The Advocate - Feb. 10, 2010

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

History retold

February honors past

sports ◆ page 7

CMYK

spotlight ◆ page 6

scene ◆ page 8

Miscues Weak shooting sinks Comets

Cinema engages Personable theater serves food, wine

VOL. 94, NO. 13

SINCE 1950

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2010 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

THE WEEKLY STUDENT VOICE OF CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE, SAN PABLO, CALIF.

8 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

Emergency phones fail, shut down Lack of

By Holly Pablo

sunlight to blame in kiosk technical issues

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The rainstorm that hit the East Bay last month, combined with the lack of regular sunlight, has been identified as the culprit behind the districtwide outdoor emergency telephone kiosks going kaput.

Officer Teddy Terstegge, who also serves as emergency services coordinator for the district, said that of a total

of 33 kiosks dispersed throughout the Contra Costa, Diablo Valley and Los Medanos college campuses, all of the Code Blue phones powered by solar energy ceased working after uncooperative weather depleted the devices’ internal batteries.

“The batteries last for several days without being recharged, but in a long stint like this where we don’t have a lot of sunlight, apparently if the batteries get below a certain level of voltage, the power shuts the phone off to protect the

software,” he said.

Fixing the problem includes more than just waiting for the sun to appear, however.

To restore the Code Blue centers to working conditions, Terstegge said, the phones need to be manually disconnected, thus enabling the batteries to recharge themselves.

Comtel technicians, the designated contractors hired years ago to troubleshoot kiosk problems, began infrastructure repairs at DVC and LMC on

Monday, Terstegge said, and repairs for nine of 10 emergency kiosks at CCC began Tuesday.

The technical difficulties were identified on Jan. 22 when Senior Parking Officer Vidal Garcia was performing a weekly routine check on the Code Blue phones on campus.

After alerting CCC’s sister schools, DVC and LMC, it was determined that they were experiencing the same issues.

Sgt. Jose Oliveira said that the kiosks work to deter crime on campus and are ■ SEE PHONES: Page 4

District prepares for worst Proposed budget cuts remain ‘up in the air’

By Lauren Shiraishi OPINION EDITOR

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Serving with confidence — Culinary arts student Ira Masuno spoons T.C. Ball a taste of his team’s dish, “Marsala Coconut Chicken,” at the Surf and Turf competition held in the Three Seasons Restaurant Thursday.

BANQUET OF SURF, TURF

Cajun gumbo takes first place during chicken with crab contest

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR

Land and sea met on the same plate at Three Seasons Restaurant’s Surf and Turf Cook-Off competition Thursday.

More than 100 people attended the event, kicking off the semester for the culinary arts department.

The main ingredients that made up every dish were Dungeness crab and chicken. The dishes varied from pasta to gumbo.

Admission was $5 per person, which allowed customers to receive a sampling of each of the six plates.

Customers then cast votes

and “Sea-in-the-chicken,” for their favorite plate. “(The event is meant to) both with 16 votes each.

Prizes awarded to the generate spirit, motivate the students for winning next week, teams includstart the “It was good that ed a combination of difsemester on a high note me and my team ferent oils, and to give won. We did it all aged vineconfidence,” gars, gourmet together and we dressings and culinary arts depar tment executed it very cookbooks to share.

Chairman well.”

N a d e r SecondSharkes said. semester Adam Farr, Wi n n i n g culinary arts culinary arts student first place in student Dawn Cruikshank, the competition with 36 votes was “Big who worked on the gumbo Mama’s Gumbo.” There that won first place, was a two-way tie for sec- described the plate as a ond and third place between Cajun dish handed down “Chicken Alfredo Pasta” from generation-to-genera-

tion. She and her fellow students went out-of-the-box to incorporate chicken and crab into one dish.

“It was very creative for people to come up with dishes that contained crab and chicken,” said Adam Farr, culinary arts student and “Big Mama’s Gumbo” team member. “It was good that me and my team won.

We did it all together and we executed it very well.”

Other dishes included “Marsala Coconut Chicken,” “Chicken Oscar” and “CrabStuffed Chicken Galantine.”

The culinary arts department received 100 pounds of chicken and 50 pounds of crab in preparation for the ■ SEE COOK-OFF: Page 4

Following the release of the governor’s mid-year budget proposal, district administrators remain wary and are preparing for any potential losses.

As the final budget has not yet been passed, nothing is certain. “There’s been a variety of proposals for cuts, but everything is very much up in the air,” Contra Costa College Vice President Carol Maga said.

“The governor would like to keep as much funding as possible for the community colleges.”

Along with the colleges at the California ■ SEE BUDGET: Page 4

Recovery continues Injured Comet player regaining his strength

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After five months of hospitalization, Comet defensive back Wali Wright is regaining his strength through daily physical therapy at Kentfield Rehabilitation and Specialty Hospital in Marin County.

“He’s making great progress,” mother Piola Wright said. “He appears to be getting ■ SEE WRIGHT: Page 4

Contests support Haitian relief OPINION EDITOR

RICHMOND — Six top American Basketball Association teams came together last week to play in a charity fundraising tournament to support relief efforts in Haiti.

Coordinated by the Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL), the Richmond Youth for Haiti Basketball Series, which took place from Feb. 1-6 at the Richmond PAL Arena, aimed to aid the country in its recovery following the 7.0 earthquake last month.

agreed to match the amount of money initially raised.

Lewis hoped to attract a larger crowd to attend the games and also solicit more sponsorships.

“We had hoped to garner more corporate sponsorships to match the money we raised, but our timing was late,” he said. “The venue was moved at the last minute.”

The tournament was originally scheduled to take place at the Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco, he said.

KIWINS Youth Program, the Youth Directors Council and PAL Kids were the advocates for the congregation of the event.

Former KIWINS President Vanh Kevo said all ■ SEE HAITI: Page 4

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

By Diana Reyes

Participating teams seats $25 and series courtwere the Compton Cobras, side passes $125.

The goal was to reach California Sea Kings, Sacramento $50,000 and Heat Wave, the funds “What the kids were collected S e a t t l e Mountaineers, are doing is great. by donations from local C l ay t o n (And) the fact Showtime and businesses, San Francisco that they came up youth groups, Rumble as the county offihome team, with the resources cials, local who agreed themselves is also charities and to play all six RPAL itself. great.” games.

“Whatever “ T h e our net profit teams (volunis, that’s what Becky Rojas, Richmond Courtyard Marriott teered) to play is going to general manager for free and be our donathe referees tion to Haiti,” offered to reduce their rates,” Lewis said. “The kids chose Executive Director of RPAL to donate the profit to the Larry Lewis said.

American Red Cross.”

Tickets were $10 each, He said that if the $50,000 series passes $50, courtside goal was not met, Chevron

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

CMYK

Police league hosts benefit

Helping hands — San Francisco Rumble’s Reggie Smith dunks against the Sacramento Heat on Feb. 3, as part of a six-day benefit tournament for the Haitian earthquake relief efforts held at the Richmond Police Activities League in Richmond.

CMYK

2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “It is the ferment of ideas, the clash of disagreeing judgments, the privilege of the individual to develop his own thoughts and shape his own character that makes progress possible.”

Calvin Coolidge 30th U.S. president, 1925 Holly Pablo editor-in-chief Sam Attal associate editor Asia Camagong associate editor Alec Surmani associate editor Cassandra Juniel spotlight editor Diana Reyes Lauren Shiraishi opinion editors Dariush Azmoudeh Malcolm Lastra sports editors Lamar James news editor Brent Bainto social media editor Erik Verduzco photo editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Lissette Alvarez Mairat Assefa Alison Calais Tristin Cooper Hilberth Diaz Ibarra Cassidy Gooding Xautia Gray Kristina Plaza Marjorie Riformo Christian Soto Alexandra Waite Staff photographers Crystal Joy Bis Kevin Chourarath George Morin Joe Phutiyotin Raul Reyes Michael Sue Desmond Sylva Roman Young Staff illustrators James Heck Cody McFarland Joel Ode Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.235.7800 ext. 4315 Fax: 510.235.NEWS E-mail: advocate@ contracosta.edu or letters.advocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.

