T
TEMPEST
Facebook: the good, the bad, and the ugly OPINION ON 2
7SF Cherry Blossom Festival FEATURES ON 4&5
Drummers from the San Francisco Taiko Dojo transition to the next piece of their performance, employing rotating movements to add to the rhythm of the beating drums. See page 4 for more photos.
SCC softball smashes Yuba city SPORTS ON 8
• APRIL 23 - MAY 6, 2014 • VOL. 30, NO. 13 • FAIRFIELD, CA • www.solanotempest.net •
Election committee elects to re-elect After protests and debates regarding procedure, voting for student government is happening... again. John Glidden Staff Writer jglidden@solanotempest.net
After deciding to move forward with the spring election amid protest from employees at Solano Community College, the Associated Students of Solano College election committee reversed course, deciding to hold a second voting week. In a 3-1 vote during their April 7 meeting, the election committee voided their prior decision, made just three days earlier, to “move forward with the election.” “I’ve been thinking and it would be too sketchy to move forward with the results,” said Latifah Alexander, chair of the election committee and current student trustee, to the committee during the meeting. “I do think it would be violating the student’s equal protection rights.” On March 25, Lorenzo Hays-Phillips, ASSC and Inter-Club Council Alumni
Advisor and SCC Academic Success Center Coordinator, submitted a letter to the election committee protesting the loss of student’s right of a secret ballot during the election. On March 24 and half of the 25th, SCC students wishing to vote during the election were required to sign their names on a blank paper and given a numbered ballot. Interim-director of Student Development, Jose Ballesteros, was tasked with matching the signatures with the numbered ballots to ascertain if the ballots cast were from SCC students. During the remainder of voting week, students voting signed next to their names on a printed list generated by the SCC admissions office. “Some of them are numbered (ballots) and some aren’t,” said Alexander to the committee during the meeting. “The ones that are numbered can be traced back to a name.”
Casey Bess, the only candidate for president, asked the committee about the rights of students who already voted in the election. “I feel that students who voted, their votes aren’t going to matter anymore,” Bess said. Bess is the math and science senator with ASSC. “We are going to toss the elections based on the protestations from a non-voting person (Hays-Phillips),” Bess asked the election committee. “It feels wrong to me.” Bess also addressed the committee regarding the right to a secret ballot, arguing that when he cast his own ballot during the election he knew he was waiving his right to a secret ballot. “Rights are something that can be waived,” Bess said to the committee. “Invalidating the ballots and redoing the election seems like a waste of the voters’ time and erodes confidence in the system,” said Steve Reczkowski, a member of the
election committee and current associate public relations officer, in an e-mail. “Hopefully, the controversy will bring more attention to the election and more voters to the polls this time around.” Reczkowski was the only member of the committee to vote no on re-doing voting week. Steve Reczkowski is a staff member of The Tempest. The committee also voted to restructure the election calendar allowing a new election week to take place after spring break. Ballesteros confirmed that all declared candidates are still eligible to be placed on the ballot during the second voting week. There are four candidates for four positions, all running unopposed. “I’m very pleased,” said Hays-Phillips regarding the election committee decision to re-do voting week. “They made a very wise, moral and ethical decision.” The second round of voting will take place April 28 through May 1.
