The Advocate - Feb. 16, 2011

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

Sebadoh still rocking

Band proves influential two decades after formation

campus beat ◆ page 4

Signing

Author to host presentation

CMYK

scene ◆ page 6

sports ◆ page 5

Defensive leader Ray heads women’s basketball team

VOL. 96, NO. 13

SINCE 1950 6 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2011 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

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

New deal under review

Student robbed, attacked

VIBRANT SMILE

Police Services apprehend one crime suspect

United Faculty finalizes staff negotiations

By Sam Attal

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

By Alexandra Waite

sattal.advocate@gmail.com

NEWS EDITOR

The intention behind the event was to educate and inform the community about black history and African culture. “(The purpose of the event) is

Even though Police Services Sgt. Ryan Huddleston has recommended walking in groups on campus to avoid becoming an easy target for a robbery, the strategy has not worked for some.

A student was held up at gunpoint and robbed of her belongings as she walked with two others toward the Bus Transfer Center on the night of Feb. 7.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., 22-year-old Anudari Odgiiv and her two friends Odonnyam Shirendev and Khulan Buyanjargal were walking from the Liberal Arts Building to the Bus Transfer Center when two males began to follow them.

“Obviously, in this situation, (the suspects) were targeting someone,” Huddleston said.

When they reached the Bus Transfer Center, one man pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and demanded that Odgiiv hand over her belongings.

She instantly froze in shock and was pushed down by the second suspect who stripped away her backpack, containing $40 and her schoolwork.

The suspects then fled west toward Del Camino Drive.

In the police report, the first suspect is described as a 200-pound 6-foot-1-inch tall African-American man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

The second suspect is described as 5-foot-10-inch tall AfricanAmerican man and about 200 pounds. He was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt.

A person fitting the description of one of the suspects was arrested after another witness to the crime reported seeing both suspects near the Bus Transfer Center on Feb. 9.

Officers approached a 20year-old El Sobrante resident at the AC Transit Line 72 bus stop.

■ SEE CELEBRATION: Page 3

■ SEE ROBBERY: Page 3

awaite.advocate@gmail.com

After several negotiating sessions discussing compensation, benefits and leaves among other issues affecting faculty, a tentative agreement between the Contra Costa Community College District and United Faculty is now in the ratification process.

“It was the longest it took to reach an agreement,” United Faculty President Jeffrey Michels said. “The state budget is so unsettled, it was hard to come to agreement with the issues.”

The 2010-2011 tentative agreement focuses largely on working conditions for faculty, family medical leaves, sick leave donations and benefits for part-time faculty, Dr. Michels said.

Michels said, “We talked quite a bit about parity, a certain amount of money set aside by the state to increase the salary of part-time faculty. They cut that money a while ago, and we talked about whether faculty would have to take the pay cut or if the district will provide the money.”

Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Gene Huff said the agreement developed a catastrophic family leave plan and a sick leave donation, already in place for full-time faculty but which can now extend to part-time faculty, both of which would run for two years.

The district will be trying to negotiate a vision insurance plan for part-time faculty, Huff said.

For the agreement to become effective, the United Faculty and the Governing Board have to vote for it by Feb. 23.

Michels said the United Faculty negotiates every year with the college district by open■ SEE CONTRACT: Page 3

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

In spirit — A Fua Dia Congo dancer performs during the “Celebrating Blackness: From Africa to America” event held in the Knox Center on Thursday.

AFRICA CELEBRATED Event in Knox Center

features student acts in honor of Black History Month

By Rodney Woodson STAFF WRITER

rwoodson.advocate@gmail.com

February has traditionally been recognized as Black History Month, giving students and faculty a chance each year to share their experiences and learn about their roots.

African-American studies department Chairwoman Carolyn Hodge, social sciences department Chairman Manu Ampim, the African Studies Department and the Black Student Union presented the annual Black Heritage Month celebration entitled, “Celebrating Blackness: From Africa to America” Thursday at the John and Jean Knox Center for the Performing Arts from 6-8 p.m.

“I like to have the young folks from campus express themselves.

(Their participation) was my favorite part of the night.”

Carolyn Hodge,

African-American studies department chairwoman

edit orial Missing watchdogs

The campus is feeling the low number of Police Services officers. The department needs to be returned to full force before more crimes are committed.

page 2 in brief w A student

was held at gunpoint and robbed on the night of Feb. 7 at the Bus Transfer Center.

w Two

suspects approached the victim and her friends while they were walking out of class.

w After

threatening her, the suspects stole her backpack, containing $40.

w A suspect

matching the description was apprehended on Feb. 9, but has not yet been identified as the attacker.

Zumba fever grips class on campus

By Dariush Azmoudeh

Gunn-Young said. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s a total body workout; not concentrated on one part — everything is For Contra Costa College students moving.” interested in finding a way to work The class provides students a way out while having to stay active while moving every part fun, a new Zumba “It’s a lot of fun and of their bodies and class is being offered two days a week in it’s a total body work- moving to the beat of the Gym Annex the music. out; not concentrated Building.

Some prefer it as an alternative to Zumba is a fitness on one part — every- going dance class taught to the gym and thing is moving .” lifting weights. in thousands of different locations with “I like being able licensed instructors to dance and exercise.

Desiree Gunn-Young, Zumba instructor teaching students I love to dance but I to dance in various hate to exercise, so GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE Latin styles. this helps,” student Rosalyn Davis said. Dancing toward fitness — Zumba dance instructor Desiree Gunn-Young (left) leads “We do merengue, salsa, reggaeton, “Once you get the momentum going, the class in dance in GA-110 on Feb. 1. Zumba is a workout program that focuses on and calypso,” Zumba instructor Desiree ■ SEE ZUMBA: Page 3 the entire body by dancing to different Latin musical styles.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com

CMYK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “We write to develop consciousness, not to entertain; there’s enough entertainment going on.”