OPINION

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2010

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2010 VOL. 94, NO. 13 ●

Editorial Moving forward

Black History Month honors past, present

‘I

have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., called for an end to discrimination and racial inequality, he paved the way for future generations to fight for what they believed in.

Several years before his speech, the United States Supreme Court voted unanimously to overturn Plessy vs. Ferguson, in which “separate but equal” facilities limited daily interaction between whites and African Americans.

With the court ruling of Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka in 1954, blacks, whites and all other races were allowed to attend the same schools for the first time.

These milestone events served as catalysts for change and social reform.

Within a few decades, AfricanAmericans have broken barriers and ascended to leadership positions predominantly held by white males.

Black History Month, celebrated nationally in February, remembers the blood, sweat and tears of those who strived to secure human rights. It serves as a reminder that no matter how many odds are stacked against a particular group, it can still succeed.

No matter how far we have come, we must always remember our roots.

The idea of students of all ethnic backgrounds attending a single college campus and being treated with the same respect would not be possible if it were not for people like King, Rosa Parks and organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Aside from these iconic leaders, African-American role models are prominent in the top administrative positions of our own college district.

Dr. Helen Benjamin became not only the first African-American president of Contra Costa College in 1998, but she also became the district’s first AfricanAmerican chancellor in 2005.

Following Benjamin’s footsteps, McKinley Williams accepted the top position in 2006.

In December, Dr. Anthony Gordon was approved to serve as the board’s president for the 2010 calendar year.

At CCC, students can pursue an associate degree in African-American studies. Clubs such as the Black Student Union organize events to promote unity and instill pride amongst its student leaders.

Black History Month is not just something that celebrates previous accomplishments; it uses the past as a model for future actions.

By acknowledging the present, we can continue to promote further change in this country.

CODY MCFARLAND/ THE ADVOCATE

■ Confessions

Happiness hidden within guilty pleasures

G

uilty pleasures are those finicky interests people have, but certainly find themselves unwilling to admit.

They are elements of delight that are masked by shame, humiliation and embarrassment.

And I hate them.

They are what cause some to constantly tune in week after week to their favorite reality television show, regardless if it is chronicling a trashy love story or the scripted lives of young, rich socialites.

They explain how celebrity gossip blogs and magazines gain attention, despite viewers knowing how desperate it may look to be so immersed in finding out who’s pregnant, adopting or releasing naked pictures.

Guilty pleasures are why I, at the age of 19, willingly and somewhat eagerly paid to watch the Hannah Montana movie when it was out in theaters, all the while knowing I would be surrounded by a sea of girls who were not even old enough to have gotten their periods yet.

This is where I must make my regrettably sincere confession: I am a Miley Cyrus fan.

Just to clarify, this does not mean I have watched a few episodes of her show on the Disney channel or worked up the nerve to watch her movie.

With my guard down, I admit that my fandom has gone quite beyond that.

I cannot help but play one of her songs almost every day at least five times consecutively, singing each word

asiacamagong off and on key.

Given any time or place, her songs often play in my head or on my computer.

My interest in her as a performer has had me watch- I am a ing her Miley Cyrus music videos constantly, fan. sitting in awe at her talent and impeccable stage presence.

Yet, at the same time, I have berated myself for all of this.

I once was caught in a dilemma that left me standing in the CD section of a store, debating whether or not I should buy her latest album.

It was the longest 15 minutes I’ll ever know.

In the end, I refused to place a purchase, but not because I did not want it.

Actually, it was the exact opposite.

My refusal stemmed from the fact that I wanted to buy her CD in the first place.

Ignoring the impulse to buy it was the result of a battle between my enjoyments in her music versus my acceptance of that same enjoyment.

Liking her was never on my agenda. In fact, I often tried to avoid it.

Sure, her television show

is funny.

Yes, she has the ability to sing an impressive note here and there.

Despite those qualities, she always struck me as an annoying girl that I did not want to admit liking.

Though, at the core of my disdain, I found that admitting to having a guilty pleasure was the greatest act of denial proving that I was uncomfortable with being myself.

Embarrassment is the thin line separating a guilty pleasure from being an ordinary topic of interest.

I would rather be open with liking Miley than continue calling her a guilty pleasure, conjuring the idea that there is something about myself I feel inclined to hide.

It is important to remember that happiness does not need to birth shame.

Slowly, but surely, I am teaching myself that an interest does not come in a right or wrong form.

By labeling an interest as a guilty pleasure, a willingness to fully enjoy that feature is lost.

After coming to terms with myself, I can today confidently announce that I am a Miley Cyrus fan.

Since then, I have no longer felt any ounce of guilt for a subject that I enjoy.

In the end, if loving Miley is wrong, then I must refuse to be right.

Asia Camagong is an associate editor of The Advocate. Contact her at acamagong.advocate@gmail. com.

CampusComment

What can the college do to better inform people about campus safety procedures?

“I think it would be a good idea for them to have fliers with emergency information, and it would be a good idea to have a mass text message system.”

Chris Clausen MCHS

CRYSTAL JOY BIS / THE ADVOCATE

“Maybe they could have events or have the police aides talk to the students around campus.”

“They could have the teachers tell their students to check online and give them the Web site and information they need.”

Aliana Garcia undecided

“(We can) get a hold of people through their e-mails. Text messaging would be good, or sending some sort of automatic voice message.”

“I think that if they change any emergency procedures or if something is going on, the college should be diligent with e-mailing and notifying students.”

Ronrique Rodgers

Heidi Delos Santos

Sara Martin

early childhood education

automotive technology

undecided

“To respect each student by physically informing us of what procedures will continue our safety by way of instructors, mail or Internet, and postings on campus.”

Raequel Smith liberal arts

FORUM ■ Advice

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

3

■ Body art

Piercings, tattoos reflect soul codymcfarland

Rude, hurtful opinions not constructive

H

e’s fat. She’s a cake face.

They’re a really ugly couple. We hear and say these kinds of things every day, but to what benefit and at whose expense?

“Well, I’m just being honest.”

Well, this is me just being honest: that’s a cop-out, and there is, quite frankly, a huge difference between being honest and being a jerk.

For example, if in your opinion a girl wears too much makeup, do not call her a cake face. Doing so is unnecessary and insensitive.

Instead, tell her she does not need as much makeup, as it mars her natural beauty. If you cannot find truth in the latter, do not resort to the former; merely opt to keep your opinion to yourself.

If she asks for your thoughts, on the other hand, give her the honest reply that you do think she wears too much makeup, and it would be beneficial to her appearance, in your opinion, to wear less. This way, you speak truthfully and avoid insulting her.

Such a comparison is paralleled by the difference between constructive criticism and reproach.

Abrasive, judgmental commentary of a person’s thoughts and actions will only serve to demean, deprecate and anger them.

You can point out a million of their problems, but unless you offer counsel or some form of sympathy, the only thing you have managed to do is add yourself to that list of problems.

We were all told as kids that if you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all. Even in adulthood, these instructions remain an axiom.

Though everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, you should not share if you might hurt someone’s feelings in doing so.

In this sense, it is paramount to choose words politely with the person’s emotions in mind.

The best route is to find a middle ground. In this case, it is to word things in a way that can be uplifting, or to euphemistically say something if you choose to speak on the subject at all.

By no means am I suggesting that people should feel ashamed of their opinions or lie about their feelings; simply do not disclose them if you cannot find a way to be constructive.

If your opinion is rude or hurtful and you do not deem it necessary to consider others’ feelings enough to even mildly censor yourself, then your best bet is holding your tongue.

To those self-righteous enough to entertain the idea that their opinion, however damaging it may be, is valued as a necessary and unrelenting truth, I assure you that your piety is detrimental to the development of affable relationships.

If the only connection you care to make is someone’s fist to your face, then go right ahead in being “honest.”

I will be supporting social growth and development by offering kind words of encouragement through constructive opinion.

T

en: the number of piercings that I have acquired and kept through the years.

Sixteen: the number of times I have had a needle thrust through my flesh when I include the ones I have taken out or had to re-pierce.

There are many forms of body art, and piercing is only one of many that I find intriguing.

Not everyone understands, however, the way I feel toward body art.

I am unsure as to when or if my fascination with body art will end, but I do know that I will be committed to taking care of and genuinely loving each and every one that is sure to come in the future.