Solano student secures coveted research engineering internship Anthony Salazar fights for and wins renewable energy internship in Colorado Addi Simmons Staff Writer lsimmons@solanotempest.net
Solano student Anthony Salazar is spending his summer vacation finding defects in semiconductors. The 19-yearold chemical and material science engineering major has recently been granted a prestigious REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) summer internship through the Colorado School of Mines. “What I’m going to be doing in Colorado is more like renewable energy with solar panels,” Salazar said. “They’re making silicon nanocrystals in the films, so we’re looking at the defects in those crystals. If we’re lucky we can find out what the defects are, but usually we can just find out where they are and how many there are.” Salazar said. Salazar has been interested in science and renewable energy since middle school and found out about material science last semester when he took a Properties and Materials class. “I’ve got to say my best subject is material science, but I’m not the type of person who thinks that you should be good at just one thing. You’ve got to be everywhere. You’ve got to know everything,” Salazar said. Salazar said the thing he looks most forward to during the internship is to gain the hands-on experience and see what it’s like doing research in a lab. “Basically, they set you up there. You’re going do this research with these graduate students and then by the end of it, I’ll have a poster with all my work and there’s a conference at the end and I’ll be able to present my poster at the conference,” Salazar said. “They give me money to go present my stuff at other conferences there and other parts of the country and they teach
you how to pick a graduate school so that you’re ready, so that you’re more competitive once you get up to the upper division classes. I’m just excited to be put to work. I just want to see what real research is about.” Salazar first found out about the internships through engineering professor Melanie Lutz. “Dr. Lutz was telling us about students in her class that had gotten internships. I asked when they applied and she said, ‘Now,’ so I got on the Internet and found it. Dr. Lutz just had this sense. She was like, ‘That’s the one I want you to apply for.’ She knew that was the one for me, so I went after it,” Salazar said. Lutz said Salazar wants to be a role model and inspire others who may have not considered science as a possible path for them. “Anthony is a very serious student who already has a passion for science and a deep desire to understand things on a fundamental level,” Lutz said. “The opportunity to participate in actual scientific research will be invaluable to him.” The program that Salazar will be participating in takes a maximum of 20 students from around the country. “It was a fight for sure. I had to do a lot of phone interviews. I got denied a couple of times by the program so I talked to the director and said ‘Look man, I’m super hard working. I need- I want this so bad,’” Salazar said. After Solano, Salazar hopes to transfer to U.C. Davis or U.C. Berkeley, or possibly head back out to Colorado and do research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “I’m going to find someone who’s going to put me on Dagmar Kuta / Tempest research,” Salazar said. “That’s my main goal. Either wayAnthony Salazar majors in chemical and material I’m going to keep fighting for it.” science engineering at Solano.
MORE ONLINE AT WWW.SOLANOTEMPEST.NET Check online for more news pieces
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “You know, everybody’s ignorant, just on different subjects.” - Will Rogers
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THE TEMPEST n APRIL 23 - MAY 7, 2014
OPINION campus calendar
April 24
April 30
May 3
UC Davis Rep 400 Bldg 8:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
Financial Aid Awareness 1400 Student Center 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Financial Aid Awareness 1800 Bldg 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Brandman University Rep 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 400 Bldg
Career Education Fair 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
April 28 American Public University Rep 10.a.m. - 1 p.m. 400 Bldg
May 1
April 29
UC Davis Rep 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 400 Bldg
UC Berkley Rep 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 400 Bldg
UC Santa Cruz Rep 10 a.m. - 2.p.m. 400 Bldg
Financial Aid Awareness 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. SCC Vallejo Center
National University Rep 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 400 Bldg
ASSC Meeting 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 1421
Financial Aid Awareness Vacaville Center 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. ICC Meeting 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
May 5 UC Berkley Rep 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 400 Bldg Brandman University Rep 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 400 Bldg Solano Daze/Multi-Cultural Week Begins
May 6 Brandman University Rep 11:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m. 400 Bldg ASSC Meeting 12:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m. 1421
Facebook: The good, the bad and the downright ugly Oh boy! I have a red notification. Maybe I got invited to an event, maybe my friends have something juicy to say! But, alas, it’s only a posting about some obscure new boy band.
3.Games: I am sure the makers of Candy Crush (which currently have 100 million players), are extremely happy, but those of us who are constantly bombarded with game requests from our friends are not. Actually I have deleted people on my friends list due to their harassment.
What makes Facebook tick though? What are some of the good, bad and ugly parts? I decided to comprise my own top 3 list
The Good:
By Deborah Graham Online editor
The Ugly:
1. The personal photos: My kids are in other cities and states and this is one way we share events in our lives. I love looking at photos of my family and their daily jaunts. When you don’t have family nearby it is nice to be able to connect with them.
1. Bullying: Cyberbullying has gotten out of hand. The anonymity level is what makes Facebook appealing to these cowards. They hide behind screens and taunt, tease and subject people to their vile accusations. Some cases have even led to suicide, such as the case of Lewis Thelwall, whose suicide was the result of false rumors posted online.
2. Finding friends and family: Well for someone who recently found a lot of lost relatives, friends and old classmates through face book, I am an advocate of the search feature. I even found my best friend from second grade, Marissa Stevenson. Of course she didn’t remember who the heck I was, but that is beside the point.
2. Privacy: There is no privacy on Facebook. Many people feel they are protecting themselves by setting these privacy settings. Did they not read the TOS (terms of service)? Facebook owns our souls. They own every picture, every video, all our poetry, everything. When you join, you have opted in, not opted out. Even debt collectors can find you on Facebook.
