning.” In her first novel, Schwartz offers a compelling exploration into women’s roles in an America where women must still adhere to societal norms which ultimately attribute to personal turmoil and perhaps even murder. The novel mainly focuses on two characters, Amanda Starkey, a nurse who suffers from a nervous breakdown upon returning from the war and her niece, Ruth, a quarrelsome three-year-old living in an unstable household. Ruth drowns at the age of three, along with her mother Mathilda. Though her mother passes, Ruth is revived. Mystery surrounds her mother’s death while Ruth retains memories of the drowning, something that Aunt Amanda strenuously (but falsely) denies. Her Aunt Amanda is determined to be Ruth’s mother, which adds strain to her mental instability. Amanda eventually allows Ruth to start school. An outcast, Ruth is gradually drawn out of her shell by the most popular girl in school, Imogene Lindgren, who turns out to be closer to the family in ways that are sure to surprise the reader. As the girls mature they attend business school together and talk about going to Chicago to work in advertising. They also attend dances, and fall for the same wealthy young man, Arthur Owen. Schwarz uses first-person narration to heighten the drama. She juggles the speakers and uses the time periods as only a seasoned novelist can. If you love mysteries and intense drama then this book is for you. “Drowning Ruth” by Christina Schwarz Published by Ballantine Books
Carlo Marzan/Tempest
“Hall of Gamerz” in Napa.
How to beat the “freshman 15” Christine Butler Features/Online editor
cbutler@solanotempest.net
A lot of people come to college for their first year and hear about the “freshman 15” –the supposed 15 extra pounds one gains after starting college- but many sometimes just can’t seem to keep it off. Though most consider the freshman 15 to be an urban myth, the legend does hold some truth. According to www.webmd.com in four freshmen gain at least 5% of their body weight, an average of about 10 pounds, during their first semester. But don’t fear, The Tempest is here! Here are a few things to keep in mind when try-
ing to battle the bulge throughout your first semester in college and also a way to keep it going. 1. Stay away from the bake sales. A lot of clubs have bake sales to raise money for them and whatever they plan to do. But if you’re a nice giving person than you could just donate fifty cents or a dollar or however much you want without taking those brownies and cupcakes. They look good, and they might taste good, but every time you buy one of those it just keeps adding up the pounds. 2. Do not get the special in the cafeteria. Usually cafeteria specials include things like burger, fries and a drink, or a deli sandwich with fries, or even a crazy huge
burrito with everything. Don’t do it! If you can’t make a sandwich at home and bring a bottle of water with you to school than try going to subway or order the make it yourself salad at the cafeteria. Think before you eat. 3. Don’t get a soda with every meal. You may think you need sodas or energy drinks to stay awake in class but trust me, they don’t work when you want it to. They take too long to kick in if you tried have something right before class or during class and after it wears off you crash and just become even more tired than before. Just stick to water or Gatorade. 4. Take a kinesiology class. Try
to have one easy workout class and instead of paying so much money for the gym or not having the time to go. After you add the class you’ll have no choice but to go and you’ll be able to keep yourself healthy throughout the semester. I would recommend cardio kickboxing, or beginning conditioning. 5. Don’t worry about finding a close parking spot. There’s no need to stress yourself out and be late for class all the time trying to find the closest parking spot near your class. Unless you have class at 8 a.m. you won’t find one. Park somewhere in the shade or where there will be shade later in the day and just walk. Don’t
move your car across campus so it could be right there when you’re done. Walking is good for you so just find a good parking spot and walk. If you can’t get that kinesiology class for the semester, make walking around campus your workout. Though the “freshman 15” may not affect all incoming college students, the busy schedules, latenight cram sessions, and stress that can come with starting college may create lifestyle changes that lead to weight gain. Staying focused on your nutrition and health can not only keep those pounds off but also contribute to a positive and productive first semester.
