The Advocate - Feb. 24, 2010

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

Catching momentum

Baseball, softball seasons previewed

spotlight ◆ page 9

CMYK

sports ◆ pages 6-7

scene ◆ page 10

Poetry

Class supports free expression

Labyrinth thriller ‘Island’ delves deep into human psyche

VOL. 94, NO. 14

SINCE 1950

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

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

12 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

Verdict reached in case Defendant sentenced for shooting

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Spreading the word — Deandre Bolden performs a rap song during the Leaders Opposing Violence through Entertainment (LOVE) event at the Richmond Youth Student Empowerment (RYSE) Center in Richmond on Feb. 14. RYSE celebrated the life of Kyle Bratton, a Contra Costa College student and RYSE leader killed in Richmond on Dec. 14.

HEALING THROUGH LOVE

Young

By Holly Pablo

leaders voice feelings of pain, hope through creative outlet of love for self, family, city

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

RICHMOND — Sharing his love for music, young members of the community showcased their artistic abilities during a Valentine’s Day event dedicated to Kyle Bratton, a Contra Costa College student killed by senseless violence.

The Leaders Opposing Violence through Entertainment (LOVE) event was the product of Bratton’s friends and mentors at the Richmond Youth Student Empowerment (RYSE) Center, a place where the 19-yearold’s presence as a youth leader will never be forgotten.

“This is a special time for my brother and our family,” Kyle’s older twin brother Cory Bratton said. “He was a lovable person, and we get to show people how much effort and work he put into the community.”

Kyle Bratton, also known by his stage name, “Lil’ Twin,” was shot and killed on Dec. 14 by an unknown

“(Kyle Bratton) was a lovable person, and we get to show people how much effort and work he put into the community.”

Cory Bratton,

Kyle Bratton’s brother

assailant as the CCC student stood with his girlfriend at the intersection of South 17th St and Virginia Avenue in Richmond. Just a few days prior to his murder, he was in the RYSE Center’s recording studio, working on a few songs.

“We repurposed Valentine’s Day to not only (acknowledge) the love for your significant other, but the love for yourself, family and community,” RYSE member Tania Pulido said. “Since (Bratton) was a rapper and (Valentine’s Day) was his favorite holiday, we thought that entertainment

would be the best tribute.”

Inside the center, adorned with purple decorations to symbolize Bratton’s favorite color, more than 100 people filled the seats and spilled out onto the sidewalks as they watched the spoken word, dance and music performances.

The bulk of the performances, which were dedicated to Bratton and everyone lost to violence, acknowledged their optimistic outlooks and several introspective questions that these young people ask themselves daily.

Don Black, for instance, rapped about the pain he feels about a friend who was killed. Black acknowledged the fact that he thought about retaliating, but explained his reasons in deciding against it.

“When I was 16, I pictured my homicide,” he said. “Three years later, and I’m still alive.”

Abel Pineda presented a spoken word piece about the helplessness he felt when his friend was murdered.

Bratton’s cousin, John Holman said

MARTINEZ — After the November 2007 shooting of campus police aide Edgar Rocha, the district is looking to find closure within the trial’s final verdict.

At the 24-year-old’s hearing on Friday at the A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez, Christon Parker was sentenced to 18 years and four months in state prison with no probation, based on convictions by a jury in November for attempted voluntary manslaughter, felony possession of a firearm and attempted escape.

He currently holds

Parker

The 24-yearold was sentenced to 18 years and four months in prison for shooting and seriously injuring campus police aide Edgar Rocha in November 2007. Parker was convicted of attempted voluntary manslaughter in November.

■ SEE PARKER: Page 4

Cuts limit enrollment

By Cody McFarland STAFF ILLUSTRATOR

As 2010 begins, the statewide budget crisis ushers in a new semester full of academic competition among students as a direct result of section cuts.

Active course sections have been reduced by 10 percent at Contra Costa College since last spring due to budget cuts, resulting in reduced access to classes for students, Vice President Carol Maga said.

“There are far more students than the college can serve,” she said. “There are ■ SEE BUDGET: Page 4

■ SEE LOVE: Page 4

Candidates named in trustee campaign edit orial Students seek board position

By Brent Bainto SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

As the advent of the new district student trustee for the 2010-11 school year draws near, campus candidates prepare for the journey before them.

Student applicants Angel Asante, Valvia Jefferson and

Middle College High School student Brandon Amargo have been finalized to be prospective trustees, planning to serve as the districtwide student voice for the Los Medanos, Diablo Valley and Contra Costa colleges.

Student Life Director Jennifer Ounjian said the opportunity is a “great experience for students.”

The most rewarding of outcomes, she said, is being exposed to issues revolving

around all three campuses.

The district-funded campaigning period for each candidate is set to begin on March 25 and go through April, Ounjian said.

Though there are no set dates for the election, the process will encompass all district students to partake in an online ballot after candidates speak on behalf of themselves at each campus. Ounjian said that links to vote will be made available from the district Web site and

from WebAdvisor.

A student trustee is expected to attend Governing Board meetings and bring forth student affairs, as well as relay information back to the students on each campus.

Current Student Trustee Christina Cannon said, “(The experience of being student trustee has) been like no other.”

As student trustee, Cannon said that she was glad to have worked with passionate people who focus on student success

Budget proposal redirects funding Potential plan restores college reserves

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

In his recent budget proposal introduced on Jan. 8, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled a plan shifted toward the prospect of restoring cuts made to higher education for 2010-11.

Yet, when in the face of a projected $20 billion state budget shortfall, the talk of promise may

do little to address the need for progress.

“The governor is in a tight spot,” said Theresa Tena, director of fiscal policy of the Community College League of California (CCCLC). “He’s prioritizing more education, (but) it doesn’t mean he’s diverting a windfall of resources.”

The proposal suggests possible restoration funds as well as reserves for enrollment growth

that may be made to California State University, University of California and community college systems.

It also, however, strikes the community college budget by illustrating the possibility of additional cuts to categorical programs and the suspension of the competitive Cal Grant program, decreasing educational opportunities for students, Tena said.

■ SEE PROPOSAL: Page 4

and hopes that the new trustee will continue to concentrate on communicating with students and dealing with the district’s budget.

Amargo said that he feels confident that he can lead the position based on his preceding achievements from his active role with the ASU Senate Board and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society.

“Whatever the students need, I’ll address,” he said.

■ SEE TRUSTEE: Page 4

Building success

The next student trustee must continue on the path that has been set by previous leaders.

page 2

Changes to resources $126 million directed toward enrollment growth and classes

Community colleges

$10 million cut from EOPS $20 million set and part-time for career tech- faculty comnical education pensation

University of California system $126 million toward enrollment growth

California State University system $126 million toward enrollment growth

SAM ATTAL AND ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

CMYK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “Liberty of expression benefits more than the speaker. The reader and hearer suffer a violation of their... liberty if they are denied access to the ideas of others.”

Archibald Cox Lawyer, writer 1981 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 Tanisha Frazier Hilberth Diaz Ibarra Cassidy Gooding Marjorie Riformo Alexandra Waite Staff photographers Crystal Joy Bis Kevin Chourarath George Morin Joe Phutiyotin Raul Reyes Christian Soto 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. 24, 2010

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010 VOL. 94, NO. 14 ●

Editorial Amassing influence

Trustee-elect must build upon previous legacy

A

s campaigning season approaches next month, the Governing Board trustees are preparing for the election of a new student representative.