3. The birthday reminder: I find this to be a useful tool. I am bad at remembering birthdays. When I log onto Facebook I look at my birthday reminder and I can either send a gift certificate (from places like Starbucks), or just simply write a greeting on their page.
3. Cyber stalking and Tagging: The people who follow you around Facebook and comment on the most inane things. You can’t even say “hi” to family members without them hijacking your post. I don’t allow tags. There can be a picture of a blank wall and someone decides to tag your name because that was where you first met.
dgraham@ solanotempest.net
The Bad: 1. Constant friend suggestions: Look, Facebook, if I wanted to add Joey Buttafuoco and Amy Fisher as my friends I would have done it. Stop sending me invites. 2. Using Facebook like it’s a diary: even though I love hearing about my friends bathroom exploits (not), I don’t understand why some people have to annotate every single moment in their life. I will never forget when my child shared an intimate moment between her and her husband. Really, sweetie was that necessary?
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So there you have it: the good, the bad and the ugly that Facebook represents. I can’t wait to have this published so I can post this on my page. Okay, so some of us are addicted, I mean with all its faults I think sometimes the good does outweigh the bad. I am visiting some of my new family members I met recently so Zuckerberg isn’t all that bad in my eyes.
Correction
In the April 2 print edition, in the correction section on page two, Ginger Cain’s name was misspelled. If any mistakes are spotted, please notify The Tempest at tempest@solano.edu.
OPINION 3
THE TEMPEST n APRIL 23 - MAY 7, 2014
Autistic people don’t do “tricks” Despite common perceptions, not all those with autism have savant syndrome She took out a small sheet of paper and drew the shoulders, neck, round face, mouth, nose, eyes and ears. She added blond curls to complete the composition. She moved closer to observe Mary, the person posing. She added the small scar by Mary’s left eyebrow. Each line was drawn with precision. Everything was drawn upside down. She pushed the paper away. The artist is Crystal, my then 5- year-old daughter. She has autism.
By Deborah Graham Online editor
According to the organization “Autismspeaks,” autism is a spectrum disorder (ASD) which affects brain development. The signs usually occur between the ages of 2 and 3 years old. Signs include:
books, and other feats. The characSavants... sometimes ter was called simply, “autistic.” No have extraordinary tal- mention was made to the fact that had an individualized ability, ents...Sadly, I have found he as an autistic savant. This movie that many people focus painted a picture that all people on the autism spectrum have the ability on these talents and to do “tricks.” don’t recognize the lack Raven (last name not given) is a of social connection... member of my child’s learning
Sadly, I have found that many people focus on these talents and don’t recognize the lack of social connection for many people that have savant tendencies, Asperger’s syndrome, or pervasive delay development.
dgraham@ solanotempest.net
• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter • No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months For most of Crystal’s life many of her educators have focused on her ability to draw upside down and from memory. Crystal has savant syndrome. Savants, despite slow mental comprehension, sometimes have extraordinary talents. The fact is my daughter, now age 32, cannot tie her shoe, comb her hair or do many hygiene requirements without assistance.
An article from “Medical News Today,” reflects on the fact that most of what society learns today concerning autism is garnered from books, television, movies or autobiographies. The article questions whether some of these media outlets are painting a true representation of autism. In the 1988 movie “Rainman,” starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, Hoffman’s character, an autistic savant, was shown throughout the movie counting cards, memorizing telephone
program. She is a high-functioning autistic adult. “People ask me all the time what gifts I have. For a long time I thought they were talking about birthday presents or something,” she said. “My mother told me they thought I had some special skills, but I am just me, Raven. I can’t do too much else but be me.” Raven is right. She is just Raven, like my daughter Crystal is just Crystal. They are both survivors in a world based on stereotypes. They were blessed with the amazing ability to utilize a larger portion of their brain then we do. Autism is not only a spectrum disorder but an individualized diagnosis, and no, they don’t all do tricks.
VOICE YOUR OPINION
If you have something to say, a reaction to a story or an opinion on a topic, e-mail 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.
ON THE WEB Check our website for more letters at: Solanotempest.net
campus conversation reporter: Jon Beserra photos: Naama Angular Rios
What are some ways the campus can be more eco-friendly?
“There’s trees already there’s not much more you can ask for.”
“That’s a tough question… They have solar panels and recycling already.”