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NEWS
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 17 - SEPT. 30, 2014
Student runs for Vacaville mayor “For the people, by the people, by any means necessary. It’s as simple as that.” -- Rodney Harrison II
At left, Harrison chats with fellow candidate Ron Rowlett during the debate Sept. 8, 2014. Below, Harrison laughs with attendees of the debate. Steve Reczkowski / Tempest
Full time student Rodney Harrison II is all about the people Dagmar Kuta Editor-in-Chief dkuta@solanotempest.net
Eighteen-year-old Solano student Rodney Harrison II hopes to be adding a new title to his already extensive resume this fall: mayor of Vacaville. Harrison has put in his bid for mayor, with the election date set for Nov. 4. Despite his age, Harrison is hopeful that the public will see him as a fair candidate. “The biggest challenge in getting elected is to make the citizens of Vacaville … realize that deception is taking place, and realize that the city council members that are currently in office aren’t fully representing them, so the biggest challenge would be getting them to realize that, and getting them to join me in making a difference,” Harrison said in a phone interview. Making a difference is a main part of Harrison’s campaign. During his spare time, he joined forces with the Local 39, a union that represents construction workers and plant operators, in their strike against pay cuts. “One huge thing that I’m doing is I’m sticking up for Local 39 and I’m giving them a voice,” Harrison said. Many of those affected by this new pay cut are supporting Harrison, and publicly declaring their intentions to vote for him. “Rodney Harrison II, you are awesome! Thank you for your support!” said Kevin McCrorey, who commented on the “Stop Vacaville City Council” page which supports Local 39 members. Harrison will be running against former mayor Len Au-
gustine and city councilman Ron Rowlett. “I plan on being more public, [and] voicing information. I want to give more people access to more information,” Harrison said. “Right now they are limiting the access of what [information] citizens can and cannot get, and a lot of things they are telling us aren’t the truth, so [I plan to be] honest, truthful, and public with the information,” Harrison said. Harrison’s platform consists of four items, according to his website: apportioning tax dollars effectively, protecting small business, promoting the welfare of youths and the elderly, and improving the lives of all Vacaville citizens. “I won’t pass ordinances or legislation without the public’s consent. I want to have more public input,” Harrison said. “Right now, school, ASSC, and campaigning is a lot more than it would be with school, ASSC, and [mayoral duties], because campaigning is a lot more work. I just have to balance my time, keep a proper agenda, and I can have great time management,” said Harrison, who is currently in his first semester of college and taking 18 units. “Commitment to the ASSC, his schooling, and his mayoral race will be difficult to maintain, but if he perseveres then he will be all the better for it,” said Casey Bess, president of the ASSC. “I am not worried ... many SCC students have such a load, but their busy lives lack the glamour of a mayoral race.” Harrison plans to eventually transfer to either UC Berkeley, UC Davis, or Sacramento State with a major in political science. Harrison served as both a North Carolina Senate Page (appointed by State Senator Fletcher Hartsell) and a North
Carolina Governor’s Page (under Governor Pat McCrory) in 2013, at the age of 16. “I got interested just by looking at things that affected me in school and in the community. Once I served as a page it just all took off from there,” Harrison said. He hopes his experience there will help him lead Vacaville to become a city run “by the people, for the people,” as quoted from Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address.” Harrison started his campaigning when he signed on to the ballot Aug. 8. “You have to go door-to-door, you have to interact with people,” Harrison said. “It really doesn’t matter how much money you have … the only thing that you really need is support from the people, and you get that by interacting with them, and that’s how you win an election.” “If he wins the election I would encourage him to continue his role [as secretary],” said Bess. “He has already expressed that he will continue.” Bess also said that it would be “awesome” to have a mayor as secretary of ASSC. Harrison has said that his political ideas are heavily influenced by mentor Dr. Mark Harris, a somewhat controversial candidate in the North Carolina senate race. Dr. Harris is a head pastor at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C., and is running for the first time in a political race. “I will do my best to spread his conservative, Christian values to the city of Vacaville,” Harrison wrote in a blog post on his website, Rodneyharrisonformayor.com. Harrison’s personal political ideology is straightforward: “For the people, by the people, by any means necessary. It’s as simple as that.”