The role of the student trustee is to function as a collective voice for the interests of the district’s students.

As the position rotates from the Contra Costa, Diablo Valley and Los Medanos colleges each year, each campus has its turn in choosing a student to represent the district.

Current Student Trustee Christina Cannon attends LMC, while her predecessor in the 2008-09 academic year, Bundit Kertbundit, was a DVC student.

For the upcoming year, the trustee will come from CCC. The current nominees from CCC are Valvia Jefferson, Angel Asante and Middle College High School junior Brandon Amargo.

The board is responsible for setting operating policies for the district, such as the recent decision to increase parking fees to generate funding for decreased Police Services budgets.

While the trustee is included in open session board meetings and has an advisory vote in board decisions, his or her recommendations do not hold any definite power to actions.

Cannon has proposed a reassessment of the rights of student trustees to be included in closed session meetings, given that the experience will benefit her and improve transparency between district administration and students.

Her persistent efforts are noticed, as this topic has been added as a general agenda item to be discussed today at a board meeting.

While previous leadership experience is not a requirement to become the student trustee, it can only be an advantage if this student is already in tune with the concerns of the general student population.

The work of student trustees is inherently limited to the span of a single year. As such, it is imperative that the representative elected from CCC makes a point to continue building on the foundation established by Cannon.

Though student trustees receive valuable leadership experience serving the board, it seems those elected have remained limited in their ability to truly represent the students’ interests.

Though ultimately, all members of the Governing Board are representing the needs of students, there is no one better to determine what is in the students’ best interest other than a student in this district.

It is the hope of The Advocate that the campus will elect a representative willing to work within the time span and continue to build on the work of Cannon, so that the office of student trustee continues to gain relevance and influence.

CODY MCFARLAND/ THE ADVOCATE

■ Confessions

Interest, initiative able to prevent heartbreak

T

here have been many times that I have not paid enough attention to the needs or actions of friends or loved ones when they are acting out of the ordinary. My first thought is that they may just be having a bad day (with the thought that they will get over it soon).

But what happens when that person does not get over it?

My answer, based on an experience I recently encountered indirectly, comes with not such a happy ending.

I was informed on Jan. 14 that a very good friend of mine was murdered by her boyfriend, who also turned the gun on himself. Based on the police investigation, he had apparently planned the murder/suicide for quite some time.

As he prepared for this sick act, he first sent an email to their mutual friends indicating they had decided to commit suicide due to financial difficulties. He then placed a note on the front door, leaving it slightly ajar, that read, “Please call the police — our bodies are upstairs.”

The person that committed this act is not the person I have known for over 25 years. My friend was a wonderful person who loved life — even when it threw her some curve balls. She would not have agreed to a double suicide.

I found out later that he had been going through some personal struggles. Those of us on the outside knew he had some serious things going on in his life and

probably from his mindset as “this was just another typical domestic dispute case.”

We need to stop, take a moment to listen and pay attention.

You never know what is going on in the mind of someone, no matter how that he was becoming more long you have known them. depressed.

Yet, because no one really If they reach out to you, this can open the door. felt it was serious to that If necessary, offer to refer extent, nobody bothered to them to a professional or a pull him to the side and see more experienced person to where they could offer help and stick with him until that talk with. Let them know you care enough to want the best help caused change. for them.

It is not such a nice feelOn the other hand, they ing when you have discovmay not reach out to you, ered that the person you and you may not readily see assumed would get over his the “signs.” That is someissues in some way would thing that you cannot help. resort to suicide.

But what counts are the There are several occatimes that you do see them, sions that have been nationthat you should help. ally televised concerning One of the things that persons at the end of their ropes. One case in California everyone who knew my friend’s boyfriend, is saythis year, regards a 25-yearing is “I never would have old man murdering his 9month old son and then him- thought he would do someself. He left dozens of angry, thing like this.” Those who were closer to him than desperate messages to the I knew he was becoming boy’s mother, attempting to increasingly depressed. re-establish his relationship Even though there is no with her. guarantee that this incident Even though the article could have been curtailed, does not make reference there is still the possibility to any help sought on his that one intervention may behalf, it does reference the woman’s attempt for issuance stop another such event from of a restraining order that the occurring.

It may do someone good judge actually denied, saying, “He did not feel the man was to take the time to inquire on their well-being. It could a threat to the petitioner or make a difference between the minor child.”

Did the judge take enough life and death if you do. time to evaluate the case, Cassandra Juniel is spotbased on the petitioner’s light editor of The Advocate. complaints against him? We Contact her at cjuniel. will never know, but it is obvious that he dismissed it, advocate@gmail.com.

cassandrajuniel

CampusComment

What is the most important quality in a student leader?

“I think honesty is the best quality in a leader.

Because if you can’t be honest with the people you help, people won’t trust you.”

Adrienne Warmsley MCHS

CRYSTAL JOY BIS / THE ADVOCATE

“Somebody who is diplomatic and can look at issues from both sides.”

“Responsibility, because (he/she) has a lot of things to accomplish.”

Kelly Ramos

Charlie Zaparolli

financial aid assistant

undecided

“To be determined and courageous for your thoughts and your beliefs.”

“Patience. Every leader needs patience in order to work with others effectively.”

“The ability to dictate.

Without the ability to dictate, one cannot be a leader.”

Thayne Henry

Jennifer Ounjian

Brian Orr

radiology

Student Life Director

MCHS

FORUM ■ Consumerism

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

3

■ Encouragement

Spirit rallies confidence, energy laurenshiraishi

Materialistic nation forms wastefulness

F

ollowing the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti, the United States almost immediately stepped in to help. Aid came in many different forms, from monetary donations to members of the American Red Cross flying over and working directly with the victims.

Despite these altruistic actions, it does not cover the fact that a majority of Americans remain wasteful and materialistic.

Growing up, I was always fortunate. Both of my parents had stable jobs, so going hungry or having a roof over our heads was never something I had to worry about.

Although I cannot pinpoint exactly when I first started feeling a strong sense of empathy for others, ever since the earthquake, the feelings have only multiplied.

I feel guilty about how much I have, particularly when others have either lost everything or never had much to begin with.

Sometimes, I hate the world we live in.

One of my favorite lines from the movie “Fight Club” addresses the problem of consumer culture: “Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don’t need.”

While I still have my own materialistic tendencies, I try not to make owning nice “things” a priority.

America is a nation of abundance. In the world of consumerism, bigger is better and more is less.

Many people become so engrossed in having the latest and greatest products that they toss out items that are still perfectly functional.

It is extremely disturbing how much food, clothing and other goods we throw away without a second thought. I find it amazing that some can spend thousands of dollars on designer furs, while others walk around with only the clothes on their back.

People in developing countries consider themselves lucky to own a color television; we obsess over near-useless technology such as the iPad. My retail job only reminds me how selfish we Americans can be.

Recently, a customer came to exchange a pair of dress shoes.

Here was this man, returning a pair of perfect shoes, save for a single scratch on a barely noticeable corner. I took the shoes back without comment.

Moving on autopilot, I filled out a damage tag and brought the offending pair of shoes upstairs to the room where we keep damages.

But as I set them on a shelf among other rejected clothing and accessories, I felt a twinge of disgust.

While I can understand people’s expectations that they get what they pay for, it is depressing that what some of us consider to be “damaged” is the greatest luxury others will ever have.