“That’s a good question. We could have lawn mowers that run off biodiesel fuel.”
“I don’t know of any more ways that I can think of.”
-Hector Dominguez, graphic design
-Chelswa Williams, civil engineering
-Brandon Mielk, biotechnology
-Terry Thomas, nursing
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
Christine Butler editor-in-chief
staff writers: Naama Angulo Rios Justin Johnson Addi Simmons Jon Beserra copy editor: John Glidden
news editor: Dagmar Kuta opinion editor: Ruben Rangel sports editor: Carlo Marzan features editor: Mitchel Bobo
staff photographers: Naama Angulo Rios Andro Palting Steve Reczkowski Erin Fritz *
*
*
online editor: Deborah Graham photo editor: Dagmar Kuta
faculty adviser: Samanda Dorger
“Maybe... Compost piles.”
-Byran Babcock, nursing
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 APRIL 23 - MAY 7, 2014
FEATURES
Festival shows Frisco in
The Cherry B ends (April 12 San Francisco awareness in Japanese Art took in the m Gomez.
Left: Benji Pa taiko drumm festival.
Above: Peop rice cake at t town on San
Photos by Andro P
“Transcendence” whiffs its A.I. mark By Deborah Graham Online Editor dgraham@solanotempest.net
If you are going to see Wally Pfister’s first-time directorial debut, “Transcendence” make sure you bring your science dictionary and thesaurus. The film starring Johnny Depp deals with the subject Artificial Intelligence (AI). The plot revolves around Dr. Will Caster (Depp) who is the world’s foremost researcher in the area of Artificial Intelligence. He is working on a machine that will combine collectively the intelligence of everything we know on Earth, with a full range of emotions. His experiments are not welcomed by everyone and he is targeted by an anti-technology group who will do whatever they can to stop him. After he is injured, his wife, Evelyn (Rebecca Hall), uploads his consciousness online into his machine. Will’s quest for knowledge evolves into a seemingly
omnipresent quest for power. This where the storyline and plot takes a turn for the worse. The story becomes lifeless and drawn out. Depp’s dead-pan expressions and dull monotone voice are a sure cure to put that crying baby to sleep. Depp has played non-action type characters before, such as the 2004 classic, “Secret Window.” This movie, however, seriously underused his acting talents and his way of connecting with the audience. “Transcendence” is just one boring, drawn-out mess. Despite the efforts of supporting actors like Morgan Freeman (playing a mentor for Will) and Cillan Murphy (an FBI agent) the film never seems to really take off. It is an endless array of pointless scientific jargon about superevolved computers, transcendence, (which we really never fully find out the meaning) and discussions on god complexes. Save your money and rent “Lawnmower Man.” Less expensive, more entertaining. 21/2 out of 5 stars
Bay area band’s best batch yet The Stu Tails latest release is exuberant and nostalgic experience By Mitchel Bobo Features Editor mbobo@solanotempest.net
San Francisco based band The Stu Tails’ most recent release, “Unconscious Communication,” is a svelte and smoldering mix of ska salutes and jangle pop glory. The band seems to take much of its inspiration from the late 90s and early 2000s. One can hear hints of the Pixies, Santana, and Christina Aguilera? You heard it right, as the latin vibes and chorus of “Ain’t It A Shame” are reminiscent of Aguilera’s 1999 hit “Genie In A Bottle,” proving their talents surpass a singular position in the ska genre. The Stu Tails excel in flexing their skills in this musical avenue, but their most infectiously delightful tunes come when they filter
this vocabulary through a finely crafted pop song such as, “Part Of The Game.” Every band fluent in the language of ska (especially those residing in California) are bound to be compared to the incumbent kings of the genre, Sublime, yet Stu Tails are able to approach the music with an enthusiasm that makes for fresh listening. Songs such as the lead single, “I’m Gone,” display the versatility which helps the band in making the genre their own. This tune in particular being a buoyant exercise in the balanced dynamics utilized by bands such as The Minutemen. Jagged guitars with a bass like an anchor. The eclecticism of this group is one of their most promising aspects, as it hints towards a propensity for artistic evolution that is necessary for any good band.
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FEATURES 5
THE TEMPEST n APRIL 23 - MAY 7, 2014
n bloom
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USF, JUST CLOSER.