As of yet, I only have piercings and tattoos. Other than both of my ear lobes being stretched to zero gauges, I have six other piercings on my left ear, my right ear has one and I have two tattoos on my torso.

My newest addition: a tongue piercing. My upcoming addition: a 6 inches by 6

the skin, quite similar, yet not exactly the same as tattoos.

Bound feet, stretched necks, and scarred or Body art branded skin can all be seen will one day as ways inches crescent moon tattoo be fully to shape filled halfway with various symbols that represent who I and alter the human accepted and am and what I love. body to When I think about my piercings and tattoos and the turn a per- appreciated son into ones that are in store, I am reminded of my values. I am a living, reminded of things I love. I breathing as a part of am reminded that pain lingers work of American for only a short time, life art. goes on and another piercing Though or tattoo is due. some culture.

Body art has many differthink that ent meanings. those forms of modification are unsightly and cruel, it is It can sometimes symbolnot seen that way in many ize a person’s status in socicultures. ety, courage, a vow of love They are rituals that have or just something that a person wants to do for reasons been passed down from ancestors and some will conunspoken. tinue to be passed down for Scarification, which ancient Maori people of New generations to come.

Zealand are known for, is Just because someone is when ink is rubbed into fresh doing something different, incisions that are carved into others may categorize that

crystaljoybis

person as being bizarre or a rebel.

As time goes on, more people will get more piercings. As time goes on, the preconceived notions that take over people’s minds when they see someone with large ear lobes or tattoo sleeves will become few.

Body art will one day be fully accepted and appreciated as a part of American culture.

Emptying my wallet, enduring pain through the healing process and a slim chance of death due to improper application and aftercare are insignificant downsides associated with body art.

Doing what pleases me, even if it is out of the ordinary, is what makes me who I am.

Thus, I will continue to drain my wallet, stomach the pain and conquer the risks.

Crystal Joy Bis is a staff photographer for The Advocate. Contact her at cbis.advocate@gmail.com.

Preventing heartbreak Awareness key to improving children’s safety

By Cassandra Juniel SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

T

here is nothing more heartbreaking than losing someone you love.

Added to this is the unfortunate act of losing a child by abduction. This causes the burden on parents of pondering whether their child is injured, dead or alive somewhere — for days, weeks, months and, many times, years.

According to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, 85 to 90 percent of the 876,213 persons reported missing to America’s law enforcement agencies in 2000 were juveniles.

The number of missing persons reported to law enforcement increased from 154,341 in 1982 to 876,213 in 2000, an increase of 468 percent, according to the Klaaskids Foundation for Children.

Investigative teams from local police departments have their hands full, following up on the many leads and tips received, but unfortunately thousands of cases remain open.

It should also be noted that there have also been many recoveries, thanks to the police departments and other agencies and organizations responsible for helping to find missing and exploited children.

Since 1984, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has assisted law enforcement with more than 162,000 missing child cases, resulting in the recovery of more than 148,000 children. And since 1997, the AMBER Alert program has been credited with the safe recovery of 495 children.

There is also the

CyberTipline that since its establishment in 1998 has received more than 771,000 reports involving distribution of child pornography and the online enticement of children for sex acts, according to www.missingkids.org.

Organizations such as the Klaaskids Foundation for Children have been established as a means of learning how to better keep children safe through education, as well as keep up-to-date on current and new laws and what to do if faced with a kidnapping or exploitation.

Young victim Polly Klaas, at the age of 12, was kidnapped, raped and murdered. After her death, her father, Marc Klaas, decided to create the organization to help keep other children safe and to have available resources to help curtail these crimes.

A recent recovery that made national headlines involves Jaycee Dugard, who was abducted at the age of 10 from an area near her home. She was found after 18 years of captivity, being held against her will in the back of the accused person’s home. It took an alert University of California campus security officer to follow up on her instincts that there was “something not right with this picture.”

And this is the way many of us should be if we notice someone or see something suspicious. Yet, we are not doing all that we can to remain alert and follow our instincts.

This brings to mind a television commercial where a young girl and a female adult are walking out of a restaurant, with the adult talking with another as they (girl and adult) exit the restaurant. The exiting adult is wearing a shirt that reads, “sex offender.”

The little girl connects eyes with the adult left in the restaurant, as though to say, “Are you paying attention to this situation.” And, the adult left in the restaurant stands there, reading the shirt but not doing anything as a result.

Believe it or not, many of us are guilty of doing this same thing. The abductor may not be as noticeable, yet, we do not

pay enough attention to those around us, follow up on our instincts or intervene in potentially dangerous situations.

The same holds true for sexual exploitation, of which there are many categories, such as possession, manufacture and distribution of child pornography, child prostitution, extra-familial child sexual molestation and online enticement of children for sexual acts.

Fortunately, there are many federal and state laws against these crimes, though not enough arrests and convictions of the perpetrators.

Federal law prohibits “misleading words or digital images on the internet,” which states, “Whoever knowingly embeds words or digital images into the source code of a Web site with the intent to deceive a minor into viewing material harmful to minors on the Internet shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not more than 20 years.”

There are thousands of individuals exchanging information through social networking. Among these participators are individuals preying on the most vulnerable, cleverly seeking chances of inviting themselves into that person’s life.

Parents often allow their children open access to the Internet without paying much attention to what they are accessing. There are applications readily available that block certain Web sites from their children, yet many parents do not take advantage of the help available.

Are we paying enough attention to what is happening with our children?

It is not too late.

Let us do everything we can to help our children remain safe, whether they are walking home from school or sitting in front of their computers. By doing so, we can save ourselves from later heartbreak.

Contact Cassandra Juniel at cjuniel.advocate@gmail.com.

Cody McFarland is a staff illustrator for The Advocate.

Contact him at cmcfarland. advocate@gmail.com.

JOEL ODE / THE ADVOCATE

4 THE ADVOCATE

CAMPUS BEAT

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2010

accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

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Receive breaking news and updates by following The Advocate’s Twitter account, AccentAdvocate.

Newsline ■ CAMPUS LIFE

Clubs recruit members Contra Costa College and the ASU will be hosting Club Rush today and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested in joining or starting a new club are encouraged to attend.

DVC placed on probation College on route to accreditation

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Diablo Valley College is one step closer to regaining full accreditation, since being moved from “show-cause” to “probation” by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

The lesser degree of sanction was reached in response to an evaluation on Nov. 4, in which an assessment team praised the college for its improvements since receiving the lowest rating possible by the commission in November 2008, DVC President Judy Walters said.

She said the ACCJC noted that the college had complied and completed

“significant amounts of good work” Walters said. “It says that we have in response to the commission’s rec- more work to do, and we are going to ommendations and requirements, demonstrate in October that we have continued our work including such areas and done the things as communication and collaboration and “Communication that we said we were going to do.” student learning outwithin the Walters said that comes (SLOs).

The next step in college has greatly credit is due to the passionate DVC the process toward improved since administrators and being reaffirmed involves respond- the commission’s staff who have worked tirelessly to ing with a follow(first) visit.” up report before the address the college’s deficiencies.

October deadline.

Judy Walters, A team from the It is important to ACCJC will return Diablo Valley College president recognize that since working to create the that same month, and upon further assessment, the institu- “show cause” follow-up report subtion may regain its full accreditation mitted to the commission in October as early as January 2011, Walters 2009, the college community has said. epitomized the enthusiastic changes “‘Probation’ is probably the best needed in transparency, culture and place we could be at this point,” collaboration on campus, she said.

“It’s important that the college (staff) really got in and did this work together,” Walters said.

“Communication within the college has greatly improved since the commission’s (first) visit.”

Since the accredited status of the institution continues during probation, Walters said that students should not worry about the credibility of their transcripts.

Governing Board President Anthony Gordon said the board is pleased that DVC has been moved up to “probation” and looks forward to seeing the report in January.

As one of the top-rated transfer schools in California and the county, he said, “DVC is still the great college that it’s always been.”

Contact Holly Pablo at hpablo. advocate@gmail.com.

■ FUNDRAISER

ASU to sell candy grams The ASU will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Candy Gram fundraiser Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, contact the ASU at 510-2357800, ext. 4237.