I commend those who have donated their money or time and are continuing to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake; it gives me hope that not all of us are unsympathetic and self-absorbed.

Lauren Shiraishi is an opinion editor of The Advocate. Contact her at lshiraishi.advocate@gmail.com.

T

he clean, crisp air hitting your skin, the sun smoldering your face, the drips of sweat coming down your face.

These are the costless, but unforgettable moments experienced when watching a game of baseball or softball.

I have always been a sports fan. The loud cheering and the undirected insults at players and officials — it is all a part of the good old game of baseball.

Growing up with five brothers, sports have been a part of my life since the day I was born. Basketball, football and baseball games were more like a ritual than extracurricular activity just to occupy time.

Since I was not a great player myself, sitting on the sidelines and cheering was beneficial enough to satisfy my interest in sports.

It was a release of the everyday frustrations of life, and it was also fun.

Being in college for a while and frequently going to the games has become a part

lamarjames of my schedule, not just for the socialization with peers and friendly faces around campus, but to support the athletes in their endeavors to do their best.

Support is an important aspect and helps determine how the team will do on the court or on the field. The cheering of the crowd motivates and inspires the team to do its best, because it has a backbone to rely on.

If the team is losing, in most cases the support system, the crowd, yells words of encouragement or inspiration to boost that team’s morale.

But there is a lack of this at Contra Costa College.

Often a spectator at games, I find small crowds with little or no enthusiasm to cheer. A few of the regulars sometimes yell things and chant, but it is

not felt in great numbers.

In any situation when someone is behind you, one may feel an obliga- The cheering tion to do their best, not want- of the crowd ing to let that faith- motivates ful fan down. and inspires I remember the team to the two years I played lit- do its best, tle league, when one because it or both parents has a came to watch the backbone game. I would run to rely on. my fastest, hit my hardest and catch the best, just to show them that I had skills, and I could do it.

With them there, it made me want to work harder and do better, because their support would not go unnoticed.

What is the problem at this campus?

Students at this school cannot even support the teams that represent all of us.

The lack of morale for this school is amazing. Either I have too much school spirit or others have too little.

Yet, what is evident is that the support is not there.

Softball player Vanessa Kerstin said that when the team has more people there supporting it, the players’ will to do better is greater.

“We feel the energy from the crowd,” she said. “It really helps when we have people there cheering for us.”

Her teammate, Tore Takahashi, agreed.

“When people are there cheering for us, we feel more confident and more relaxed,” she said. “It is a really good feeling to have people out there for us showing support.

That lets us know they care.”

Lamar James is news editor of The Advocate.

Contact him at ljames. advocate@gmail.com.

R i s k y business Online profiles threaten success in line of work

By Holly Pablo

W

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

hile the Internet is expanding communication and the free flow of information, there is growing concern that seemingly innocent involvement in social networking Web sites can be more harmful than helpful when entering the job market.

Throughout the strenuous years of college, many students work tirelessly toward their career goals by maintaining a high grade point average, becoming involved in extracurricular activities on campus and volunteering in the community.

As if that was not enough, oftentimes, scholars take the initiative to become even more competitive candidates by gaining practical experience through internships and having a handful of professional references ready that can vouch for their skills.

Upon graduation, there is a checklist of items that require care and detail. That to-do list includes creating a resumé that sparkles, purchasing the business attire to look the part and rehearsing the best responses to interview questions.

While this path sounds nearly flawless, there is one stop on the way that does not always instantly come to mind: using online media, such as the professional networking Web site LinkedIn, to their advantage to showcase their talent and experience for prospective employers.

The way that people portray themselves through the Internet can quite possibly mean the difference between their dreams materializing or becoming a nightmare of lost opportunities, given that they put more thought into their online persona.

Imagine typing your name into a search engine such as Google.

Depending on the information that you put out into the World Wide Web, the results found on Twitter, MySpace and similar outlets can be encouraging or embarrassing.

In a June 2009 survey by CareerBuilder, a human capital solution that helps companies target and attract potential candidates, it was found that 45 percent of responding employers reported prescreening their applicants by researching their social networking usage.

Of the 35 percent of companies that reported finding information that stopped them from hiring a potential candidate, the top reasons were inappropriate photographs and information, as well as content referencing alcohol and drug use.

While not publicizing the incrimi-

nating photographic evidence and details of last night’s party sounds like a no-brainer, even the most prudent of people can be surprised by unattractive photos of themselves tagged by friends on Facebook.

In instances such as these, people need to take advantage of privacy tools, such as only allowing certain networks to view their profiles. Still, there are other ways to get around this, as much of the information deleted still floats around and can be accessed via database caches.

Online privacy, sadly, is becoming an oxymoron.

This prospect of an employer bypassing the face-to-face first impression is a growing trend in hiring processes. As they view the profiles as a reflection of a person’s character, it is up to the applicant to use social networking responsibly.

While some people may argue that employers prying for information violates privacy and fair hiring practices, there are currently no regulations that make such decisions unlawful.

Furthermore, the search does not necessarily end once someone makes it on payroll. Many businesses choose to continue browsing and monitoring their employees to ensure that they are representing the company well.

In a 2009 survey by ResumeBear,

an online resume Web site, 74 percent of businesses surveyed said that it is easy to damage a brand’s reputation via social networking sites.

Additionally, 60 percent of business executives answered that they have a right to know how their employees are portraying themselves and the organization online, 63 percent of those between the ages of 18-34 responding disagreed.

But just as someone interviewing for a job would research the company beforehand in order to be prepared to tell the interviewer why they have chosen to pursue a career with them, it does not seem astonishing for a hiring manager to do the same of the candidate.

For many reasons, social networking should not be sworn off completely, solely due to the apparent risks. When used correctly, it can help get your foot in the door if you display your strengths and motivation to do well.

Socializing with friends and family online, as these Web sites were initially created for, can still be enjoyed. Just as in real life, the true test is being able to keep personal and private matters separate.

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

JAMES HECK / THE ADVOCATE

4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010

accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Twitter

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

Newsline ■ CAMPUS LIFE

Blood drive saves lives The ASU is hosting the Annual Blood Drive by the Blood Centers of the Pacific on March 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Recreation Room.

The event is free of charge and the process takes one hour.

For more information, contact the Student Life Center at 510-235-7800, ext 4237.

■ EOPS

Students sing karaoke-style

CAMPUS BEAT

Parker | District finds closure in trial verdict ■ FROM: Page 1

the right to appeal for up to 60 days from the time of sentencing.

Rocha, 19 years old at the time, was investigating a possible automobile theft near Lot 10 on the afternoon of Nov. 8, 2007. Parker opened fire and shot the unarmed aide three times at close range at the corner of Shane Drive and Mills Avenue, the college’s entrance closest to the Applied Arts Building.

After Parker fled the crime scene on foot, more than 50 police officials from five jurisdictions searched the Hilltop-Fairmede area, district Police Services Chief Charles Gibson said, but the suspect eluded capture for nearly a year until he was found in October 2008 in Oakland.

Had Rocha not invested in a secondhand bulletproof vest, Gibson said during a

testimony delivered to Judge David Flinn, he might not have survived.

The vest stopped two bullets, but the third punctured his diaphragm, liver, intestines and pancreas. Rocha was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek and was hospitalized for two months.