AND
Blossom Festival held annually over the course of two week2-13, 2014 and April 19-20, 2014) in Japantown of downtown o. The Cherry Blossom Festival salutes Japanese cultural n a showcased for the citizenry. Solano Community College’s t and Culture Club attended the event on the first day, as they many festivities available, according to JACC member Jean
astel, a member of the San Francisco mers, performing on the first day of the
LESS
FOG. CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE
ple participating in making moichi, or the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japann Francisco April 12, 2014.
Palting
o Chicago represented in ste of Chicago pizza chain
orah Graham ditor
@solanotempest.net
ell of fried chicken and French fries hit you alk through the door of Taste of Chicago.
taurant is located in a rather unassuming across from FoodMax on North Texas you blink you might miss it.
cor is very simplistic and boring, red table n red painted tables, with red walls and a d floor. There is also very little art on the he art primarily consisted of a large menu w pictures representing Chicago’s Maxwell
ved early because we heard the place is acked on weekends, but no one was there. aurant shares space with a Mexican bread he back. So a constant flow of patrons ted bread used the restaurant’s seating as a rea.
ed the four wings and fries and my friend the fried pork chops and wings combo. ere no drinks listed on the menu. The caok/waiter told us to choose from the Pepsi cooler located behind the counter. We about the price of the bottled water. He ll me but instead just gave them to us.
Although we were the only people in the restaurant, it took about 30 minutes to prepare our food. The wings were fantastic though, very moist and well-seasoned. They were very large wings. The pork chops were done with a nice, spicy coating. My friend kept raving about them. The restaurant recently changed from stringy French fries to wedges. The wedges were cut very big and thick. It was very difficult to eat. The menu didn’t indicate wedges as substitutions for fries. The restaurant also has a dessert menu. When we asked for some sweet potato, we were told that they didn’t have any dessert because they have someone make it and the shipment did not arrive yet. My friend inquired if they would ever sell fried fish and the cook was nice enough to fry some Tilapia he had in the freezer. He charged us the same price as the cheeseburger, which he mentioned wasn’t selling well. It was also well- seasoned. He noted that in about two weeks some more changes would be coming to the restaurant.
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Overall I was not that impressed, but might go back to see some of the new changes. When I think of Chicago, I think of pizza, a variety of polish sausages, Italian beef sandwiches and more. If you love fried chicken and fried pork chops you might want to give it a try. I give this restaurant 3 out of 5 stars. san fr ancisco
s a n ta r o s a
san jose
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pleasanton
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NEWS
THE TEMPEST n APRIL 23 - MAY 6, 2014
Foreign students use SCC as spring board for education Fabricio Arruda Alves, Jingjing Chang, and Dolapo Uthman come to SCC for culture and education Carlo Marzan Sports Editor cmarzan@solanotempest.net
Three different students from different parts of the world who have never met all have one thing in common; they go to Solano Community College. Jingjing Chang of China, Fabricio Arruda Alves of Brazil, and Dolapo Uthman of Nigeria, have all come to SCC to extend their education and better their future career opportunities. While Solano does not look to be their finishing place, it certainly has been a starting point for them. Chang is a student from China who studied politics in her home country, but has since changed her major to French. She’s taking three of the offered languages: English, Spanish, and French. Though she often finds herself bored, Chang likes to play guitar and piano when she isn’t busy studying.
“I like this school; it helps me find a piece of heart. It’s a good place for starting,” said Chang. Chang has plans to transfer to De Anza College. Alves comes from Brazil, and currently lives in Vacaville with his uncle. He’s a business administrations major and enjoys computer technology. Alves is just getting started at SCC, taking the standard math and English classes along with an interpersonal communication class. Alves states that he likes it here, and enjoys the mix of cultures and infrastructure. He says he doesn’t like the food, but it’s an exception. Uthman is a student from Nigeria who has been in the states the longest of the three students. Uthman came to California in 2011 after transferring from South Dakota in 2010. Now living in Vallejo, he says he prefers the weather compared to South Dakota, here it’s similar to the tropic
weather of his home country. Now in his third year at Solano, Uthman looks to finish his degree in biomedical science to make a direct impact in his home country. “It’s kind of tough, but then you know, you pay for quality,” said Uthman, understanding the price he pays for his education. “Of course, I knew before I came here it was going to be challenging, getting the funds, paying them everything, but you got to do what you got to do.” Uthman hopes to take his knowledge back home to directly impact everyone. For Uthman, it is about making a direct impact and getting close to his people. “If you want to make direct impact with the people, you have to be really close to them,” he said. “The best, I feel, for my people is not being at the top, its being close to them.” The students expressed hope that the international program can push for more
social events for the foreign students. “I think it’s something that Solano needs to work on because it’s a really good school and it’s a really good way of attracting people,” Uthman said. “I think that if I can give a suggestion to the Solano Community College, they should have something about entertainment,” Alves said. “You need to start low to get the culture, to get the language,” said Alves. “There is a lot of stuff that I didn’t know that I’m learning now,” he said. “I don’t know if this is common, but in Brazil it is. The first day of class, they say it’s a meet up. Gather everybody, in the gym, for example, and create activities.” The overall feeling among these students is that they are creating better opportunities for themselves by studying at SCC. They’ve come to Solano for a higher level of education.