■ BSU

Event honors black history A celebration organized by the Black Student Union (BSU) will be held in honor of African-American History Month on Thursday from 7-9 p.m.

For more information, contact the BSU at 510-2357800, ext. 4237.

CrimeWatch Wednesday, Jan. 20 Suspect was detained, cited and released for possession of marijuana at the Bus Transfer Center.

Tuesday, Jan. 26 Subject was escorted out of the Gymnasium.

A victim reported the theft of his vehicle from campus.

An automobile burglary was reported.

Thursday, Jan. 28 Subject was stopped for a traffic violation, and it was determined that his license was suspended. Subject was detained, cited and released.

Subject was stopped for a traffic violation, and it was determined that the driver was unlicensed. Subject was cited and released.

Sunday, Jan. 31 Subject was stopped for a traffic violation, and it was determined the driver was unlicensed. Subject was cited and released.

Monday, Feb. 1 Student was contacted for causing a disturbance. It was determined that he was mentally unable to care for himself and was hospitalized.

A burglary was reported.

An officer responded to a medical report in the Student Services Center. The victim was transported to Doctors Medical Center.

An officer responded to a medical report in the Gym Annex Building. The victim declined medical attention.

— Diana Reyes

Correction In the article “Joyful helper dies at 69” on the front page of the Feb. 3 issue, a photo of Emma Payton was mistakenly not published.

The Advocate regrets this error.

Cook-off | Strong team efforts Phones ■ FROM: Page 1

event, Sharkes said. Each team had to de-bone their own chicken and de-shell their own crab.

“We had to get our chicken deboned and remove the meat from 30 crab shells. It was a team effort that came out well,” culinary arts student Hugo Panuco, Jr. said. “I hope we have a strong, successful event. All of the guests enjoyed the food, and hopefully it’s a strong start for the new semester.”

The restaurant was filled to capacity for the entire competition. Before the event began, lines formed outside of the room.

Budget | Cuts But we’re always hopeful and will continue to meet our mission statement of helping students meet their educational goals.”

■ FROM: Page 1 A positive highlight State University and of the proposed budget University of California lev- includes $126 million to els, the district is preparing fund enrollment growth of to face the worst. approximately 26,000 new “We’re already down to full-time students, according a bare-bones to the Community budget,” CCC College League of P r e s i d e n t “We’re already California.

McKinley Murillo said down to a Williams said. this particular bare-bones aspect of the pro“(Mid-year cuts) will be posal is unlikely budget. an additional to happen, howburden on (Mid-year ever, due to a lack the college. cuts) will be of funding.

We’ll have to “It would be start prioritiz- an additional nice, but we don’t ing what we think that’s feaconsider most burden on the sible because we important.” don’t see how college.”

According they could give to Kindred us more growth McKinley Williams, Murillo, vice money,” she said.

Contra Costa College chancellor of president Administrators districtwide at both the college administrative services, the and district levels believe “rainy day” reserve funds that budget cuts are not a accumulated by the district wise move to make, particumay not last much longer. larly when the economy is “By June (2009), we had still making progress toward $11.5 million, and it was recovery. reduced by $7.9 million this “(At community collegyear,” she said. “(The dis- es), we educate people for trict) will know how much jobs and transfer education,” we need to reduce our bud- Williams said. “It’s vital for get for 2010-11 by the end students at risk. of February. We’re in as good “We provide them with of shape as anybody else in safety nets, and it becomes the state.” devastating to those who Among the proposed cuts need them most,” he said. include suspending the comMurillo said the possible petitive Cal grant program. budget cuts are a “terrible In addition, $10 million solution.” would be reduced from the “If you look at how much EOPS budget. it costs to educate a student EOPS, which served at a community college and 1,201 CCC students in compare it to the UCs and 2008-09, is expecting to CSUs, we do a lot of eduserve between 800 and 850 cating at very little cost,” students in 2009-10, despite she said. “When you take being capped at 525 students away money, you’re taking due to budget cuts from the away an education opportuprevious year. nity from people who can’t “I think (cuts would be) afford college.” the wrong decision,” EOPS Manager Vicki Ferguson Contact Lauren said. “It’s disheartening Shiraishi at lshiraishi. to turn away students who advocate@gmail.com. qualify (for financial aid).

nary arts students can do.

“I believe this will showcase what we can do, in hopes that we can sell more lunches,” Tokarski said.

Sharkes said students worked on their ideas by tasting and reworking their recipes throughout the week.

The reason for choosing chicken and crab was clear.

“I was able to get the two items for the right price,” Sharkes said.

Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail. com.

Wright Wright

The 26-year-old is regaining his strength through daily physical therapy at a rehabilitation hospital.

■ FROM: Page 1

stronger every day and his spirits are very good.”

Wright is able to move his toes, legs, hands and shoulders, she said, and doctors believe that the swelling in his spine will take six months to a year to heal.

The diagnosis comes as a relief, Wright’s mother said, since doctors were initially unsure if he would regain movement after the injuries incurred at the Sept. 5 season opener at home that paralyzed the freshman player from the neck down.

During the first play, he collided helmetto-helmet with a Los Medanos College running back, fracturing Wright’s neck in two places and resulting in the swelling of his spinal cord.

He was taken to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where he successfully underwent two major surgeries. On Sept. 7, surgeons inserted pins into his neck to secure the fractures, which have since fully healed, and a tracheotomy was performed to assist Wright in breathing and speaking.

Piola said that since Sept. 20, when she was first informed that he was able to move his shoulders, she has been overjoyed with positive prognoses such as his Sept. 28 relocation to the rehabilitation facility.

Though it is a long journey and her son is not able to breathe completely on his own yet, he can go a half-day without the use of a ventilator, Piola said.

When he fully recovers, Wright is planning on returning to his hometown of Pasadena, where the bulk of his family resides.

Wright celebrated his 26th birthday and the birth of his daughter, Walia, on Jan. 27.

“He is very happy that he has a baby girl,” Piola said. “It’s his first child and she’s his motivation to get better.”

Athletic trainer Brian Powelson said that although the injury occurred within the first play of the season, Wright was “definitely determined to do well in football.”

Quarterback Don Miguel Tutass said that of the team’s visits to the facility, Wright has “high hopes and good energy”.

“He was joking, he was laughing and making good of the situation he is in,” Tutass said.

Contact Holly Pablo advocate@gmail.com.

at

hpablo.

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intended for contacting Police Services in the event of an emergency, such as reporting suspicious activities and life-threatening or hazardous emergencies.

The Code Blue centers absorb sunlight to power the phones by transmitting energy into an internal battery. When the “help” button is pressed, the call is sent to campus police and by being able to speak with authorities directly, problems can be addressed quickly.

Since the Code Blue installations more than five years ago, Oliveira said that because each person has a different definition of an emergency, many calls are pranks or servicerelated, such as vehicle troubles or problems with the permit parking machines.

Terstegge said, “The (Code Blue phones) are used quite frequently to assist people, although most of the time it was not an appropriate use of the machine.”

Outside of CCC’s normal service hours, such as between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and early morning, calls are automatically transferred out to the Richmond Regional Dispatch Center, Terstegge said.

Oliveira sent a “Under most campuswide e-mail on Jan. 27, inform- circumstances ing faculty and staff (solar energy) of the issues. is a really Also, prior to restoration, the great thing, towering kiosks except for displayed printouts with directions to call Police Services when you have via the red phones long periods of in the nearest camno sunlight.” pus building.

Child developTeddy Terstegge, ment major Sadie district emergency services Jimenez said that coordinator in her two years attending CCC, she has never needed to use the kiosks, primarily because her first instinct in an emergency would be to use her mobile phone.

While Jimenez believes this is also true of many of her colleagues, the kiosks are a good safety precaution for students that do not have mobile phones, Jimenez said.

The kiosks are located in various locations on campus where faculty, staff and students frequently walk or drive through, including the Mills Drive entrance to the college, near the tennis courts and outside of the Student Activities Building.

The single electrical-powered Code Blue center is located between the walkway of the Humanities Building and Computer Technology Center. While this kiosk was not adversely affected by the weather, the district’s inclination to purchase solar-powered devices originated from what was cost-efficient and environmentally friendly, Terstegge said.