“One bullet was a quarter-inch away from one of my main arteries,” Rocha said at the sentencing hearing. “I was lucky enough to not bleed to death on the way to John Muir.”

Deputy District Attorney Melissa Smith asked for the longest sentence possible, noting that since 2003, the defendant’s criminal record showed “increasing seriousness.”

His past is stained with charges of grand theft person and burglary, she said, and since he was on parole

for these crimes at the time raised by a loving family and of the shooting, this three- is remorseful for disappointstrike case is proof-evident ing them. that Parker “For every has learned choice, there “One bullet was a is a consenothing from his quarter-inch away q u e n c e , ” probation.

Gibson said. from one of my “This “Edgar chose crime was main arteries. I was to go to colextremely and lege heinous,” lucky enough to become a Smith said. peace offi“He sim- not bleed to death cer. (Parker) ply cannot on the way to John chose to shoot be toleran unarmed Muir.” ated by the student workresidents er and kill his Edgar Rocha, dream.” of our former campus police aide county.”

The fiscal impact on Deputy Public Defender Esteban the college district was more Alvear said that his client than $1 million in medical acknowledges the severity care for Rocha, who spent of his actions, as indicated his birthday, Thanksgiving, in a letter of contrition that Christmas and New Year’s Parker wrote to the court Day in the hospital. after first being detained.

Additionally, bulletproof He said that Parker was equipment totaling $30,000

was purchased to outfit aides at all three of the district’s campuses, Gibson said.

Of a survey that Gibson distributed to cite the ranges of emotions from Police Services staff after the shooting, the three most overwhelming feelings were fear, denial and blame.

Gibson said that though the charges could have been more harsh, he feels that justice has been served and he hopes the trial’s closing brings Rocha and the campus closure to the event.

Rocha, now 22 years old, delivered a statement during the trial, recalling in his perspective what happened and the aftermath of his injuries.

He wishes to return to school, but is unsure of his academic goals.

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

Budget | Competition for seats Love | Share

fall behind or have their ques■ FROM: Page 1 more full-time equivalent students tions overlooked and unanswered, (FTES) than the state can fund, Maga said.

Many students who hoped to The EOPS Club is host- and it is affecting all colleges show up the first week and get ing a Karaoke Night from throughout California.”

The 91-section difference classes are not having any success 6-10 p.m. Friday. and are finding For more informa- from spring 2009 that options are is forcing stution, contact EOPS/CARE severely limited. dents to be more Outreach Coordinator “I find the class “I find the Kenneth Reynolds at 510- competitive in class situation situation very registering early 235-7800, ext 4596. very annoying,” to obtain desired annoying. All the student Faythe courses, as well as in earning higher classes I wanted Del Rosario said. the classes marks in order to ■ ASU were full and had “All I wanted were rank above other students, Senior full waitlists. Now full and had full waitlists. Now Dean of Research I’m taking classes I’m taking classand Planning Tim Clow said. that are still good es that are still good for transfer“The economy The ASU is hosting a for transferring, ring, but they’re Students Living Well work- has driven students to enroll early,” he but they’re not the not the classes I shop about violence in relawanted.” said.

“There has tionships on March 3 from classes I wanted.”

Student Kyle been an 11 per12:30-3 p.m.

Armstrong, on increase in cent For more information, Faythe Del Rosario, the other hand, contact the Student Life students enrolling student had absolutely no Center at 510-235-7800, ext early since last problem registerspring.”

4237.

Teachers are taking over their ing for sections because of priorclass maximums to accommo- ity registration.

He was able to apply about a date for the masses of students attempting to take their courses, month before those without priority, he said.

Maga said.

Now that the semester has Students are now faced with concerns for class availability, started, however, Armstrong has Monday, Feb. 1 especially those with day jobs in noticed overcrowding in his classSubject was arrested need of night classes, and the es, made apparent by the many and transported to Martinez quality of teaching in overcrowd- students that stand in the back Detention Facility for batof his economics class since no ed classrooms, she said. tery.

They are at a higher risk to desks are available, he said.

A victim reported the theft of his wallet from the Men’s Locker Room.

Event to look at violence

CrimeWatch

■ FROM: Page 1

Decision-making regarding which sections should be cut was put in the hands of department chairs and division deans, Maga said.

They have strategically made cuts to have the least amount of impact on students, while maintaining the integrity of program continuity.

Accordingly, cuts were avoided in specialized programs so that students can finish their degrees with the required specific courses, Maga said.

The budget cuts have affected more than just sections, however, with the college seeing cuts for assessments, counseling and student services, including EOPS and DSPS, she said.

Counselors in the Student Services Center are losing hours of availability due to the budget cuts, rendering the recent addition to the campus less effective than initially intended.

“I waited over an hour to see a counselor, but had to leave for class before I could be seen,” Del Rosario said.

that the event was special to their family, because it gave everyone a chance to celebrate Bratton’s life and his passion for music.

“Every time you saw (Bratton), you saw him with a pen and paper writing songs,” Holman said. “I think he would be happy that everyone is together and there’s no drama.”

Toward the end of the night, attendees Bratton were given goodie bags, The 19-yearwhich included a CD old student that included one of was shot Bratton’s songs and a and killed in glowstick.

Richmond Guests stood and on Dec. 14. broke their glowsticks He wished to symbolize unifying to become a as one to make a bet- music proter future for everyone. ducer.

Together, they screamed, “We love you, Kyle.”

Executive Director Kimberly Aceves said that since the RYSE Center opened, they have lost three members to violence. This event was the members’ way to transform grief and anger into positive energy and show their desire for healing and change.

“His loss was obviously very devastating for us and the event tells another story about the young that are dying, to say that they are not just another number, not just another statistic,” Aceves said.

Contact Cody McFarland at cmcfarland.advocate@gmail.

Contact Holly Pablo com. advocate@gmail.com.

at

hpablo.

Trustee | Three seek possible leadership role

Tuesday, Feb. 2 Suspects were stopped for a suspicious vehicle stop, and they were found to have ■ FROM: Page 1 marijuana inside of the vehiShould he be elected, Amargo cle. plans to instill a connection students need to the available educational Monday, Feb. 8 resources such as clubs and student Student was stopped government. smoking marijuana behind Among the most prominent the Art Building and was of concerns, Amargo proposes to found to be in possession of a knife.

Wednesday, Feb. 10 A male suspect was arrested for hitting a college vehicle with a large stick.

A suspect was contacted during a pedestrian stop, and it was determined he was in possession of marijuana.

The suspect was arrested, cited and released.

reached for comment by press time Monday.

As a result of rotation between voting for a single representative student from each of the district’s three campus by year, there has been an increasing eagerness for addressing contemporary student issues, Cannon said.

The rotation is important, she said, because it “gives an equal opportunity (to each campus).”

Applications were available for completion from December to Feb. 11.

Contact Brent Bainto at bbainto. advocate@gmail.com.

Proposal | Aims to address issues of growth ■ FROM: Page 1

“This is just a fiscal crisis in California, and there simply aren’t the resources available to fund the same level of services,” she said.

Planned to provide $126 Thursday, Feb. 11 million toward enrollment A student reported the growth, providing resources theft of her parking permit. to serve nearly 26,000 fulltime students, the proposal Wednesday, Feb. 17 would fund additional course Suspect was arrested for sections, Tena said. being drunk on campus and “Colleges are in a really for having an open container tough predicament (right of alcohol. now), because they can’t continue to just offer course — Holly Pablo sections in an unlimited fashion,” she said.