From left: Jingjing Chang from China currently studies three languages at SCC, and changed her major from politics to French. She plans to transfer to De Anza college soon. Dagmar Kuta / Tempest Fabricio Arruda Alves from Brazil is starting at SCC to gain culture, with plans to transfer after completing prerequisite requirements. Dagmar Kuta / Tempest
Dolapo Uthman hopes to use his education at Solano to help people from his native Nigera. Andro Palting / Tempest
Former SCC athletes inducted into Hall of Fame with heavy medals Steve Reczkowski Staff Photographer sreczkowski@solanotempest.net
Solano College honored six former athletes during its 18th annual Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet Friday evening, April 11, at Hiddenbrooke Golf Club in Vallejo. The college awarded honorees with a large bronze medal hanging from a red, white and blue neck ribbon and a plaque to commemorate their induction to Solano’s Athletics Hall of Fame. The new members for the year 2013 include SCC athletic assistants Betty Elizabeth Austin and Samuel C. McKinney Jr. for track, SCC professor Tonmar Johnson for football, fire academy director Richard MacKenzie for football, Joe Rasler for baseball and football, and Ira Scott for basketball. A new tradition, starting this year, also grants them a lifetime invitation to future banquets and annual passes to all Bay Valley Conference games. “My heart is with Solano… a lot of our athletes have gone on to be professors so the tradition of loving and caring, of being passionate for their teams and athletes, it continues, and that’s how I got started”, said Betty Austin White in her speech during the ceremony. Austin was awarded Most Inspirational player on both the women’s basketball and volleyball teams during her time as student athlete at Solano from 1969-1971. She also
studied martial arts at the college and achieved a black belt in Kajukenbo. Her skills led to a championship title at the 1977 Panamerican Karate tournament in Oakland, CA. Inductees thanked their coaches and their influences, and reminisced about some of their experiences at Solano College. “I just saw a guy, that I coached, whose son is being inducted,” said hall of fame member Dave Parsons. “Does that date you, or what?” Parsons was awarded in 2010 for his achievements in football and baseball in 1963-1965. Parsons played catcher to 1996 inductee Tug McGraw, who played for the NY Mets, at Solano. Generations of alumni Solano athletes and former and current coaches intermingled and shared Erin Marie Fritz / Tempest stories from the college’s past. Some of the 18th annual Athletics Hall of Fame honorees, from left: Tonmar Apaches and Redskins of Vallejo Johson, Samuel C. McKinney, Jr., Betty Elizabeth Austin, and Ira “Scott” Taylor. All Junior College stood alongside were inducted into the 2013 Hall of Fame April 11, 2014. the Falcons of Solano Community include Most Inspirational Player award than I learned in my entire career,” said College. (1997-1998), team captain and co-MVP Taylor. Ira Taylor, the youngest athlete honored (200-2001), two Bay Valley Conference this year said “I’m rocking the blue, school awards, and made the dean’s honor list in “I’m happy to see a good turnout for the spirit for sure,” regarding his Falcon inboth his freshman and sophomore years at Hall of Fame and hope that this continues spired fashion choice of bright blue slacks Solano. to be a wonderful event for the college and with a tie to match. “Solano County definitely has some of the community,” said Dean / athletic direcTaylor holds a basketball record for 217 the best athletes around. I learned more tor Lily E. Espinoza assists in a single season (2000-2001) at fundamentals in my two years at Solano SCC. Other awards and accomplishments
SPORTS 7 Solano Falcon’s baseball team loses to Yuba College 5-4 THE TEMPEST n APRIL 23 - MAY 6, 2014
Andro Palting/Tempest
Yuba College’s Dallas Cummings gets caught in a rundown between first and second base in the first inning April 15, 2014 at Solano Community College. Cummings was tagged out.