Tess Onwueme playwright 1988 Sam Attal editor-in-chief Dariush Azmoudeh associate editor Lamar James associate editor Cassidy Gooding opinion editor Malcolm Lastra sports editor Alexandra Waite news editor George Morin photo editor Jermaine Harrison circulation manager Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Christopher Clausen April Halog Hilberth Ibarra Jazmaine Mitchell Iris Jett Horace Jordan Angelina Rucobo Janit Saechao Jesslyn Sherrod Parris Washington Rodney Woodson Staff photographers Hanan Ayyad Qing Huang Saleene Jones Adam Oliver Yao Saetern Jesse Sutherland Christian Urrutia Roman Young Staff illustrators Jared Amdahl Faythe Del Rosario 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, 2010 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. 16, 2011

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 9, 2011 VOL. 96, NO. 2 ●

Editorial Safety uncertain Campus needs increased protection

T

he neighborhoods and communities surrounding Contra Costa College have long been known as rough areas filled with high crime rates. It follows, then, that students should take precautions against the issues which sometimes can spew onto school grounds.

Do not flaunt valuables, do not walk with music blaring in your ears so loudly you can’t hear your surroundings and always remember there’s safety in numbers.

These are the steps Police Services Sgt. Ryan Huddleston has tried to drill into students’ heads, and are usually pretty safe bets.

What happens, though, when these measures aren’t enough?

In the past three years, the rate of robberies and assaults at the Bus Transfer Center has risen drastically. There are multiple reasons for this. The station is set apart from the rest of the campus and has a heavy traffic flow of both students and people from off campus simply taking buses. Particularly at night, students are vulnerable to being attacked there.

This is so especially considering Police Services’ officers patrolling the campus have dwindled to just one between the hours of 7 and 11 a.m. and 7 and 11 p.m. due to budget cuts.

Sure, CCC isn’t a huge campus, but it’s definitely too big for one officer to patrol effectively. Spread so thin, how often must the officer check any given area? Once an hour or maybe each half hour? Even if he or she were to concentrate more on places like the Bus Transfer Center, where there have been recent assaults, the rest of the campus would be neglected during those hours.

Yes, California is in a budget crisis.

Yes, every department of the college is cutting back. But should something as paramount as campus safety be so severely strained to save money? Safety has a higher value than that.

Surely the one officer policing the campus during the mornings and evenings is doing an exemplary job of it, but with so little manpower, much has fallen through the cracks.

Already this semester, there have been reports of two students being robbed at gunpoint on different occasions. Both were at the Bus Transfer Center. During both instances, the victims were with other people. The buddy system failed them and Police Services cannot possibly be everywhere at once while they are so understaffed.

Should CCC students start to hope that a masked vigilante adopts our campus as his crime-fighting territory?

The budget needs to be re-worked and more funds need to be allocated toward Police Services. There is a need for more officers on campus all day to help students and faculty feel more secure.

FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO / THE ADVOCATE

■ Romance

Society stresses, scrambles true love

T

he Fable: she meets the man of her dreams, they fall head over heels in love, get married, have children and live happily ever after.

In reality, relationships never really measure up to the “Disney Princess” standard. Personally, I wish I could ban fairy tale love story cartoon movies from the viewing eyes of young impressionable girls.

OK, maybe fairy tale love stories are not all to blame, but they certainly do not help things. I am a firm believer in telling children the truth rather than the “harmless” lies that parents often tell, such as Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny.

Why not just tell them the truth about it all? For example, a parent could say to a child, “Hey Junior, a fat dude in a red suit riding a sleigh flown by magical reindeer didn’t bring these presents. I went to Wal-Mart and bought them for you and your sister.”

As for the fairy tales, they lead our female youth to believe that Prince Charming will come to rescue them, take away all cares and worries and that everything about love is beautiful. Love is lovely, yes, but it is also pain, suffering, heartache, stress and pressure.

Unfortunately the pressure and stress in relationships usually comes from women.

For the most part it is the predetermined notion that once in a relationship, it is all about the woman and this in turn fuels females to turn into brats.

rodneywoodson

you ask me, I think the kid just did not want Disney to be pissed off at him for being with a girl openly after that whole “purity ring” thing, or maybe he just wanted to get laid.

People often forget that having sex is a part of nature, but really, Disney? These guys’ target audience has to be preteens and early teenage girls and boys. I’m no genius, at least I do not think I am, but I do know that telling youngsters not to do something is just like telling them to do something.

Society is your worst enemy when dealing with personal affairs. Instead of believing everything we see or hear, we should look inside and believe ourselves.

True love starts in the mirror, not out the window. In the immortal words of rapper Mannie Fresh, “Love yourself, go on a honeymoon and treat yourself.”

There are billions of people on this planet, which is one in our large solar system, which is one in this universe.

Do not limit your world to whether or not someone else makes you happy; that is your job.

And ladies, when it comes to relationships, you should be more like men. Think a little bit more with your brain instead of your heart.

In today’s world you will be better off. Trust me, I know from experience.

I have been in a few serious relationships before and am currently in one now. We hardly ever argue, we enjoy one another’s company and I still enjoy “giving her the business.”

Yes, it has already been two years but it feels like six months and in this relationship, I have never felt less pressure. Why, you ask?

Because we keep it “100” with each other, meaning we share all of each other with each other.

We understand where we are in our lives and our relationship. While a lot of our peers are rushing to move in with their significant others, or to have children and get married, we realize (like responsible adults) that we are not ready for that yet.

Taking things slowly we are, as Yoda would say, but I think that is what more Americans need to do.

Despite what society and religions say, I think each individual should sit down and think about who they want to be with and why.

Look what is going on in society: Jay-Z allegedly has to pay Beyoncé $5 million for every child of his that she bears. Seriously? It’s getRodney Woodson is a staff ting to the point where you have to pay your wife to have writer for The Advocate.