An increase of $20 million will also be added to career technical education.

While the money for enrollment growth and career In the article “Recovery technical education will bencontinues” on the front page efit community colleges, the of the Feb. 10 issue, Wali budget also proposes $10 Wright’s newborn daughter million cuts made to each was incorrectly identified. part-time faculty compensaIt should have read, tion and EOPS, a reduction “Wright celebrated his 26th that could affect educational birthday and the birth of opportunities, Tena said. his daughter, Tierra Gene “The governor’s proWright, on Jan. 27.” posal is headed in the The Advocate regrets this right direction, but (he’s) error. decreasing services to atrisk students,” Contra Costa College President McKinley

Correction

address financial aid availability to all students.

“We’re all facing a recession,” he said.

He also plans to dissolve the apathetic generalization of constant danger surrounding the Richmond/San Pablo area.

Asante and Jefferson could not be

Williams said. “It’s just a shell game moving money earmarked for education.”

Tena said that alongside the categorical program and compensation cutback is the possible suspension of the Cal Grant program, a service helping students pay for textbooks, transportation, supplies and other expenses.

As of 2009-10, about 77 percent of Cal Grant award recipients were community college students, she said.

“It just makes college less affordable and makes it more difficult for students to (meet) their educational goal,” Tena said. “It’s a barrier to students to obtain their education goal in a timely manner.”

Still, higher education systems remain positive.

“We’re in the early stages of this process, and we certainly recognize that California is in a fiscal emergency,” Tena said. “While this is not the end product, this may be the best scenario on the table and things could actually deteriorate as we move through the year.”

In addition to community colleges receiving restoration funds, the CSU system

is proposed to receive $305 million restored to its budget, a possibility that could serve as a step forward to recovery, CSU media spe-

cialist Erik Fallis said. last year’s budget.

The proposal also gives Contact Asia back $305 million to the UC system, an amount that was Camagong at acamagong. taken in 2009-10 cuts from advocate@gmail.com.

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CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

Chan leaves for Taiwan temple ‘Valuable asset’ seeks training

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

In formal words, she is an office assistant.

Yet, in the words of many on campus, Denise Chan embodies much more.

Faculty and staff gathered Feb. 10 in AA-216 not only to say goodbye to a valued member of the college, but also to wish good luck to a friend.

After being at Contra Costa College since 2002, Chan is set to leave today, seizing the opportunity to undergo intensive missionary training sessions at a Buddhist temple in Taiwan for at least four months.

“I’m not a whole person,” Chan said. “For so many years, (I’ve worked) on academic growth, (but now I’m) switching for spiritual growth.”

With a positive outlook on life and a boundless will to help others, Chan has contrib-

uted to various departments with her “amazingly generand services scattered through- ous spirit,” Senior Foundation out campus, such as the col- Director Linda Cherry said. lege Foundation, administraCherry, who has worked tion, departments of computer together with Chan for the last technology, marketing, com- seven years, said, “(Chan) still munications, economic devel- finds time to give herself in opment and a way that many more. she’s well Regardless “I felt with her there beyond comif the task pensated to is major or was a confidence to do.”

Meeting minor, Chan’s support the operation in 2003, willingness with the television Cherry said to share her skills and tal- station. (There hasn’t Chan volunteered ent has made been) anyone like to her both a help familiar face after hearher.” and an outing about reached hand. struggles Barry Benioff, “She has within the video production engineer been a very Foundation valuable asset dealing with to the college during the time a file organizing contributions she has been working here,” made from payroll deductions.

President McKinley Williams Chan offered her assistance, said. “She has been our utility which resulted in the creation player, and she’s had such a of a user-friendly system orgagreat spirit while she does her nizing the bookkeeping of the Foundation, Cherry said. work.”

“She can make a comAs a former student and computer lab assistant, Chan puter do just about anything,” has enchanted the campus Cherry said.

Barry Benioff, college video production engineer, said Chan’s assistance with video production, graphic design, photography and data input exhibited reliability.

“I felt with her there was a confidence to support the operation with the television station,” he said. “(There hasn’t been) anyone like her.”

Chan not only interacted with others on a professional level, but also to a personal degree.

“She and I have shared a lot of personal life stories,” said Mary Healy, secretary to the vice president. “In spite of all of (Chan’s) problems and adversity, she always remains positive.”

In 2001, the year before coming to CCC, Chan faced difficult times, such as the death of her mother and being laid off from her job of more than 20 years as a building supervisor. “(It was) a big disaster for me,” Chan said.

As a single parent, Chan balanced two jobs to support her son to continue his educa-

tion at San Jose State.

Chan continued to look ahead, taking into account to “extract the good, dump the residue,” a message she had often seen on a coffee filter.

“Life is like that,” she said.

In the following year, she enrolled as a re-entry student.

“I just (wanted to) devote my mind,” she said.

And she did.

By challenging herself academically, Chan has earned four associate degrees in business management, general office, administrative assistance and computer operations, as well as five certificates.

Cherry said, “(Chan) really enjoys learning new things and how to apply those skills in different ways.”

Whether she was lending a hand with graphic design, photography, paperwork or providing the positive energy during a stressful day, Chan’s absence will be felt on the campus, Cherry said.

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

5

Chan

The office assistant will be leaving the college for at least four months to undergo missionary training sessions at a Buddhist temple in Taiwan.

Known for her endless versatility and ubiquitous presence, Chan could be found performing numerous varied duties across the entire campus.

School district, union ratify agreement Parties settle on contract of deductions

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After 21 months of continued negotiating and rising tensions since April 2008, West Contra Costa County Unified School District (WCCUSD) administrators and the United Teachers of Richmond (UTR) agreed in

December on a labor contract.

The contract, which includes salary deductions in regards to health care benefits and larger class size maximums, was drafted with the help of a state mediator and slimly approved by UTR members 423 to 415, UTR President Pixie HaywardSchickele said.

It was officially ratified on Dec. 14 and is retroactive to July 1, 2009 and effective until June 30, 2012, Hayward-Schickele said, and though not everyone is ADVERTISEMENT

happy with it, it is ultimately the bitter reality of the state budget crisis.

Approximately $40 million was deducted from kindergarten through 12th grade education funding statewide this year, she said.

Under the new provisions, members will forgo salary increases for the three years, the work year will be reduced by three days a year and there will be two furlough days each year for all employees in both 2010-11 and 2011-12 academic sessions.

Class sizes, for instance, form of salary deductions will be up to 31 for kinder- based on participating famgarten through third grade ily size, including spouse and up to 33 for fourth to and number of dependents sixth grades. insured.

Middle and F o r “Teachers will high schools instance, will hold up i d d l e be able to make M to 38 students College High for social scidecisions about School hisinstrucence, English, how our health tory math and scitor Eric Reed ence classes. care dollars will be said that perHaywardsonally, he is Schickele said spent. Employers experiencing that not only have never been in a hefty 15 will increased percent salcharge of that.” ary decrease class sizes and fewer as a result of Pixie Hayward-Shickele, resources the changes.

United Teachers of Richmond negatively “It’s not president affect everya great deal, one enrolled, in general, but English as a second lan- and we acknowledge that,” guage students who need Trujillo said. “But we know more assistance will be hurt that the community expects a balanced budget and for (the as well.

Among the largest dis- district) to not spend money putes is the issue of health that we do not have.” benefits.