Since some of the kiosks are located in remote areas, he said, running power lines would have required digging through trenches, cutting through paving and pathways and other costly constructional needs would have likely arose.

The only reason for running electrical phones would be because the area is predominantly covered in shadow due to building positioning and other sunlight obstructions, such as tall trees.

“Under most circumstances, (solar energy) is a really great thing, except for when you have long periods of no sunlight,” Terstegge said.

“We’re glad to have them,” he said. “The district is looking into ways to prevent this problem in the future.”

Contact Holly Pablo advocate@gmail.com.

at

hpablo.

Haiti | Top basketball teams play for a cause ■ FROM: Page 1

Payton

Some guests were so satisfied with the food that they returned to the line for seconds.

“My favorite dish would be the ‘Sea-in-the-chicken,’” Middle College High School student Diana Rajabi said. “All of the dishes had flavor, but this one had the most flavor for crab and chicken.”

Culinary arts professor Tom Tokarski said he wanted the event to be a sellout, to put the students through the competition so that they can get used to showing off their skills, as well as the customers getting a taste of what the culi-

of the youth members agreed to take on the project and sought help from the West County Times in order to promote the event.

“We went out and spread the word to local businesses, high schools,

principals and we also contacted other youth groups,” he said. “We raised over $1,000.”

The Richmond Courtyard Marriott contributed by providing rooms for the visiting teams.

Approximately 10 rooms were

donated, General Manager Becky Rojas said.

“What the kids are doing is great,” she said. “(And) the fact that they came up with the resources themselves is also great.”

RPAL Office Manager Marsha

Pekasky said that although the turnout was low, the organization is still happy with whatever amount of money it could get.

Contact Diana Reyes at dreyes. advocate@gmail.com.

Discussion enlightens applicants Tips, advice given during writing forum

By Alexandra Waite STAFF WRITER

Focused on giving students the skills to write good scholarship application letters and informing them about the opportunities currently available through the college Foundation, the scholarship workshop held in the Fireside Room Wednesday attracted nearly 33 eager and interested students.

“I think it went fabulously well,” Scholarship Coordinator Jimmy Cox said.

“It was packed and students asked a lot of questions.”

The speakers at the workshop included Cox, Senior Foundation Director Linda Cherry and English professor Barbara McClain.

Cherry started the work-

shop by describing some of the history of the scholarship foundation at the college.

Cox said, “Linda Cherry was really good at explaining the scholarship process.”

After Cherry’s speech, McClain took over the second half of the workshop.

In her lecture, McClain drilled into students’ heads the concept of being concise, precise and unambiguous when writing scholarship letters.

“Clutter is the disease of American writing,” McClain said, quoting writing teacher William Zinsser.

One piece of advice that resonated throughout the workshop was, “The only way to know you won’t win a scholarship is to not apply,” Cox said.

Many students found the workshop to be helpful and informative.

“Now I have a clear idea about what I need to do for the next time I apply for scholarships,” kinesiology

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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

5

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Imparting advice — English professor Barbara McClain explains the process for writing a successful scholarship essay at a workshop in the Fireside Room Friday. More than 30 students were present to seize the opportunity to better understand the application process. The next workshop will be held on Feb. 17. major Modupe Onafowode said. “I wasn’t able to complete the applications before, because I was unsure of how to fill it out.”

In past years, scholarships were important, but now with the state budget, college is becoming more expensive, jobs are more difficult to come by and it is really important that students

know about the scholarships that are available, Cox said.

Culinary arts major Djana Kirkland said, “People stress out about how to get money.

These workshops are a good way for students to start producing money instead of depending on a government program to give it to them.”

Onafowode said she thought there was a pretty

good turnout of students.

“It was good to know that people pay attention to these fliers and e-mails, and really want to better themselves,” she said. “I think (these workshops) should be done more often. I think they should be advertised more; it’s very important.”

The next scholarship workshop will be held on

Feb. 17.

“I just encourage the students to come by the office and see me,” Cox said. “I’m available every Wednesday through March 15, and I dedicate the day to helping students.”

Contact Alexandra Waite at awaite.advocate@gmail. com.

Sinkhole threatens parking lot, students Projected funds show possible road closure

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Faced with road damages and a growing sinkhole threatening the safety of drivers on campus, Lot 16 has been closed indefinitely,

while the cost for repairs undergoes discussion.

Yet, with increasing enrollment at the college, cutbacks in available parking spaces could consequently lead to crowded lots, increasing the difficulty for students to get to their classes.

“I would like to see (a new) parking lot, but money drives the decisions,” Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said.

Since its closing at the start of the spring

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semester, King said, Lot 16, a relatively small lot located on Campus Drive near the Art Building and Early Learning Center, is “definitely unsafe.”

Damages, caused by water sinking beneath the pavement and making the surface sink, consist of erosions and cracks in the roadway as deep as 6 inches, King said.

The lot poses a safety risk for students to walk and drive on, especially for those taking evening classes that may not be able to see where they are going, he said.

Constructed on the slope of a hill, Lot 16 could not only collapse, but also potentially landslide into Lot 17, if left unfixed, King said.

Vice President Carol Maga said that with all the recent rain caused by the winter season, the lot is sitting “in a land of clay soil.”

After meeting with geotechnical and civil engineers to assess the issue at the beginning of the month, King said the estimated cost for repair is $150,000, and the number could possibly increase.

The expenses cover the projected price of repairs and maintenance to the lot, King said, such as light poles, new drainage, road repaving and a reinforced wall separating Lots 16 and 17.

Should the funds exceed the available dollars within the college budget, Lot 16 might instead be turned into a landscape, Maga said. “(Lot 16) is not really a crucial parking lot with its seemingly lack of strong use, (and it) seems like we could close it without really much effect,” she said.

Administrators feel that the closing of Lot 16 will have little impact on students that

“Normally, (Lot 16) was a last resort when I could not find parking. It is going to be a lot harder to find parking spots (with it closed).”

Justin Cox, student

drive to school.

“It is the most, least used parking lot in the college,” Maga said.

While most can alternatively park at Lot 17, some students say that those spaces are quick to be filled, especially during the morning.

“Normally, (Lot 16) was a last resort when I could not find parking,” student Justin Cox said. “It is going to be a lot harder to find parking spots (with it closed).”

Student Mike Johnson said that if Lot 16 were permanently closed to students, it would pose an inconvenience.

“It is going to take some extreme maneuvering to find a parking spot,” he said.

Johnson said the shutdown could affect one’s schedule, forcing students to plan more amount of time to get to school.

Maga said, until a set price is sent to the college, it is unknown whether or not the future of Lot 16 will be a revised parking lot or landscape.

Contact Asia Camagong at acamagong. advocate@gmail.com.

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l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2010

Month extols efforts of many Period honors the collective efforts of all

By Lamar James NEWS EDITOR

Throughout February, Black History Month commemorates and celebrates the achievements of prominent African-American figures throughout history.

Carter G. Woodson, who first began to observe African-American contributions to the country, founded Black History Month in 1926.

Woodson realized at a young age that the contributions of African-American people were overshadowed, so he began to change this with the celebration of Negro History Week.

According to www.infoplease.com, the second week in February was chosen to become N e g r o History Week to provide national recognition for significant Traditions A f r i c a n - continued A m e r i c a n Black History figures and Month shows their contri- just how far butions to we have come A m e r i c a n in race relah i s t o r y . tions and N e g r o just how far H i s t o r y we continue W e e k to progress was later toward true e x t e n d e d equality. and became B l a c k History Month.

“Black History Month is a great way to educate people about the great things African-American people

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did for this country,” student Simone Foster said.

February was a fitting month to choose as Black History Month, according to www.infoplease. com, because it marks other significant African-American milestones.

It is the birth month of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, the month that the 15th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was passed, g i v i n g AfricanAmericans the right to vote, and it was in February 1909 that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.

“To move forward, we must understand our past,” Liberal, Applied Health, Vocational Training and Athletics Division Dean Terence Elliott said. “And that is an important element of Black History Month, is understandand ing knowing our past, so that we can begin to move forward to the future.”

According to www.contracosta.edu/archives, black history and civil rights have been a part of this campus as early as the 1960s.

On Feb. 14, 1964, noted civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech in Contra Costa College Gymnasium.