Contact him at rwoodson. your kid? Or what about Kevin Jonas getting married? advocate@gmail.com.

Maybe he is in love, but if

CampusComment

Why do you think African-American history is important?

“Black history is important because we have been blanketed with 200 years of world history from a Eurocentric perspective.”

“Because it shows respect to the AfricanAmericans who made a difference in society today.”

“We open the door for remembrance and opportunities for other immigrants and cultures to be celebrated.”

Myeshia Ellison Tiyonna Moore-Howard

Baron Cope

“The black culture is so important, and a lot of black historians are important.”

criminal justice

geology

FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO & JESSE SUTHERLAND / THE ADVOCATE

nursing

Steven Lockhart kinesiology

“It shows that AfricanAmericans can do things in life.”

“Well, I think black history is criminally underrated, and it’s good for it to be celebrated.”

Brittney Jones English

Alex Mora undecided

CAMPUS BEAT accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE

Robbery

3

Crime scene

■ FROM: Page 1

Twitter

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

Newsline ■ FRESHMEN

Event welcomes new students Contra Costa College will host a “First Year Experience Convocation” in the Fireside Room today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will be held to familiarize new students with the campus and provide them with information on how to graduate.

For more details, contact Kelly Ramos at 510-235-7800, ext.

4407.

■ MEMBERSHIP

BSU hosts first meeting of year The Black Student Union will hold its first meeting to connect and get involved with students on Thursday in LA-105 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Simetrius or Barbara at ccc. bsu@gmail.com

■ CINDERELLA

Department presents play The drama department will present “Cinderella,” a play written and directed by Clay David, on March 2 through 5 in the Knox Center at 8 p.m.

Admission for children under the age of 10 is $5, $10 for students/seniors, and $15 general admission.

A matinee showing is scheduled for March 6 at 4:00 p.m.

■ GUEST SPEAKER

Author to give presentation A presentation by author Andrew Lam will be held by The Friends of the Library in LA-100 on Feb. 23 from 9:45 to 11 a.m.

Following the presentation, Lam will be at the college Bookstore signing books until 12:15 p.m.

CrimeWatch Tuesday, Feb. 8: Officers responded to a verbal dispute between a male and female student in the Student Service Center. Both subjects have restraining orders and are trying to determine who has the right to be at school.

Wednesday, Feb. 9: Three students were approached at the bus stop by two suspects who brandished a weapon and took one of the student’s backpack.

Officer conducted a pedestrian stop on a possible suspect in Lot 10. The suspect was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and was arrested.

Thursday, Feb. 10: An officer responded to a report of a male student fainting at the Student Service Center. Upon the officers arrival the student was alert and conscious and declined medical attention.

A student was cited for using a handicap placard on a vehicle that did not belong to him or her in Lot 6.

Friday, Feb. 11: A student reported that an unknown female stole her purse from her backpack while in class in the Physical Science Building.

— Malcolm Lastra

“He acted very nervous and fidgety,” Huddleston said.

After officers searched him, they found a gun matching the description of the one used to rob Odgiiv.

The suspect was transported to Martinez Detention Facility and has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon, bearing a loaded firearm in public, being in possession of a firearm on school ground and for disguising a dangerous weapon.

Detectives are currently investigating if the suspect is connected to the robbery.

Huddleston said the crime was not reported until Feb. 9 because the victim and the witnesses were in shock after the incident. Odgiiv, Shirendev and Buyanjargal are from Mongolia and are part of the International “It’s tragic.

Education They need Program.

They first more (offitold program cers to) Coordinator Sui-Fen Liao patrol over of the inci(the Bus dent who then referred them Transfer to Police Center).”

Services.

“These Sui-Fen Liao, people are going to tell international education coordinator others in their country that this college is unsafe,” Liao said.

“It’s going to affect the image (of the college).”

She said although the students are already registered with the school’s program, they hope to take classes at another school.

“It’s tragic,” Liao said.” They need more (officers to) patrol over that area.”

On the night of Feb. 2, anoth-

A student was robbed of her belongings at gunpoint at the Bus Transfer Center on the night of Feb. 9.

INFOGRAPHIC BY SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

er student was robbed at the Bus Transfer Center at gunpoint by two suspects with similar, but not identical, descriptions to the recent case. More than $1,000 in merchandise was taken.

Huddleston said if students ever

feel like they are in danger, they should go inside a building and ask college employees to call Police Services.

“Removing yourself from the situation is key,” Huddleston said. “We’re here to make sure

everybody can come to school in peace.”

He also urges students to leave tips, which can be anonymous, on the district Police Services silent witness line at 510-685-1230, ext.

1999.

Celebration | Heritage, passion illuminated ■ FROM: Page 1

to raise the awareness of the importance of African and African-American contributions to the world,” Ampim said. “We want to express the greatest part of black exports in fields of writing, medicine, mathematics, architecture and dance.”

Contra Costa College student Tony Villagra said, “It was a good show. I liked it a lot and learned a lot about other cultures. The quote (from one of the presenters), ‘Make things last forever,’ touched me. It made me realize that I should slow down and work harder and I’ll enjoy school more. I give this event an A-plus.”

“It was an interesting event. I enjoyed the artwork and I appreciated how they showed the trueness of black culture,” student Torrie Pierre said.

She also said she learned that it’s important to know one’s heritage.

College Bookstore customer service clerk Erika Greene hosted the event for the third time.

She was not only the hostess but also one of the main preparers of the event.

“We started working on the event in December by planning a theme. We thought about who we wanted as presenters and what new information to bring to the community,” she said.

The difference from this year’s event and the events in the past was the involvement of the students.

“We tried to have the students perform the event.” Hodge said. “I like to have the young folks from campus express themselves.

(Their participation) was my favorite part of the night.”