Each of the district’s Combined with the ris- three unions, including the ing costs of medical care administrators’, have expeand national inflation, the rienced similar sacrifices, district is no longer able to he said, and without the offer fully paid and lifetime agreed changes the district’s health benefits for workers expenditures would exceed and retirees, as they have in the expected $270 million in the past. revenues for the 2009-10 fisWCCUSD spokesman cal year, potentially ending Marin Trujillo said that six in bankruptcy. years ago, district health One development that expenditures were $21 mil- Hayward-Schickele is hopelion, but recent annual costs ful about, however, is a have exceeded $44 million. teacher-based health care To retain their benefits, committee that will oversee teachers will now be required how the district spends its to make co-payments in the $13 million per year conADVERTISEMENT

tribution to benefits for the next two years.

“Teachers will be able to make decisions about how our health care dollars will be spent,” Hayward-Schickele said. “Employees have never been in charge of that. We hope that we can find better ways to cover more people and determine fair co-payments.”

Trujillo agreed.

“It will clear a venue with the union and the district to come together on an ongoing basis, not in the context of negotiations, to join together and collaborate,” he said.

The details are still being finalized, but until it materializes, Reed said he is skeptical. He said the creation of the committees presents false hope. “(The contract) permanently changed our compensation, though the recession is a temporary problem,” Reed said.

Trujillo said there is no telling whether the district will reinstate the fully covered health care plans in 2012.

“We recognize that the teachers are the key to ensuring the quality of education in the community,” he said.

“What will happen is that when the contract is done, what we will have to contend with is the new reality.”

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

6

SPORT

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010

Baseball preview | 2010

Team directs focus to leadership Nine sophomores, nine freshmen aim for improvement on 31-loss season

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR

The Comets return to the diamond with a stronger bat and larger pitching staff intending to erase the nightmares of the 31 losses of the 2009 baseball season.

Along with power and pitching, the baseball team looks to foster the leadership and fighting spirit that was absent in last year’s squad. “(Last year), we had no power, and we didn’t have the fight and leadership. We hope to have that this year from the sophomores,” coach Marvin Webb said.

In 2009, the Comets finished with a record of 6-31 overall and 4-23 in the Bay Valley Conference. They were dead last in their conference with the fewest runs scored, 140, and the highest ERA, 7.70, in the BVC. Webb said his goal is to get more wins than last season.

“We want to win more games than we did last year. We had lots of injuries last year that stopped us from being as good as we could have been,” he said. “This year, we need to play with confidence and enthusiasm.”

Contra Costa College has a roster of 18 players, including nine sophomores, five of whom are returning players.

“Hopefully, the sophomores can be an example of how things should be (and) be the eyes of the coach on the field and make sure everyone is working together,” Webb said. “We need to work together to be good.”

So far in the season, the Comets are 3-4 overall and have yet to begin conference play, which will begin on the road against Mendocino College on March 4.

Webb said one problem the team faced in its first four losses of the year was some bad plays by pitchers in clutch situations.

“We’re OK but haven’t made the plays that need to be made as far as thinking it through and ahead,” he said.

The Comets went 0-4 before getting their first win Friday and two on Saturday, all against Mission College.

“So far, (this season) hasn’t been going how we wanted (it) to,” sophomore outfielder Javan Williams said. “If we work hard, we can turn it around in a heartbeat.”

The team’s key players are pitcher Wesley

Tramble, infielder Ronnie Arnold and outfielders Williams and Thomas Schwartz, all of whom are returning players. “(The) big difference (from last year’s team) is a lot more people hitting the ball, and we have a better team chemistry,” Williams said. “We’re a whole new team. We have a lot of returning players who already have a feel for each other.”

Also, one of the key players includes freshman pitcher Billy Bell, who has played for the Comets at third base as well. Webb said that Bell is the team’s top freshman player.

“He’s a young pitcher, and he’s going to get bigger and better,” he said. “He has a natural fastball and can throw up to 93-94 miles per hour. If he can get better, that is going to help us.”

While the Comets have players to fill up most spots on the field, t h e y l a c k at the catchi n g posit i o n , since the one they had last year is unable to participate this year due to academic reasons.

“We need a new catcher,” Webb said.

“We lost our catcher due to grades. We’re trying to develop a new catcher.”

He said the problem of having an inexperienced catcher is that their opponents see that and take advantage of it.

Another problem that CCC has been facing is the errors allowed on defense. “(The season has been) pretty good, but we’ve got to minimize the errors and come through when we have runners on base.,” Bell said. “We need to get more hits and

Key games

allow fewer errors.”

On the positive side, most of the players have experience and can withstand pressure.

“We only have a handful of people without experience, but everyone else was bred and raised on baseball,” Tramble said. “We can take on pressure. If we can keep our heads in the game, we can be able to take the task we face on the field.”

They also look to rely on their fighting spirit to guide them throughout the season.

“The team is real good, and we don’t give up. That’s one of the things that the coaching staff is proud of,” infielder Ronald Morris

VS.

Solano Community College

When: Away: March 16, 2:30 p.m.

April 20, 2:30 p.m.

Home: April 1, 2:30 p.m.

Out of the four meetings between the two teams last year, the Comets were only able to get away with one win. Just in those four games, the Comets were outscored 50-24, including a 18-1 loss.

Last season by the numbers Overall record 6-31

baseball coach assistant baseball coach assistant baseball coach assistant baseball coach

Roster 3 5 8 9 10 16 17 18 20 21 24 27 34 37 40 46 50 51

Gerald Drew infielder Peter Fredzess-Lucas infielder William Lind pitcher Wesley Tramble pitcher Sebastian Barahana catcher Omar Solano pitcher Cyle Bettis pitcher Daryl Moret pitcher Donnie Hogan outfielder Scotty Anderson pitcher Thomas Schwartz outfielder Billy Bell infielder/pitcher Carlos Ponce catcher Phillip Estrada pitcher Ronald Morris infielder Mario Jenkins pitcher Ronnie Arnold infielder Javan Williams outfielder

freshman sophomore sophomore sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore sophomore freshman freshman sophomore freshman sophomore sophomore sophomore

Conference record 4-23

The season so far

Conference finish eighth

Contra Costa College went 0-4 before getting its first win on Friday against Mission College, 43, and their second and third on Saturday again against Mission in a doubleheader at home. After a three-game winning streak, the Comets’ overall record sits at 3-4, with already half of last year’s total wins.

Returning players Wesley Tramble Javan Williams Ronnie Arnold

Thomas Schwartz William Lind

Schedule

Webb

Contra Costa College

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

Coach profile

Coaches Marvin Webb Ivory Jones Tim Wallace Russ Graham

said.

“There’s enough ability to compete, but it’s going to boil down to how much heart this team has,” Webb said. “We have a few good individuals, but like Michael Jordan, he didn’t become a great player until he became a team player.”

Feb. 3 vs. American River 7-5 L Feb. 5 vs. Cañada 7-4 L Feb. 9 at Cañada 11-9 L Feb. 10 at Santa Rosa 13-1 L

Coach Marvin Webb looks to clean the slate following last year’s disappointing season where the Comets finished last in the Bay Valley Conference with a record of 6-31 overall and 4-23 in the BVC. Webb aims for his team to outperform last year’s record, which does not seem to be a hard task since the team already has three wins in seven games. Webb said that it does not matter how much individual talent is on the team, as it is going to come down to teamwork and how much heart the team plays with.