On May 3, 1966, civil rights leader Stokley Carmichael spoke to students

SPOTLIGHT

DREAMS

OF CHANGE

T HE A DVOCATE ’ S TRIBUTE TO B LACK H ISTOR Y M ONTH

here on campus. This was the same year the president of the local NAACP chapter, Reverend Booker T. Anderson, also spoke to students.

President McKinley Williams said, “We celebrate diversity here on campus, and Black History Month is just another opportunity to celebrate diversity.”

CCC wants to make sure it honors and values the differences on campus, he said.

According to www. contracosta.edu/archives, the college offered its first African-American history course in 1967. It was titled History 123, The Negro in U.S. History.

Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver and Peace and Freedom Party leader Dick Gregory both spoke on campus in 1968.

In 1969, the Black Student Union (BSU) organized and started an informal picket

line, resulting in the creation of special on-campus programs.

And in 1999, Chancellor Helen Benjamin became the first African-American to serve as the president of the college.

“We should celebrate culture on a campus as diverse as this one,” African-American studies Chairwoman Carolyn Hodge said.

“We must remember to celebrate (African-

JAMES HECK/ THE ADVOCATE

American) history from the beginning of Africa and not as slaves,” she said.

Foster said history has an impact on the way “we see ourselves.”

“The more you know about history, the better equipped you are in dealing with some of today’s issues,” she said.

Contact Lamar James at ljames.advocate@gmail. com.

African-American quilts, history shared Art showcase offers glimpse into culture

for 14 years, features various pieces of work made by more than 60 local artists of African descent available for purchase.

Sande said, “As a black (person), it is really important we support each other’s

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR artistic (work).”

The artists, residing in Nestled on Barrett Avenue areas such as Richmond, in Richmond are open gal- Oakland, Vallejo, Sacramento leries inviting audiences to and many other California embrace a worldwide culture regions, provide viewers and immerse themselves in with “a sense of ownership,” the work of their local com- Watson said. munity.

While most galleries are “(The artwork) gives you associated with the “greater some insight into your own metropolitan area,” the art life,” visicenter brings tor Kokoye together the Sande said.

“It’s important c o m m u n i t y In its 74th by showcasanniversary, (for people) to see ing works the Richmond what their neigh- done by artArt Center is ists within the bors are doing. region, she showcasing the annual This provides a said.

Art of Living “ I t ’ s Black exhibit conduit between important (for as well as the high (art) and people) to see Amazing what their W o n d e r s : local community.” n e i g h b o r s Quilts by are doing,” AfricanWatson said.

Tracy Watson, administrative director and Americans of “This provolunteer coordinator the Northern vides a conCalifornia duit between Region and Quilting the the high (art) and local comPatch until March 13, giv- munity.” ing viewers the chance to The art center also houses experience artwork through Amazing Wonders, a display the eyes of their fellow com- of more than 30 handmade munity members. quilts done by men and “We’re being a mirror as women of all ages. opposed to a big lens,” said Dr. Patricia Turner, UC Tracy Watson, administra- Davis professor of Africantive director and volunteer American studies, made a coordinator. “This is how we presentation on Feb. 6 that see ourselves.” told the history of quilting The Art of Living Black, and its role in black history. a Bay Area exhibition that Turner brought to detail has been organized annually the use of color, shape and

ROMAN YOUNG / THE ADVOCATE

Weaving history — Dr. Patricia Turner, UC Davis professor of African-American studies, explains the origins and significance of the intricate quilts in the Amazing Wonders: Quilts by African-Americans of the Northern California Region exhibit held at the Richmond Art Center Saturday. imagery that quilters, from the past and present, put into their work to transform functionality into a unit of art.

Quilts on the wall decorated with solid colors such as black, brown and gray, as well as vibrant ones as green, yellow and red, presented how “art inspires and lifts you up,” she said.

“The people who leave here today have had their senses massaged by color,” Turner said.

Visitor Bob Fisher said, while knowing tales of secret

codes sewn onto quilts during the days of the Underground Railroad, he was inspired by the work on display.

“There’s a lot of human values that are represented in these quilts,” Fisher said.

“We don’t want to lose the tradition.”

As a third feature, visitors can also come to see Quilting the Patch, a series of digital art pieces done by students from Sacramento High School.

The free exhibition showcases a variety of media,

ranging from mixed media, paint, pastel, clay and more.

“People will get exposed to more materials,” visitor Kati Casida said. “They’ll learn about so many more materials that make art.”

Casida, a member of the Pacific Rim Sculptor Group, said the exhibit showcased “work with good quality and fine pieces.”

“A piece says a lot about the life of an artists and how they like to work,” she said.

“An artist has a world of (their) own. When we show

our work, people can get into our heads.”

Audiences are encouraged and invited to attend the gallery.

Artist receptions will be Feb. 20 from 3-5 p.m. and Feb. 27 from 1-3 p.m.

Watson said, “(The artists) are creating works as a collection of the community (that people) can actually identify with.”

Contact Asia Camagong at acamagong. advocate@gmail.com.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

7

Final half funk spurs Super Bowl game fails 67-53 loss to be super malcolmlastra

W

hat is that one time of the year when family and friends can gather together, sit around the television, drink beers and forget about their diets? That’s right — the Super Bowl.

The game of the year, however, does not live up to all its hype.

So there I was, sitting down watching the Super Bowl game on Sunday between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts, and I begin to realize how much the Super Bowl seems to be so mundane over the past three years.

The game always seems to be scripted, as the team that everyone seems to root for wins in some dramatic fashion.

Don’t get me wrong.

I like to see a surprising finish. But after awhile, it begins to get boring, especially when it is the team that is the fan favorite.

It seemed to have all started after Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, as the Giants were the underdogs and won the game on a dramatic scoring drive.

The NFL and the television company hosting the Super Bowl plan up these dramatic scenarios to draw in fans and garner money from them.

Also, the Super Bowl has become less of an actual game and more of a marathon of corny new commercials advertising the same stuff the average commercial usually promotes.

Studies show that the 30-second commercials shown during the Super Bowl register about $3 million per showing, giving the television company tons of money.

Sunday’s game proved to me to be very well acted, as on the Colts’ offensive drive to make a comeback and win the game quarterback Peyton Manning throws an obvious pass that the Saint defensive back telegraphed to intercept the ball and return it for a touchdown to win the game.

As soon as the replay was shown, one can clearly see that Manning in some way intentionally threw a bad pass to give the fan favorite Saints the victory.

If this is true, then the NFL and television company should seriously stop with the dramatic finishes where the popular team wins and use of pointless commercials and just show a regular game as one would see on any other Sunday.

Despite my personal wishes toward the Super Bowl, I know that the NFL and television company will continue to do whatever it is they are doing to draw in audiences to get money, and I will be forced to continue to watch these overdramatic, predictable games.

Malcolm Lastra is a sports editor of The Advocate. Contact him at mlastra. advocate@gmail.com.

Missed shots, miscues doom Comet squad

their match at home against Mendocino College (6-15 overall, 6-7 in the BVC) that comes after press time Tuesday, to secure a bid in the postseason.

“If we win three (of the four left as of Monday), we

By Alec Surmani ASSOCIATE EDITOR will probably get in,” coach Paul DeBolt said. “(But) if Of the nine times this we finish behind Merritt (in season when the women’s the BVC), we won’t get in.” basketball team scored fewer The Comets will have than 60 points in a game, it plenty to work on in prepahas won only one. Friday’s ration for a strong finish, match against Laney College sophomore guard Savannah was not that game.

Stewart said, as they went 7Missed shots and miscues for-20 at the free throw line prevented the Comets from and struggled to pull down building any sustainable rebounds against the Eagles. flow in the Oakland gymna“You (have to) rememsium, allowing the Eagles to ber the basic fundamental dominate the stuff, and we second half didn’t do that and snatch a tonight,” she ScoreBoard 67-53 victory said.

Eagles 67 to extend their From the winning streak opening tipComets 53 to 14 games. off, both teams L a n e y traded baskets Next game: (20-5 overall, and turnovers, Friday at Merritt, 12-1 in the creating a 5:30 p.m.