The evening began with a welcome address

“We want to express the greatest part of black exports in fields of writing, medicine, mathematics, architecture and dance.”

Manu Ampim,

social sciences department chairman

to the audience by the energetic host, Greene.

Following her was the singing of “The Black National Anthem,” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” originally by James Weldon Johnson.

Greene then returned to the microphone to present to the crowd of about 130 people an educational segment about Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the history of African Heritage Month. Third semester student Jihad Vinson spoke of the impact that African-American studies have had on his life. “‘Celebrating Blackness: From Africa to America’ raises awareness about African and American culture and history. I’ve always been proud to be of African descent and this event really shows how powerful our people are,” Vinson said.

Simetrius Stokes was supposed to follow with a sign language dance to Marvin Sapp’s “You Saw the Best In Me,” but a slight audio malfunction postponed her performance. While things were sorted out, Greene entertained the crowd with her personality and she also informed the people about books that illustrate African and African-American Culture.

The show continued as the next performer, Ptah Mitchell-El recited three poems that moved the audience, which gave Mitchell-El a loud applause as he left the stage.

The technical difficulties subsided as Stokes finally took the stage to perform. Her emotional performance captivated the audience. She yelled out to them and cried for them to feel and understand the words of the song. After her performance, Stokes received a standing ovation.

Among other presentations and performances was a slideshow presented by former CCC student, Jasmyn Oliver, which depicted historical Egyptian findings and artifacts. The slides included photos of Pharaoh Amenemhet III, Hesy-Re Chief dentist, the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, originally written by Ahmose and the three great pyramids of Gizar.

CCC student and poet Kena Bates recited her original piece entitled “Beauty Queen.” She said her motivation for the poem was understanding the struggles of black women and beauty in America and finding her own identity.

Tanya Tigner and the young women of the Dimensions Dance Theatre received great applause after their performance, but the performance of the night was the African dance and drumming of Fua Dia Congo.

“My favorite part of the night was the last performance. I think it shows where hip-hop (music) came from,” Pierre said.

Villagra said, “My favorite part was the (African) dancing and drumming at the end. It was very entertaining, I could feel the action, the crowd was feeling it, I’m glad I came.”

Hodge also said she enjoyed the Fua Dia Congo performance.

Zumba | Dance class Contract | Faculty ■ FROM: Page 1

why stop? It’s fun and cheaper than 24 Hour Fitness.”

Zumba is taught every Monday and Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. in GA-10. The class is not currently credited, but GunnYoung said that it’s on a trial and if enough people get interested, it might continue as a credited class.

“Everybody is on the same page and you come in with your own pace. I like it, it’s better than aerobics,” student Christine Sanok said.

Gunn-Young said that Zumba originated in Colombia, created by Alberto Perez. Perez is an aerobics teacher who one day was on his way to teach his class when he realized he forgot his aerobic music tapes.

He decided to improvise by using the music he had with him, such as salsa, and created a new workout routine.

In the class, Gunn-Young instructs the class through each move, step-by-step, moving each part of the body to a certain beat.

Each song has a different rhythm that calls for movement of different

parts of the body.

Gunn-Young shares a connection with the students in her class and said that she sees them more than just students; also as friends.

“Once everybody knows the routine, it’s like you’re hanging out with your friends,” she said.

Not too long ago, Gunn-Young was a student of Zumba. She liked it so much that she decided to teach it.

“This is my first class as an instructor, but I have been doing Zumba since last year. My daughter took me to one of the classes at 24 Hour Fitness. I fell in love with it,” she said.

“Sometime around September, I decided that it is something I want to do. Dancing has been a passion of mine, so I decided to get my license in it and instruct it.”

Everyone in the class said Zumba is a great way to relieve stress after a hard day.

“I enjoy the dances, the music, the movement and the instructor,” student Korey Davis said. “It feels great. If you have a hard time at your job, you come here and relieve the stress.”

■ FROM: Page 1

ing up just two of the 26 articles in the contract for discussion.

“In general it’s a modest agreement, but it does protect everyone for another year,” Michels said.

“We’ve developed one of the healthiest negotiating relationships in the state.”

One of the major changes in the agreement was the clarification of Medicare reimbursement eligibility language, Huff said.

“Financially, the Medicare language changes are a big deal,” he said. “We have allowed people to stay on both our district paid medical plans after they retire, and the district would reimburse them for Medicare costs. The district has paid all of those expenses, and we have about a million dollars in premium.”

The medical language clarification makes it so faculty has to either participate in a medical coordinated plan or go on Medicare, but they cannot be on both. “(The additional medical benefits are) a very expensive thing to have in place that doesn’t justify the cost, bottom line,” he said.

“Eighty-eight percent of all dollars in the college district go to pay for employees’ salaries and benefits and retirees’ benefits, it makes more money for active employee benefit increases,” Huff said.

Some significant changes were made in the administration, accumulation, and usage of bank load.

Bank load is a way for faculty members to teach additional courses in one semester to offset how much teaching they have to do in upcoming semesters, Michels said. “(The tentative agreement) is not an eventful agreement,” Michels said. “When there’s so many money cuts, it’s hard to make new plans.”

Huff said the district believes it is a fair agreement for both sides and hopes it will be approved.

“We do sometimes have a hard time competing with San Francisco and other local colleges that pay better than we do, so in that sense we did a good job,” Michels said.

“We think that the students’ learning conditions are important, so it’s important that faculty gets paid well.”

4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2011

CAMPUS BEAT

Chancellor volunteers pay cut Benjamin sacrifices salary to aid funds

By Lamar James ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ljames.advocate@gmail.com

Dr. Helen Benjamin, chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District, has voluntarily taken a 5 percent pay cut and an additional cap to her health benefits.

The decision came at a time when the district is expecting millions of dollars to be cut from the budget.