Retired SCC cop to memorialize Vietnam vet 7 PLAQUE, FROM PAGE 1
same field, and the shorts and the track shoes looked the same.” Howell had a wife and two sons, a 2-year-old and a 4-month-old, at the time of his death. The youngest son was born while Howell was in Vietnam. He was killed 27 days before he was scheduled to return home to his family. “He was one of those types of guys that, when the shooting started, he wasn’t hiding in the rear, he was right there and that’s my kind of guy,” Ramos said. “He was brave, he was smart and he embodied the American spirit. He’s a hero.” The second highest military decoration for valor in the U.S. Navy, the Navy Cross, was awarded to Lt. Howell for extraordinary heroism during combat. “If the college decides to assist me financially and helps me to get this thing done and induct him, that would be great, but if not I’m personally going to do it,” Ramos said. “There’s so many guys that died in some little dark corner of the world and as time has passed, the memories of them faded, their families died, and so anytime I can resurrect the memory of somebody who gave their life, I will.”
Left and above: Detail shots of the plaque’s current condition. Ramos plans to restore the plaque to its original condition soon. Photos: Dagmar Kuta / Tempest
SPORTS 7
THE TEMPEST n SEPT 17 - SEPT 30, 2014
All out clash: Falcons, Trojans, Vikings and Storm brawl it out
Steve Reczkowski/Tempest
Falcon outside hitter Jeanna Smith attempts a hit against Skyline College’s defense during the Solano Classic volleyball tournament
Solano Falcons women’s volleyball go one for one in the Solano Classic Carlo Marzan Sports editor cmarzan@solanotempest. net
It was that time of year again as the Solano Community College women’s volleyball team held the Solano Classic on Sept. 5. The Solano Falcons, Skyline Trojans, Napa Storm, and West Valley Vikings all came out to compete against one another in this pre-season set of games. The Solano Falcon’s went one for one in their games. The Falcons lost their first against Skyline College
3-2 and won their second against West Valley College 3-2. The first game against Skyline College showcased a series of close and evenly matched sets. The first set went back and forth, but Solano won took 25-21. In the second set, misscommunication on the part of Solano led to a bad start, allowing for an early lead for skyline. Outclassed, Solano lost the second set 25-9 Solano and Skyline each won another set, resulting in a fifth and final set to be
played out. After taking the lead 6-5, the Trojans ran with it and kept the lead, winning the set 15-9 and ending the game. In their second game against the West Valley College, Solano competed in another five sets, totaling in 10 sets played for the day. Sets went back and forth as Solano took sets one and three 25-23 and 25-22, while West Valley College clutched out the wins in sets two and four, wing 3129 and 25-21. Solano Falcon Brianna Krystek kept the pressure
Steve Reczkowski/Tempest
Falcon middle hitter Makayla Salazar sets a serve in a match against Skyline College during the Solano Classic Volleyball tournament.
up scoring 45 total hits and 20 kills, followed up by Jeanna Smith with 30 hits and 14 kills. Vanessa Pimentel continued her serving streak from the previous game, going 25 for 25 of her serves in game two. Six blocks from Makayla Salazar kept up Solano’s defense and stopped any advantage West Valley tried to gain. Solano takes the fifth set with a final kill by Krystek, taking the game 15-11. “I talked to a couple of my hitters about bringing up their hitting percentages
women’s soccer games
and they both did that, so that was a big turnaround in the second match.” said head coach Darla Williams.
Classic, working on some of the mistakes they found. This was Solano first home game of the season.
“I think overall, the second game we played today, we picked up our energy and started meshing as a team together and figured out what we needed to do to finish.” said Krystek.
“I think we kind of settled down, first home game, they were a little nervous, but they settled down in the second one,” Williams said.