Erin Marie Fritz
Falcon Andrew Harris running to third in Yuba Vs Solano April 15, 2014.
swim
Solano’s swim team competes in BVC championship
Top Left: Solano Falcon Mac Brown doing the mens 100 yard backstroke for the 2014 BVC Swimming Championships, April 18, 2014. Erin Marie Fritz
Top Right: Falcon Vladimir Marcias competes in the men’s 100 yard butterfly finals during the 2014 BVC Swimming Championships held on the main campus, April 18, 2014. Steve Reczkowski
Right: Falcon Alex Palting swims the thrid leg of the men’s 400 yard medley relay finals during the 2014 BVC Swimming Championships held on the main campus, April 17, 2014. Steve Reczkowski
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THE TEMPEST n APRIL 23 - MAY 6, 2014
SPORTS Solano Falcons rampage through the competition Carlo Marzan Sports editor cmarzan@solanotempest.net
Nothing seems to be able to stop the Solano Falcon’s softball team in their pursuit of the championship. That includes the Mendocino Eagles. The Solano Falcons and Mendocino Eagles met up on Thursday, April 10 in a double header match-up. Mendocino couldn’t compete with Solano’s full on assault and lost the double header to the Falcons, 8-0 for the first game and 15-2 in the second. Shannon Mestas pitched all of the first game with speed and precision. Mendocino couldn’t get a hit while Mestas was at the mount. “she’s averaging 8 strikeouts, no 9 strikeouts a game, which is like 3 innings we don’t have to make any plays” said head coach Terri Pearson-Bloom. Offensively, Solano dominated their, too. Infielder Aleyna Benipayo was doing her thing, as usual, stealing bases like its nothing. By the third inning, Amber Takeda scored a big home run that the Eagles couldn’t do anything about accept hang their heads in defeat. “It always feels good, its a great” commented Takeda. “I think we’re the best hitters, definately” The first game ended as quickly as it began, Solano winning in an 8-0 sweep. Steve Reczkowski
Falcon Amber Takeda delivers the goods during Solano’s home double header against Mendocino, April 10, 2014. Solano defeated Mendocino 8-0 and 13-2.
In game two, Takeda started off pitching, pickng up where Mestas left off, overwhelming Mendocino’s offensive plays. Solano went for more bunts in the first inning, catching the Eagles off guard and scoring 2 quick runs. Mendocino would eventually score two runs in the fourth inning, after Solano had already hit home seven times. Solano was too fast and too smart, not letting the opportunity slip away when the bases were loaded. Deep hits from Stefanie Chainurux (two RBIs) and Victoria Faleafine (four RBIs) had Mendocino scrambling for the ball. Solano wins the game, 13-2. “You can’t be that successful and be ranked where we are if we just have one part of the game. It’s great pitching combined with great defense combined with great hitting that puts you there, so I’m really excited about how hard they’re working” Bloom said. The SCC softball team is too good and on point. Nothing is slipping up from under their fingers. The Falons are now on 27 game win streak and are looking great going into regionals. “we know for sure we’re hosting regionals round 1, and we have to be in 1 or 2 seat and win round 1 to host round 2, but we’re in position to do that and that’s what’s so cool” Bloom said. The Solano women’s softball team will be hosting the first round of regionals on Monday, May 5.
SPORTS CALENDAR Tues. April 22 Men’s / women’s Swim BVC Championship Fairfield 10am
Thurs. April 24 Men’s Baseball VS. Laney College Solano College 2pm
Sat. April 26 Men’s Baseball VS. Laney College Oakland 2pm
Tues. April 29 Men’s/ women’s Swim State Championship Hayward All Day
Wed. April 23 Men’s /women’s Swim BVC Championship Fairfield 10am
Women’s Softball VS. Contra Costa College Fairfield 1pm DH
Mon. April 28 Men’s/ women’s Swim State Championship Hayward All Day
Wed. April 30 Men’s/ women’s Swim State Championship Hayward All Day
Mon. May 5 Women’s Softball Regional Round 1 Location/Time TBA Tues. may 6 Women’s Softball Regional Round 1 Location/Time TBA
Wed. May 7 Men’s Baseball CCC Regional’s Location TBA 2pm