Benjamin proposed to take the pay cut at a Governing Board meeting on Jan. 26.

Benjamin said, “Under the circumstances we are in, I just thought it was the right thing to do.”

She said the board agreed the district will not continue to pay into her health benefits; instead, she will now pay from her own pocket.

Jeffrey Michels, president of United

Faculty of Contra Costa Community represents a reduction to what her salaCollege District, said the union respects ry was on July 1, 2009. In addition, she is foregoing any merit-based increase her decision to take the pay cut.

“We encouraged the board to thank she would have otherwise been eligible her for the gesture,” Michels said. “The to receive on July 1, 2011.” board appreciAssuming ated her gesthe Chancellor “The situation we are facing receives ture and voted an is very grim. And in a time to accept her evaluation of at “satisfacpay cut.” when (Benjamin) was sup- least H oweve r, tory” for 2010they also want posed to get a raise, she took 11, she would have received a to make sure a cut.” her pay was not 5 percent merit increase. In being cut too Brandon Amargo, drastically. combination, student trustee “We don’t these actions constitute a want her to be underpaid because she really does a voluntary reduction in potential salary great job. We wouldn’t want (another of over 10 percent. college district) to steal her away from Brandon Amargo, student trustee, said, “This was a very honorable thing us,” Michels said.

According to the agenda from the to do. This shows great leadership and Governing Board meeting on Jan. 26, she is really setting the example for 2011, “The Chancellor is seeking to what a leader should be.” voluntarily reduce her salary by approxHe said Benjamin was in line for a imately 5 percent, from $272,328 to raise and would have received one, but $259,356, effective July 1, 2011. This she took a cut to her pay.

Sheila Grilli, Governing Board trustee, said, “She (Benjamin) just decided to do this. It was not forced upon her; it was her will to do so.”

Grilli said this will not have any great impact on the district but it shows great leadership and is a symbolic gesture.

“The situation we are facing is very grim. And in a time when she (Benjamin) was supposed to get a raise, she took a cut. She is an excellent chancellor and we value her,” Amargo said.

He said board members did not want to cut Benjamin’s pay because they realize the hard work she does, but in the end, they agreed to do it because it is what she wanted to be done.

Grilli said this is a time when layoffs can and may happen, and for her to do this shows she is thinking about all the possible ways of combating this budget crisis, even if it means penalizing herself.

“She is doing what she thinks is right and we all think this is the right thing to do, as well,” Grilli said.

Benjamin In a district Governing Board meeting held on Jan. 26, the district chancellor volunteered to take a 5 percent cut to her salary in an effort to help balance the budget.

Governing Board members commend her.

Music group invited to jazz festival Jazzanova selected to perform at contest

By Christopher Clausen STAFF WRITER

cclausen.advocate@gmail.com

Selected as one of the top six ensembles in the nation, Contra Costa College jazz ensemble Jazzanova has the opportunity to prove itself worthy to perform at the 54th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival in September.

“It’s a great honor,” tenor singer Daniel Hernandez said.

In April, they will perform as part of the Next Generation Competition that is hosted by the Monterey Jazz Festival.

If the judges like them enough, they will be given the chance to perform at the festival in September for a second year in a row, as well as win a monetary prize.

Jazzanova was started three years ago by music department Chairwoman Stephanie Austin.

Every year, students interested in joining the vocal ensemble must go through a threeday audition.

This year, all the members of Jazzanova are brand new to the ensemble.

So when it came to the Monterey Jazz Festival, no one was too certain what was going to happen.

“It’s crazy. I didn’t think we were going to get it,” Chris Xie, also a tenor of Jazzanova, said.

The Monterey Jazz Festival has eight stages and takes place over three nights and two days.

Hundreds of artists and musicians perform at the festival every year, some more well-known than others.

According to Xie, it’s a lot of hard work and a huge commitment being a part of the ensemble, but in the end it’s well worth the effort.

“It teaches you a level of professionalism,” he said. Dr. Austin makes sure that everything within Jazzanova is taken care of in a professional manner.

She described her method of leaving the students to learn new songs on their own, as it

Author to visit, present novels in brief w Andrew Lam

will be in LA100 on Feb. 23 from 9:45 to 11 a.m.

w Lam has

authored the award-winning “Perfume Dreams: Reflections on the Vietnamese Diaspora,” and “East Eats West: Writing in Two Hemispheres.”

w From 9:45 to

11 a.m., Lam will host a presentation about immigration open to students, faculty and community members.

w After the

presentation until 12:15 p.m., Lam will sign copies of his books in the college Bookstore.

w Lam shares

a connection with ESL students, as he moved to America in his childhood and had to adapt to the culture.

w Lam’s nov-

els both have strong personal themes and draw from his experiences in both hemispheres.

FILE PHOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Funky sounds — Jazzanova, a jazz ensemble comprised of a handful of Contra Costa College music students, blends diligence and a passion for music. is expected of them to be able to read music Jazzanova has also been entered for the and to learn quickly. competition in the College Vocal Ensemble She also said that the students are a won- Division. derful bunch and have worked very hard.

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Vietnamese story teller will speak, sign book copies

conferences, and has done a previous signing for his first book.

Bookstore manager and president of Friends of the Library, Janis Walsh, said that Lam connects with ESL students since he was an immigrant himself.

By April Halog Walsh also commended STAFF WRITER ahalog.advocate@gmail.com his book, “Perfume Dreams: Reflections on the Vietnamese The Friends of the Library Diaspora,” as deeply moving and will host a presentation by author “beautifully written.”

Lam and his family immigrated Andrew Lam in LA-100 from 9:45 to 11 a.m., who will then sign to America from Vietnam when he books in the college Bookstore was 11 at the end of the Vietnam War. until 12:15 p.m., on Feb. 23.

After high school, Lam attendThe presentation is on the topic of immigration and is open to stu- ed many prestigious colleges in dents, faculty and members of the the area.