Feb. 19 vs. Mission 4-3 W Doubleheader: Feb. 20 vs. Mission 6-5 W, 4-3 W Feb. 23 vs. Diablo Valley 2 p.m.

Feb. 24 vs. Hartnell 2 p.m.

Feb. 26 vs. Monterey 2 p.m.

Feb. 27 at Hartnell 1 p.m.

March 4 at Mendocino 2:30 p.m.

March 6 vs. Laney 1 p.m.

March 9 at Yuba 2:30 p.m.

March 11 vs. Marin 2:30 p.m.

Key players

With a .333 batting average last year, Williams looks to lead the team on offense.

The centerfielder returns to the team to help the veterans lead the freshmen.

Bell

Schwartz

Williams

Tramble Sophomore Tramble brings experience at the mound to the Comets as the team’s top pitcher.

March 13 vs. Napa 1 p.m.

March 16 at Solano 2:30 p.m.

The freshman looks to make an impact with his ability to throw fastballs up to 94 miles per hour.

March 18 vs. Los Medanos 2:30 p.m.

March 20 vs. Mendocino 1 p.m.

PORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

7

Softball preview | 2010

Early victories signal shift in momentum With 5-year winless streak finally broken, softball squad looks to reinvent program’s entire identity

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR

With a young squad filled with new faces, plenty of potential, better overall talent and strong pitching, the softball team seeks to improve after a winless 2009 season.

Ed Miller goes into his second year as coach with hopes of changing the face of the softball program, leading his young Comet team with discipline, structure and a hardworking mentality to help recover from last year’s disappointing record.

“Winning isn’t my main concern (with this team). It’s about establishing team discipline and structure,” Miller said. “If we can stay healthy and maintain positive attitudes, the sky is the limit, and I plan on winning a lot of games this season.”

Contra Costa College opens the new season with 11 freshman and two returning players, a difference from last year as the team consisted of fresh faces and no veteran leadership.

“Basically, we h a v e to start (this team) all over again,” Miller said. “However, this time we have players who are experienced with the sport which was lacking last season.”

Since last season’s team had some players who were unfamiliar with playing softball, the Comets finished the season with a 0-28 overall record, placing last place in the Bay Valley Conference at 0-14.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ERIK VERDUZCO AND DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

Schedule

Coach profile

Feb. 16 vs. Taft 8-0 L, 4-3 W

Miller

Feb. 20 vs. Lassen 9-0 L, 7-4 W Doubleheader: March 4 vs. Los Medanos 1 and 3 p.m.

Doubleheader: March 6 at Delta 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Doubleheader: March 9 at Solano 1 and 3 p.m.

Doubleheader: March 11 vs. Yuba 1 and 3 p.m.

Doubleheader: March 16 vs. Mendocino 1 and 3 p.m.

Doubleheader: March 18 at Napa 1 and 3 p.m.

Doubleheader: March 23 vs. Marin 1 and 3 p.m.

Doubleheader: March 30 at Los Medanos 1 and 3 p.m.

Ed Miller enters his second season as Comet softball coach.

Miller faced struggles last season as his young, inexperienced team finished with an 0-28 overall record, going 0-14 in the Bay Valley Conference, which placed them in last place in the conference. Miller has high expectations for his current squad, as he relies on pitching and team discipline to help the Comets garner more wins. Miller is looking forward to guiding his young team full of firstyear players and two returning players to a successful season.

softball coach

Roster 4 5 6 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 24 25 29

Contra Costa College

Inez Hudson second baseman Kristina Oshiro pitcher Victoria Takahashi shortstop Genevieve Reyna second baseman Clarke Jones outfielder Krystyna Fisher third baseman Erica Salmeron outfielder Vanessa Kersten catcher Taletia Williams outfielder Denise Meza outfielder Kelsey Leintz first baseman Leticia Hernandez outfielder Diamond Williams outfielder

freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore

The season so far Currently, the Comets are 2-4 in preseason games, having defeated both Taft College 4-3 and Lassen College 7-4 in the second games of both doubleheaders. The Comets were swept in their doubleheader against a tough Monterey Peninsula team, however, losing in a combined score of 1710. Yet, the team has surpassed many expectations this year, as the softball program had not won a game since 2005, when the team went 7-23 overall and 5-19 in the Bay Valley Conference. The Comets will open up conference play against Los Medanos College at home on March 4, in hopes of setting a winning tone for the season.

VS.

Solano Community College

When: Away: March 9, 1 and 3 p.m.

Home: April 1, 1 and 3 p.m.

After finishing the 2008-09 season in last place with an 0-14 record in the Bay Valley Conference, the Comets seek to improve and make a statement in the conference. Last season’s BVC champions, Solano, defeated CCC in a doubleheader with a combined score of 44-6. The Comets had not won a game in the previous five years and have improved from this, winning two games so far.

Last season by the numbers Overall record 0-28 Conference record 0-14 Conference finish fifth Returning players Vanessa Kersten

Diamond Williams

Key players

The first-year third baseman plans to make her presence known with her solid hitting ability.

Takahashi looks to bring positive vibes and set the tone for the defense as a first-year shortstop.

Reyna

Kersten seeks to anchor the young Comets team with her veteran leadership and versatility.

Takahashi

Doubleheader: April 6 at Yuba 1 and 3 p.m.

Fisher

Kersten

Doubleheader: April 1 vs. Solano 1 and 3 p.m.

Doubleheader: April 8 at Mendocino 1 and 3 p.m.

Key games

Coach Ed Miller

Feb. 18 at Monterey Peninsula 5-4 L, 12-6 L

“There was no successful season freshman outfielder Erica Salmeron (for the softball program) prior to said.

Freshman third baseman when I arrived here. And when you have a lack of players, it’s hard to Krystyna Fisher said. “Coach Miller complete a season,” Miller said. “I is a tough coach but he means well had no players that went out for the as he puts time and confidence in us to get better.” team last season, The Comets so I was forced “Winning isn’t my hope to use their to walk around the campus and main concern (with pitching as a strong point to help them recruit ladies who this team). It’s win games throughwere interested in out the season, as playing.” about establishing the softball program Despite having a young, inexpe- team discipline and has not had a victory in five years. rienced team last Currently, CCC year, Miller said structure. If we can is 2-4 overall in the that the team stay healthy and having competed hard maintain positive preseason, won the second of throughout the season and was attitudes, the sky is its doubleheader games against Taft able to complete a full schedule after the limit, and I plan College on Feb. 16 having its 2008 on winning a lot of and Lassen College on Saturday. season canceled.

The Comets “We were a games this season.” lost both games in new group, and it Ed Miller, their doubleheader was a hard time softball coach Thursday against working together Monterey Peninsula at first. But we came together later in the season,” College, however, falling 5-4 in the sophomore outfielder Diamond first game and 12-6 in the second.

CCC opens up BVC play against Williams said.

“We had a tough season last Los Medanos College on March season, but we had a lot of heart,” 4. Both teams look to establish sophomore catcher Vanessa their presence in the conference and register wins as the Mustangs Kersten said.

CCC hopes that its hard work did not have a softball program last and conditioning in the summer season.

Yet, Miller looks forward to and fall will pay off during the season, despite having a dry recruiting leading his young team to a successful season with plans of reachprocess.

“It was a hard offseason recruit- ing the playoffs.