“We all work as a team no matter what.” said Pimental. With one win and one loss, the Solano Falcons will build upon and learn from the outcome of the Solano
“Hopefully we have a lot that we can learn and build.” Williams said. Solano will have their first home league match Friday, Sept. 19, 2014 against Losw Medanos College at 6 pm.
women’s volleyball games
Sept 19 Modesto Modesto 4 pm * Sept 23 Contra Costa College San Pablo 3:30 pm * Sept 26 Mendocino Ukiah 3:30 pm * Sept 30 Napa Valley College Fairfield 3:30 pm * Oct 3 Marin Fairfield 3:30 pm * Oct 7 Yuba Marysville 3:30 pm * Oct 10 Folsom Lake Folsom 3:30 pm * Oct 14 Los Medanos Pittsburgh 3:30 pm Oct 17 Fresno Fresno 4 pm * Oct 21 Contra Costa Fairfield 3:30 pm * Oct 24 Mendocino Fairfield 3:30 pm * Oct 28 Napa Valley College Napa 4 pm * Oct 31 Marin Kentfield 3:30 pm * Nov 4 Yuba Fairfield 3 pm * Nov 7 Folsom Lake Fairfield 3 pm * Nov 12 Los Medanos Fairfield 3 pm Nov 22 Regional Playoffs Round 1 TBA TBA
Sept. 17 *Sept. 19 *Sept. 24 *Sept. 26 Oct. 1 *Oct. 3 *Oct 8 Oct 10 *Oct 15 Oct 17 *Oct 22 *Oct 24 *Oct 29 *Oct 31 *Nov 5 *Nov 7 *Nov 12 *Nov 14
Falcon Classic Los Medanos College Napa College Contra Costa College BYE Yuba College College of Alameda College of Marin Laney College Alumni Game Los Medanos College Napa College Conta Costa College BYE Yuba College College of Alameda Marin College Laney College
Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield San Pablo
* Indicates a Bay Valley Conference- Bay Division Game
*Indicates a Bay Valley Conference- Bay Division Game
4:30 & 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm
Fairfield 6 pm Fairfield 6 pm Kentfield 6 pm Oakland 6 pm Fairfield 6 pm Pittsburg Napa 6 pm Fairfield 6 pm Marysville Oakland Fairfield Fairfield
6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm
6 pm
8
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 17- SEPT. 30, 2014
SPORTS
Solano Falcons get physical with ARC Carlo Marzan Sports editor cmarzan@solanotempest.net
Solano Community College women’s soccer team went head to head with American River College on Sept. 9. The SCC Falcons gave it their all, but the ARC Beavers pushed just as hard. With a series of unfortunate events and certain bad plays and calls made, both teams proved equal in a final tied score of 2-2. A series of close shots excited the crowd, encouraging Solano. At about 18 minutes into the game, Solano Falcon Mia Horn scored the first goal of the game with an assist from Kyla Williams. The momentum slowly began to die down and Solano began to let up little by little. Recognition by ARC allowed them to capitalize and score two goals, shifting the momentum in ARC’s favor. With an assist from Horn, Desarae Lewis hustled and scored another goal for Solano in the remaining five minutes of the first half, ending the score tied 2-2 going into the second half. Exhausted from the first half, both teams were restless and played a little more recklessly. ARC was yellow flagged three times. “I think the refs did play a big role in it, in the beginning they were kind of calling it
both ways and the second half it was more towards the other team and there should have been way more cards on his part,” said Lewis. “When you see the referee make bad calls, it frustrates everybody,” said assistant coach Sisleide Lima do Amor. “You cannot use the referee as an excuse.” Both teams defense were on point, stopping either team from scoring in the second half, ending the game tied 2-2. Though they didn’t win, the tie was still an overall good effort by Solano. “I think the results overall was good for us,” Sissi said. “But no matter we have to look what we did, especially in the second half, we have a lot of things that need to be fixed.” Coach Sissi said that they looked to work more on their communication with one another between the players and the goalies, as well as pushing the ball down more towards the middle. “I think we did a great job, we’re having a great season so far, so we’re going to see how well we do,” Lewis said. The SCC women’s soccer team will have their next home game on Wednesday, Oct. 1 against Chabot College at 2:30 pm.
Steve Reczkowski/Tempest
Falcon forward/midfielder/defender Desarae Lewis clears a Beaver defender to pass to teammate Mia Horn during a soccer game against American River College Lewis and Horn scored both of Solano’s goals.
“When you see the referee make bad calls, it frustrates everybody. You cannot use the referee as an excuse”
-Sisleide Lima do Amor , assistant coach
“I think we did a great job, we’re having a great season so far, so we’re going to see how well we do.” - Desarae Lewis
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