He went to study journalism community.

Lam has written two books. at Stanford University from 2001 His first book, “Perfume Dreams: to 2002.

He also received a master of Reflections on the Vietnamese Diaspora,” is a collection of per- fine arts in creative writing from San Francisco sonal essays S t a t e that explore “He is a good role model U n iv e r s i t y his lifelong and a bachstruggle especially to ESL stuelor’s in biowith being a Vietnamese dents; he was an ESL stu- c h e m i s t r y UC immigrant in dent and now he is a suc- from Berkeley.

America.

Lam is the The book cessful writer.” editor and won the Pen co-founder of American Helen Kalkstein, New America “Beyond the Liberal Arts division dean Media, an Margins” association of award.

His second book, “East over 2,000 ethnic media organizaEats West: Writing in Two tions in America.

His essays have been featured Hemispheres,” was recently pubin newspapers such as the San lished in September 2010.

His second book focuses on how Francisco Chronicle, New York the East and West have changed Times, Baltimore Sun and The and how they have changed each Chicago Tribune.

He has been a regular commenother.

He is set to release a third book, tator on National Public Radio’s titled “Birds of Paradise,” a collec- “All Things Considered” for many tion of short stories, later this year. years.

His work also has been featured “He is a good role model, especially to (English as a second lan- in several magazines including In guage) students; he was an ESL Context, The National and San student and now he is a successful Francisco Focus.

Lam was also featured in a writer,” Liberal Arts Division Dean documentary chronicling his jourHelen Kalkstein said.

This is not the first time Lam ney back to Vietnam, called “My has come to Contra Costa College. Journey Home.”

The documentary was aired on He has visited the campus a few times before, appearing in ESL PBS in April 2004.

BOOKBYTE.COM/CCC

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE

5

CCC victorious in overtime duel Squad obtains second win during last game

change for CCC as the squad continued to display poor defense in the half court and miss shots on offense, which left it trailing at halftime.

“We weren’t rebounding or capitalizing

By Horace Jordan on second shot (chances),” Johnson said.

STAFF WRITER At the beginning of the second half, hjordan.advocate@gmail.com things seemed to remain the same for CCC until it began to get aggressive on rebounds The men’s basketball team beat College and play better on defense. of Marin in double overtime in its last game “Fire and desire led to us all being more of the season behind aggressive defense and aggressive and just us doing the right things, stellar play from exiting sophomore guard because when you do the right things, good Bobby Ward by a final score of 79-76 in the things happen,” Owens said.

Gymnasium Friday.

The Comets closed the scoring gap late It seemed as if everything was going in the half as Ward hit a 3-point shot to give wrong for the Comets (2-20 overall, 2-10 the team its first lead of the game.

BVC) in the first half, down 36-20. But “I wasn’t surprised that we came back.

Contra Costa College was able to regroup.

I knew we would make a run, I just didn’t “We started to get the ball to (forward) know when,” Ward said.

Kent Owens and (guard) Bobby Ward and The Comets had a chance to win the they started to knock down shots (in the game in regulation, but a poor shot by second half) and we played good defense,” Ward rimmed out, sending the game into coach Miguel Johnson said. overtime.

“I feel great about the way we In overtime, Marin still had came back. We put our hearts out ScoreBoard no answer for Ward as he drove on the floor. I can’t do anything to the basket, scoring at will. but respect my teammates,” Comets 79 “They were so worried about Ward said. me pulling up and shooting that Mariners 76 Ward led both teams in scorthey left driving lanes open for ing with 32 points.

Season over: me all night and I just took The game started badly for 2-20 overall, advantage,” Ward said. the Comets as they displayed 2-10 in the With the Comets leading poor effort, lack of aggressiveBVC by three points in overtime, it ness and committing several seemed they had the game won. turnovers.

However, the Mariners were able “Turnovers and just no energy led to us to knock down a 3-point shot which sent the being down early,” Ward said. game into double overtime.

The Comets had 18 turnovers opposed to In double overtime, with solid defense, the Mariners’ 10. the Comets pulled out the win.

Early on, the Comets only bright spot “I’m just happy we came out with energy, was Ward who scored seven of the Comets’ aggressiveness and great execution because first nine points of the game. it’s what we needed to win the game,” After a brief timeout, things did not Owens said.

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

Tough shot — Comet guard Bobby Ward (left) attempts a layup over Mariner forward Caio Ferreria (middle) and guard Lorenzo Bynum (right) during Friday’s game in the Gymnasium. The Comets won 79-76 in double overtime.

Comets destroy Mariners, win 81-59

By Dariush Azmoudeh

ward Monay Ray. The Comets kept the lead throughout the entire game and their defense was able to prevent the Mariners (9-14 overall, An early scoring advantage and 6-6 BVC) from catching up. solid defensive play led “We definitely the women’s basketball played smart on defense ScoreBoard except for all the fouls. team to an 81-59 victory over College of But it could have been Marin on Friday at Comets 81 tighter,” Comet center home in the regular Mariners 59 Chaz Ross-Reed said. season’s closing game.

CCC’s defense Contra Costa BVC playoff caused Marin to take College (13-13 overall, games take bad shots and turn the 9-3 in the Bay Valley place this week ball over, which resultConference) opened an ed in Marin trailing 39early 8-0 lead with two 26 at the end of the consecutive 3-pointers by guard first half.

Shay Mendes and a layup by for“Marin plays hard and physiASSOCIATE EDITOR

dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com

cal. We were able to take control early and had a pretty solid effort from the team,” coach Paul DeBolt said. “In the first half we were very effective defensively. We were really solid in the first 15 minutes of the game.”

The Comets used Ross-Reed’s post presence against the Mariners’ man-to-man coverage as the squad used her height to score close baskets. She totaled for 21 points for the night.