Bay Valley close game for Conference) much of the ran a full-court first half. pressure defense against Eagle forwards would Contra Costa College (15-9 slash to the basket and overall, 7-5 in the BVC) for receive the ball low in the most of the game, rattling post, making for easy points. the Comet guards and forc- In response, the Comets ing hurried decisions. would nail 3-pointers and “When we were being make strong drives to the patient, it was working,” hoop of their own. sophomore guard Zenaia Down 27-24 near the end Hunt said. “When we of the period, CCC gave up rushed, we couldn’t get in two straight field goals, leavgood rhythm on offense.” ing the team behind seven Aiming to keep playoff points with just over two hopes alive following this minutes left. conference loss, fourth-place Sophomore guard Lynette CCC will travel to Oakland Walker knocked down three once again, this time to play shots in a row, however, to third-place Merritt College offset the Eagles’ offensive (10-11 overall, 8-4 in the production and bring the BVC) on Thursday at 5:30 Comets to within three at p.m. The Comets have three halftime, 33-30. games left, not including The second half was not

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

One step closer — Comet point guard Aleah Bridges drives toward the basket, dodging Laney forward Gabrielle Davis during Contra Costa College’s 67-53 loss to the Eagles on Friday at Oakland. as kind to CCC. “They came out more hungry,” Hunt said.

Laney burst out to a 6-0 run, led by forward Shonetta Crain-Williams who netted 17 points in the game.

The Comets’ own go-to scorer, 2008-09 conferenceMVP Kenyanna “K.K.” Martin, who sat out much of the first period due to foul trouble, emerged from the locker room cold.

Missing her first three field goals, Martin took awhile to warm up. She eventually sank some late

shots and finished with 11 points, falling short of her conference-leading season average of 23.2 per game.

Yet, CCC’s collective effort, including a game-high 18 points from Hunt, could not stop Laney from gaining momentum. The Eagles continued to build their lead through impressive strings, such as their 9-1 run with roughly 12 minutes remaining in the game. “(The Comets) struggle to stop teams,” DeBolt said.

“We have to hunker down and hold teams (to fewer

points).”

Despite the convincing 14point loss, Stewart remained optimistic about their team’s postseason chances.

“We just can’t lose another game,” Stewart said. “All these are important.”

The last time CCC scored fewer than 60 points in a game was on Jan. 13 in its last-minute 52-53 loss to Mendocino, the very team it hoped to defeat Tuesday.

Contact Alec Surmani at asurmani.advocate@gmail. com.

Lack of defense earns 7-4 defeat

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR

Seven costly errors from the defense proved to get the best of the men’s baseball team, as it fell to Cañada College 7-4 at Comet Field Friday.

The Comets (0-2 overall, 0-0 in the Bay Valley Conference) displayed productive batting against the Colts (1-1 overall, 0-0 in the Coast Pacific Division) throughout the game. Its defense could not match its own offense over the course of the game, however, as Contra Costa College made several fielding mistakes to give Cañada the victory.

“You’re not going to win with seven errors, no matter how many hits you get,” coach Marvin Webb said. “We just have to give a little more effort to get the win.”

CCC will look to rebound against Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa

Box scores Women’s Basketball (Feb. 5 ) Laney College (67) Bashir 1-3 0-0 2, Shula 2-10 0-0 6, Davis 2-4 0-2 5, Rollins 1-3 1-2 3, Bradley 3-9 4-5 12, Booker 1-4 0-0 3, Giles 0-0 0-0 0, Crowell 4-6 0-0 8, Pettus 0-0 0-0 0, Crain-Williams 7-8 3-6 17, Alston 2-4 0-0 4, Larkin 4-6 0-0 8. Totals 27-57 8-15 67.

Contra Costa College (53) Gipson 0-1 0-0 0, Sanders 0-0 0-0 0, Montgomery 1-5 0-0 3, Bridges 2-4 0-2 4, Stewart 0-2 0-1 0, Hunt 5-9 4-7 18, Aquino 1-4 2-2 5, Martin 5-10 1-6 11, Williams 0-0 0-0 0, Walker 5-7 0-1 10, Farinas 1-1 0-0 2, Love 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 20-43 7-20 53.

Three-point goals Laney — Shula 2, Davis 1, Booker 1.

Contra Costa — Hunt 4, Montgomery 1, Aquino 1.

Fouled out Laney — None. Contra Costa — None.

Schedule Women’s basketball at Merritt, Thursday 5:30 p.m. vs. Napa, Feb. 17 5:30 p.m.

Men’s basketball at Merritt, Thursday 7:30 p.m. vs. Napa, Feb. 17 7:30 p.m.

Baseball at Santa Rosa, today 2 p.m. vs. Mission, Feb. 19 2 p.m.

Softball vs. Taft, Tuesday 1 p.m. (DH) at Monterey, Feb. 18 1 p.m. (DH)

Barahana couldn’t handle allowing Rosa today at 2 p.m.

The first inning of Friday’s game DiPaola and outfielder Evan Warner began well for CCC as it was able to make it to first and third base.

Infielder Tony Cooper hit a single to get on base on its first at-bat with a double from outfielder Javan to bring in DiPaola. Shortly after, Warner stole second Williams. Williams was then able to steal base and scored off a a base, and with the single from outfielder ScoreBoard Robert Scott. addition of a single CCC responded from infielder Ronald Colts 7 back to Cañada in the Morris that brought in Comets 4 Williams, the Comets bottom of the third were able to get their inning, through a triple Next game: from Williams, a single first run.

Today at Santa from outfielder Thomas “We should have Rosa, 2 p.m. blew into the game Schwartz and a double in the first inning,” from infielder Ronnie Arnold, which brought Webb said. “We should have put the ball in play and home Schwartz and Williams and gave the Comets a 3-2 lead. got in scoring position.”

The third inning proved rough The Comets continued to pour for the Comets, as pitcher Wesley on the offensive intensity in the Tramble gave up a hit to the Colts fifth inning, with Williams hitting on a single from outfielder David a single, stealing his second base DiPaola. Tramble then threw a of the game and running home on wild pitch which catcher Sebastian a sacrifice fly ball. He had three of

SportShort Comets’ comeback win continues playoff hopes The men’s basketball team was able to keep its playoff hopes alive with a comeback 68-62 win over College of Alameda Friday.

“We came out strong,” assistant coach Glen Graham said. “Everybody was playing hard.”

Contra Costa College will look to maintain its momentum going into next game against Merritt College in Oakland Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Although the Comets came out playing strong, they began to struggle from that point on, trailing the Cougars 32-31 at the end of the first half.

With CCC still struggling entering the second half, Graham called a timeout to motivate the team with a speech to regain its composure in honor of coach Miguel Johnson’s mother, who died last week.

In order to shut down the Cougars’ perimeter players, the Comets switched to a zone defense which helped them win the game.

Graham said it was an important victory, not just because they needed to win, but also of the attitude shown by his players who had to fight back from a late deficit.

— Hilberth Diaz Ibarra

CCC’s four runs in the game.

“Williams is swinging the bat real good (for us) right now,” Webb said.

“We may have to drop him down the lineup if other players don’t step up.”

The game started to switch momentum in the sixth inning, as CCC gave up two scores to Cañada outfielders Tim Rivera and Scott, caused by a dropped ball from the defense and another wild pitch from Tramble.

The Comets fell apart in the seventh inning, dropping two balls and another wild pitch from Tramble, giving him a total of four. This led to three runs for the Colts, giving them a 7-4 lead.

“Our defense was horrible (today),” Tramble said. “We have way too much talent to be playing like this.”

Contact Malcolm Lastra at mlastra.advocate@gmail.com.

Game of the Week Women’s basketball Contra Costa College VS.

Merritt College When: Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Oakland Records: CCC 15-9 overall, 7-5 in the BVC. Merritt 10-11 overall, 8-4 in the BVC. Background: The women’s basketball team seeks a victory against conference-rival Merritt College in order to increase its chance of reaching the playoffs. The Comets currently trail the Thunderbirds by one game in the Bay Valley Conference. Merritt lost the past two meetings this season against CCC, 73-46 and 76-58. The Comets hope to sweep the series with a third win.