Ross-Reed said that one of the key’s to the Comets’ victory was their ball movement and her teammate’s trust in her to play in the post.

“We had a size advantage and

we were stronger,” DeBolt said.

“When they tried to go man-toman on us, we would go to the post. We were taking advantage of the post.”

DeBolt credited the victory to balanced team scoring and having role players.` Ray and guard Janelle Rucobo were defensively sound as they were able to grab rebounds and create steals.

“We did well,” Comet guard Natalie Coss said. “We could have performed better but overall we achieved our goal and got the win.”

The victory kept the Comets in fourth place in the conference, thus

SOPHOMORE LEADS TEAM

By Dariush Azmoudeh ASSOCIATE EDITOR

dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Leader — Forward Monay Ray brings veteran leadership to her Comet teammates.

When a team mainly consists of freshmen players, it is a sophomore’s experience that makes him or her the best candidate to step in and take a team’s leadership role.

In the case of the Contra Costa College women’s basketball team, forward Monay Ray has done that this season, piloting a small team of eight players, comprised of six freshmen and one other sophomore.

“Playing for the Comets has definitely been a new experience for me,” Ray said. “Especially after taking a year off and being one of the two sophomores (on the team).”

Teammates describe her as an aggressive player on the court, as well as a leader who can bring the team together and give encouragement. She is also known for her rebounding and great defense.

“She’s a strong player; she brings morale to the game and hypes up the team before games,” Comet guard Janelle Rucobo said.

“She’s aggressive and knows how to box out and get rebounds for the team.”

Coach Paul DeBolt said when he went to recruit her at Emery High School in 2008, he immediately knew she would fit well into his team.

“She’s a great role model with the way she carries (herself) on the court and off,” he said. “She listens and takes criticism well. I enjoy having her in the (women’s basketball) program. Players look up to her a lot and respect her.”

She has been a solid defensive player, averaging 11 points and 11 rebounds per game, DeBolt said.

In addition, she is averaging more than three assists a game.

When it comes to playing basketball, Ray credits her interest to her older brother by 13 years, John Hester, who took her to the park to teach her how to play.

“My brother influenced me to play,” Ray said. “He took me out to the park and stayed on me (about the sport). He motivated me on and off the floor.”

She began playing basketball in the ninth grade at Emery High School in Emeryville. There she won First Team All-League and Second Team All-League awards.

“Once the coaches saw how into it and serious I was, they put me on the varsity team,” Ray said.

Growing up in the East Bay, Ray said it was stressful as her single mother raised her and her two older brothers, but she knows she can always count on them for their full support and encouragement in whatever she decides to do in her future.

“They helped me, cheered me on and stood behind me with whatever decision I made,” she said.

Looking beyond basketball, she is hoping to transfer to a four-year college this fall and eventually earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

She has applied to California StateSacramento, California StateChico, California State-Monterey Bay, Saint Mary’s College and Dominican University.

Besides being a great defensive player and rebounder, her hard work ethic has kept her and her teammates going strong throughout the basketball season.

“She’s always encouraging people,” Comet guard Shay Mendes said. “She keeps us together to help us work as a team and is always trying to push us (to get better).”

taking the fourth seed in the BVC playoffs. They faced fifth seeded Marin again at home on Tuesday, after press time.

“Our chances are pretty slim (for getting to the post season),” DeBolt said. “In the power ratings, we are currently ranked 20th and only 18 teams (can) get into the state playoffs.”

Despite the 9-3 BVC record, DeBolt said a poor preseason record took a toll on the team’s power rating.

“We made a good run at the end. We beat the teams we needed to beat,” he said. “But we had a tough preseason schedule.”

SportShort Season questioned for softball program Now six games into the softball preseason, the Comets have yet to play a single game.

CCC, which had one of its best seasons last year (16-22, 12-12 in the Bay Valley Conference), had to cancel all six of its games so far this season due to an insufficient number of players, and unperformed physical examinations for some of them.

Coach Ed Miller said he struggled to gather enough players for the season after a fight among the players at the end of the fall semester resulted in several new and returning players being kicked off the team.

“We had a couple of cancerous cells on the team and it didn’t make right for a positive (experience), so I had to get rid of those players for the sake of the program,” Miller said. “We’re basically starting over again and it’s going to be a challenge this season.”

Several players agreed that the offseason was tough because of the altercation.

“I’ve never been on a team where there was so much drama. At one point the team turned into cliques,” freshman pitcher Cori Maloney said. “I never had to deal with that and I don’t feel a team should (be) like that.”

Freshman shortstop Myesha Ellison said that she was involved in the altercation and felt the situation should have been handled better.

Miller said, “It got to a point where some girls didn’t want to play (for the team) and players were even academically ineligible, so our numbers were extremely short. I went from thinking I was going to have 15 to 17 players (to where) I only had about five or six players.”

Despite the offseason controversy, Miller and players still believe that the softball program will have a team this year despite the squad cancelling six games. “(So far) I haven’t been able to get the best players in recruiting, however we’re going to take it a day at a time,” Miller said. “We’re going to have to teach the new recruits the fundamentals (of the game) and strengthen their abilities.”

— Malcolm Lastra

6 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2011

SCENE

Genre pioneers remain lively Band amazes fans with energetic set

By Alexandra Waite

This week: “Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son” (PG-13) “I Am Number Four” (PG13) “Unknown” (PG-13) “I Am” (UR)

DVDs

This week: “Waiting for Superman” (PG) “Unstoppable” (PG-13) “Middle Men” (R)

CDs

This week: Bright Eyes: “The People’s Key” Beans: “End It All” Cowboy Junkies: “Demons” The Deers: “Degeneration Street” Ginuwine: “Elgin”

Games

This week: Marvel vs.

Capcom (PS3, XBOX:360 — PG) Hyperdimension Neptunia (PS3 — G) Tactics Ogre (PSP — PG) Wicked Monster Blast! (Wii — G) Dungeons (PC — PG) Hard Corps: Uprising (XBOX:360 — M) The Silver Lining Ep. 3 (PSP — G) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

NEWS EDITOR

awaite.advocate@gmail.com

Walking onto the dimly lit stage, the late-30 and early-40year-old musicians came off as meek, yet cultivated.

Bassist Lou Barlow and guitarist Jason Loewenstein were the only original members of Sebadoh to play during the show on Feb. 8 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.

After fumbling through a couple songs at the beginning of the set, they let it be known it was only their eventreview second time playing together, a fact that many audience members would later doubt.

“Remembering They began Time Tour” with a fairly slow ★★★★★ song, but that melHeadliner: low sound quickly Sebadoh Where: Great faded as the set American Music progressed.

Hall Before playing the song, Barlow and Loewenstein quipped about how it wouldn’t feel like a real Sebadoh tour unless they played “We Worship.”

They further built up the anticipation as they made a couple false starts, joking about who plays first. The song starts off slow and melodious with a bouncy drumbeat, until at some point in the middle Barlow plays a louder and more fast-paced guitar, which gets the audience ready for what is to come during the rest of the set.

Barlow and Loewenstein repeatedly switched between bass and guitar throughout the show, which often made for small breaks to joke with the audience as they tuned their instruments.

The longest running joke was about San Franciscans’ hatred of

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Still influential — Indie rock band Sebadoh proved that age is not a factor in how well the band members perform. The 1980s indie rock group played a dynamic show at the Great American Music Hall.

Los Angeles, and Barlow told of memories had in San Francisco when he was younger, most humorously about its once uniquely strong marijuana.

Though the appearance of the musicians was humble and laidback with attire combined of button-up shirts, basic tees and loose-fitting jeans, their use of instruments greatly contradicted that image.

As they played each song, the feelings and emotions internalized in the musicians became evident and vivid through each forceful stroke on their instrument’s strings. Their body gestures also externalized the feeling put into the music as they leaned back and forth almost to the point of falling, and bobbing their heads to the notes.

Play rendition hopes to bring big audience

Sebadoh managed a set of nearly 30 songs, the majority of them being short and ending abruptly, leaving the audience longing for more. Songs were played off of the albums “Bakesale” and “Harmacy,” which were both released in the early to mid-90s.

The name for the band’s February West Coast tour, “Remembering Time Tour,” proves to be accurate considering it continues to sound just as authentic as it did on its first albums, even with newcomer Bob D’Amico on drums.

Sebadoh is an indie rock band formed in 1986 and is considered one of the pioneers of lo-fi music, a subgenre of indie rock distinguished by low-fidelity recording techniques.

The band’s long history made

for a refreshing variation in audience members that ranged from teenagers to folks in their 60s.

Regardless of age, everyone appeared to have a good time either by smiling and nodding or jumping around.

The rather small, old-fashioned style venue added to the cozy and warm atmosphere of the show.

This is only the band’s third tour since going on hiatus in 1999.

Along with maintaining its original youthful and energetic sound, it also brought forth a mature feel to the songs with naturally deep vocals.

By the end of the show, after an encore and a string of songs without any breaks, it almost seemed impossible that the band fumbled so much at the beginning after a seemingly flawless set.

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Drama students showcase tale of ‘Cinderella’

David said the story is really about class systems that go on around the world in order to emphasize the underlying themes of the story.

He has crafted a plot that integrates philosophies of 20th century

By Parris Washington leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King STAFF WRITER Jr., Sir Thomas Moore, Ghandi and pwashington.advocate@gmail.com St. Luke.

“Joined by love, separated by Those expecting to see just a regular retelling of a children’s story in greed, reunited by a revolution…it drama department Chairman Clay all begins with a ball,” David said.

With a rap sheet in theater spanDavid’s production of “Cinderella” ning more than 35 years, David should think again.

Everyone knows how the fable said, “I have seen theater change usually goes; a young woman is people’s lives every semester. mistreated by her cruel stepmother Working in theater builds teamand stepsisters, gets magical inter- work, discipline and focus.”

That teamvention from work definitely her fairy godWorking in theater shows in the mother, and ultiset mately falls in builds teamwork, disci- elaborate they’ve been love with Prince Charming. pline and focus. I teach working on.

“I teach And on March 2-5 at (students) the painting them the paint8 p.m. and techniques, I see their ing techniques, I see their hearts March 6 at 4 p.m., David will hearts and determina- and determinaunveil his latest tion. They’re here all tion. They’re here all the time spin on a classic the time (and) they (and) they love tale in the Knox to paint,” David Center. love to paint.” said.

Along with W h i l e 80 Contra Costa Clay David, working on College stu“Cinderella,” dents ranging in age from 3 to 50, David has been students have found David to be a working hard to bring “Cinderella” pleasure to work with.

Prince Charming himself, to life with all the fantasy and magic one would expect in a fairy Amani De Paoli said, “Clay is a great director, direct and precise. tale, but with a serious twist.

This time around the focus is He’s all about technique and hisless on the cutesy, lovey-dovey and tory.”

Tickets are $10 for students magical, and more on the political, social and economic problems and seniors, and $15 for the general public. There are no reserved society faces today.

Though still based in the mythi- tickets.

The box office opens 45 mincal land of Magdalena, David brings it all home in a way that will utes before curtain and tickets are have the audience feeling that it’s sold on a first-come first-serve based in America, or even closer to basis. home in the Bay Area.

WE’LL NEVER PUT YOUR BUSINESS DEGREE DREAMS ON HOLD. Budget crunches may have other schools cutting courses, but Brandman is expanding.

We’re adding business classes to meet the increasing demand.

Brandman partners with community colleges to make transferring credits simple, and that can make earning your business degree a lot more affordable.

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