— Malcolm Lastra

8 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

This week: “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” (PG) “Valentine’s Day” (PG-13) “Wolfman” (R)

DVDs

New releases: “The Time Traveler’s Wife” (PG-13) “Endgame” (PG-13) “A Serious Man” (R) “Couples Retreat” (PG-13) “The Stepfather” (PG-13) “Bronson” (R)

CDs

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2010

College sitcom sparks laughter ‘Community’ shows relatable school life

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR

It has been made known on television that a college life is fun, but no program has ever illustrated life at a community college until NBC’s new comedy “Community.”

The show follows a study group of seven people at Greendale Community College in Colorado with students of different age groups, such as a few fresh out of high school, a middle-aged woman and a senior citizen.

The group also varies with characters with different personalities, which give most of the audience a character to relate to.

“Community” is a show that is funny, especially for students who would like to see community college taken in a comedic way.

The actors capture their characters nicely to put on a great show.

The program consists of several actors already known for their comedic roles in other shows, including “The Soup” host Joel McHale, who plays the show’s lead character, Jeff Winger. Other big names in the show are comedic legend Chevy Chase and Ken Jeong, who is best known for his role as Leslie Chow in “The Hangover.”

The show opens by following the big shot lawyer protagonist,

Campus groups prepare growth STAFF WRITER

Sade: “Soldier of Love” Massive Attack: “Heligoland” Jaheim: “Another Round” Hot Chip: “One Left Stand” Gil ScottHeron: “I’m New Here” Young Jeezy: “Thug Motivation”

Games

New releases: “Bioshock 2” (PS3/ XBOX360/ PC - M) “Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll” (WII - E) “Dante’s Inferno” (PS3/ XBOX360 - M) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

Jeff, who has to return to college after the Colorado Bar Association finds out his bachelor’s degree is “less than legitimate.” Having a degree from Columbia, he explains to his counselor that he now “needs to get one from America.”

While in school, Jeff meets a woman in his Spanish class named Britta. Looking to score a date, he invites her to study with him for their Spanish class.

When she arrives, however, she brings along fellow classmate Abed to study with them, and soon tvreview after more people join to make a study group of seven. The group includes a former “Community” high school star ★★★★★ quarterback, Troy, Starring: Joel a preppy school McHale, Chevy girl, Annie, a Chase, Danny Pudi divorced middleNetwork: NBC aged women, Time slot: Shirley, a high Thursdays, 8 p.m.

Genre: Comedy school dropout who decides to return to college in her late 20s, Britta, and Abed, the pop culture junkie who connects most of the things that happen to events in movies or shows.

Chase plays Pierce Hawthorne, the group’s senior citizen who decides to go back to college for companionship. He tries to stay up with the latest trends to try to fit in with the young crowd and most of the things he says are absurd,

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Chasing education — Chevy Chase (left) plays senior citizen student Pierce Hawthorne in NBC’s comedy “Community.” Revolving around students at a community college, it airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.

awkward or nonsensical.

Dean Craig Pelton tries to make Greendale a better place by hosting events, such as a sexually transmitted disease fair in hopes to prevent the spread of STDs, which ends up getting almost everybody drunk and having the condoms given out at the fair with accidental holes in them.

Jeong plays the egotistic AsianAmerican Spanish teacher, Señor

Chang, who gives himself the nickname of “El Tigre Chino.”

While Jeong’s character is a regular in the show, he does not appear in all the episodes. When he does, however, his character usually becomes a huge part of all the laughs.

Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com.

Clubs aim for more recruits

By Lisette Alvarez

New releases: Yeasayer: “Odd Blood”

SCENE

In hopes of recruiting new members, campus clubs will once again participate in Club Rush this semester, to be held today and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the quad.

Designed to not only attract more new members, the event also aims to get more students involved with the college itself, Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) Honor Society member Ruth Lopez said.

She said that last semester Club Rush attracted fewer students than in previous occa-

sions. This was because of the moving of the event to the plaza in front of the Student Services Center, bad timing and a lack of enthusiasm from the other clubs.

AGS did, however, find some success in recruiting members, Lopez said.

“Our club membership was about 30 members (last semester) and now it’s plus 100,” she said. “We were definitely more out there in trying to get more people to come in.”

One of the activities that will be included at this semester’s Club Rush is Free Cycle Day, in which students can donate items they do not need anymore, such as old clothes.

ASU Vice President of Clubs Henry Parker said, “The purpose of Free Cycle Day is to

build a sense of unity amongst the students.”

Refreshments will also be included, and each club will set up their own tables with snacks, he said.

While serving snacks, club members will be interacting with the students and giving them information about the clubs they may be interested in joining.

ASU activity coordinator Johanna Garcia said the ASU will have a meeting with all the other clubs to decide on final choices between snacks.

Club members also hope to gain the attention of the community outside of Contra Costa College, possibly requiring an entrance fee to participate. The organization plans on accomplishing these goals by being

“creative and flamboyant,” Parker said.

For instance, AGS is going to have two mascots dressed as Eeyore and Tigger from “Winnie the Pooh” with AGS T-shirts on, Lopez said. They will have candy, small decorations and will try to have music going, she said.

Lopez said AGS is hoping to attract at least 50 recruitments, raise funds and network with other clubs.

“This year is definitely going to be way fun,” Lopez said.

By attending Club Rush, students will be exposing themselves to different experiences and cultures, ASU member Reza Rezvani said.

Contact Lisette Alvarez at lalvarez.advocate@gmail.com.

Rush hours Who: Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, ASU and other clubs on campus What: Club Rush When: Today and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: The quad Why: The event seeks to unite students and engage them to participate in campus activities. By increasing membership, the groups will be able to encourage students to gain different experiences and enrich their lives through exposure to diversity.

Dinner with movie silences ambivalence Specialty venue feeds unique desire

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The prospect of planning a movie and dinner outing can prove to be difficult for indecisive people such as myself.

I question whether the meal should come before or after the film, which restaurant to settle for, all while worrying about time restraints. The limitless options tire me.

Rather than accepting defeat, however, a small community cinema has helped restore and change my idea of this experience SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE Showtime — Ashley Bonifacio (left) of Rialto Cinemas in El Cerrito by incorporating the movie night sells a ticket to Nancy Williams for the 4:15 p.m. showing of “An concept with meals delivered Education” on Monday. The theater is open every day of the week. straight to your theater table. can seat approximately 140 viewEven from its outside appearAside from the red velvet curers and the upstairs can seat 115 ance, Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, tains and full performance stage, viewers, the big screen is small located at 10070 San Pablo Ave., there are green loveseat couches compared to others, but that offers a timeless and personable and large blue armchairs that should be expected. ambiance in comparison to the make it easy to feel at home.

The sound quality is up to par. modern, stadium-style multiLuckily, because of the ample I have yet to see the theater hit plexes. arm and leg space of each seating maximum capacity and though While first-run Hollywood area, there will never be a need that observation may sound unfareleases are available, the Cerrito to politely ask the person behind vorable to the management, the is best at showcasing independent, you to stop kicking your chair. foreign and specialty films.

Also avoided is the awkward shuf- quietness provides the intimate Upon entrance inside the fling of having to climb over your environment that makes the Cerrito feel special. wheelchair-accessible business, neighbor’s legs when you need to The full-kitchen menu offers the two theaters are adorned with step out for a phone call or a rest a variety of reasonably priced old-fashioned-feeling interiors room break. sandwiches, burgers, pizza and and comfortable furniture.

Since the lower level room

desserts. For instance, a proscuitto pizza and hefty-sized super nachos totaled under $20.

Not including concession stand items, such as popcorn and candy, it is recommended to arrive 20 minutes ahead if ordering meals.

Service is prompt, and the staff is friendly and conversational. venuereview This theater definitely caters to a mature and responsible crowd, as guests over “Rialto Cinemas” 21 years old can ★★★★★ enjoy purchasing Location: 10070 San Pablo Ave. in from a selection El Cerrito of beer and wine.

Price Range: It is the perfect $7.50-9.50 setting to grab a bite, share some words with your significant other or friends and listen to good music before the film begins.

General admission tickets are $9.50 each. The costs for students with valid school identification cards, senior citizens, children under 11 years old and matinee, or before 5 p.m., are $7.50 a piece.

The Cerrito is open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight.

More information can be found at www.rialtocinemas.com.

Contact Holly Pablo at hpablo. advocate@gmail.com.