“We have a young inexperiing, I went to several high schools.

However, they had no players inter- enced team, and we are going to ested in playing, so my selection make the best of what we have,” pool wasn’t existent,” Miller said. Miller said.

“This season’s team has tons of “However, the players I had trained talent and if we can keep our minds extremely hard in the offseason.”

Freshmen players responded positive, we can be competitive,” well to Miller’s tough offseason Kersten said. conditioning adjusting to their first Contact Malcolm Lastra at year of play at the college level.

“The training was better than mlastra.advocate@gmail.com. what I was used to in high school,”

Reyna will use her pitching to help CCC have a good chance of reaching the playoffs.

8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010

CAMPUS BEAT

CSE hosts seminar Workshop leads focus to finances

By Lissette Alvarez STAFF WRITER

To encourage students to apply for financial aid and grants, the Center of Science Excellence (CSE) held a seminar on the topic at the in PS-132 Friday.

Financial aid assistant Kelly Ramos hosted the event to get students more aware about financial aid and the different kinds of grants they can apply for. The seminar is done every semester in order to get the message across to other students.

There are quite a few students out there who are not applying for financial aid, Ramos said. They are either too busy trying to get by on their classes or the students feel discouraged from applying because they do not think they would qualify, she said.

“When I went to school, I didn’t know enough about financial aid. I thought because my parents made a good amount of money, I wasn’t eligible,” Ramos said.

“Instead of paying $300-$400, I could have been paying nothing.”

As part of Ramos’ job, she reaches out to different high schools and talks to students about financial aid. The whole point is to explain the process in a way the students can easily understand.

“I wish I would have had

somebody to come in and talk to us about financial aid,” Ramos said.

At the seminar, Ramos put a lot of emphasis on having students get their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms done by the March 2 deadline.

If students turn in their FAFSA forms early, their application will “When I be looked went to at first, she said. school, I It is very i m p o r t a n t didn’t know for students enough who are conabout tinuing their education financial at Contra aid.”

C o s t a College to apply by Kelly Ramos, the dead- financial aid assistant line, Ramos said. Otherwise, they could be competing against students with high grade point averages for the entitlement and primary competitive grant consideration.

One of the reasons some students have not applied through FAFSA is because they think they need their current tax returns done first in order to apply, Ramos said. Fortunately, they can use tax returns from last year, assuming that their income has not changed much from the previous year.

“My parents don’t do their taxes on time, because they own a business,” CSE member and engineering major Robin Lopez

said. “I wasn’t aware that you can use tax returns from the previous year on your FAFSA.” The seminar also touched on the different types of Cal Grants students can apply for, which included Cal Grant A, B, and C. “I thought I knew everything about financial aid. I didn’t know there were different types of Cal Grants,” CSE member and ASU Senator Tony Tran said. “This seminar encouraged me to search for more free money, since there’s so much out there.”

If students are having trouble filling out their FAFSA forms, the Financial Aid Office will host workshops to help students get their forms filled out. They will also be hosting budgeting workshops and suspended student workshops.

“We don’t just want to give them papers. We actually care about our students,” Ramos said.

Realistically, she said, students will not be able to pay for all their school fees with financial aid.

The good news is that students do not have to be buried alive with student loans, Ramos said. The idea is to apply for as many grants and scholarships as one can and use student loans to make up the difference.

Dr. Nancy Thorn, who works in the CSE program, thought that Ramos’ seminars made it easier for students to get more information on financial aid, fill out forms and how to budget.

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

KEVIN CHOURARATH / THE ADVOCATE

Money talk — Financial aid assistant Kelly Ramos talks to students at the Center for Science Excellence event held Friday in PS-132 about the benefits of applying for financial aid.

Program, staff acknowledged statewide (CSE) and its staff received an honorable mention for the 2009 Exemplary Program OPINION EDITOR Award at the Board of Governor’s meeting in Sacramento on Jan. 11 Behind every noteworthy program at “(Winning the award) is a validation of Contra Costa College is a dedicated staff, what we do (in the CSE program),” chemworking together to ensure the success of the istry department Chairman Leverett Smith students involved. said. “It’s hopeful to our students.”

The Center For Science Excellence CCC was among 10 community colleges

By Lauren Shiraishi

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throughout the state that were recognized at the meeting.

The two award categories were the Chancellor’s Student Success Award and the Exemplary Program Award.

The 2009 Exemplary Program Award, sponsored by the Foundation for California Community Colleges and consisting of a $4,000 cash prize, was given to Santa Barbara City College, Bakersfield College and CCC. Three other community colleges received honorable mentions.

“I’m proud to be a part of the success of the CSE and helping students achieve their dreams,” chemistry professor Joseph Ledbetter said.

The goal of CSE is to provide opportunities for science, technology, engineering and math students, including preparing them to transfer to four-year universities and thrive in the more competitive programs, Dr. Ledbetter said.

Through workshops, tutoring and lectures by guest speakers, he said CSE students hone their science and math skills. They are also encouraged to apply for scholarships and internships.

CSE Director Seti Sidharta said the staff plays an integral role in writing recommendation letters and offering advice.

“CCC is very unique in that the faculty tremendously supports its students,” Dr. Sidharta said. “The faculty is what helps drive the success of the program, and we have excellent participation.”

In November 2009, the Academic Senate selected one academic program to represent the college and apply for the Exemplary Program Award. Included with the application was a letter of recommendation, written by Academic Senate President Richard Akers.

“I think it should be high on the college list of priorities to get recognition for what we do very well,” he said.

The CSE program, which received its first grant in 1996, also received national recognition in 2001.

“It feels good to be a part of a program that opens a lot of doors and gives you opportunities (to succeed),” CSE student Roque Troz said.

Contact Lauren Shiraishi at lshiraishi. advocate@gmail.com.

Club Rush falls short Poor weather, planning ends in failed event

By Alexandra Waite STAFF WRITER

Due to some disorganization between clubs and uncertainty of location, this semester’s Club Rush resulted in a less than expected turnout last Wednesday and Thursday.

Wednesday’s event was scheduled to be in the quad, but moved last minute into the Student Dining Room with bad weather predictions in mind, causing confusion for students and club members.

“The event was nowhere near as good as it would have been if it was outside,” Anime/Manga Club President Nicholas Henry said.

The event started at 10 a.m. with about seven clubs present, but by 1 p.m. half of the clubs had packed up and left.

“I didn’t see a lot of people come by,” health and human services secretary Sheire Howard Hall said.

“There’s only one sign promoting the event, and I can’t even see it. I would have been just as confused as the students.”

The event brought in the

most students between 11 it to the Sundance Festival. a.m. and 12:30 p.m., during During the busy lunch the lunch hour. hour, a mascot dressed as Henry said one of the Tigger danced to loud music main reasons for the event’s and attracted some students. disorganization was a lack Some felt, however, that of communication between there could have been more clubs. effort put into the event.

“All the clubs meet during “They could have at (Inter-Club Council) meet- least made it more offiings, and we haven’t had one cial,” graphic design major of those yet,” Henry said. “I Enrique Maldonado said. got the inforT h e mation about event held “There’s only one T h u r s d ay Club Rush through the sign promoting the was moved club e-mail back into event, and I can’t the quad, and word of mouth.” engaging Promoting even see it. I would the traffic the Anima/ have been just as of students Manga Club, coming in confused as the Henry said and out of the club is classes. students.” more recreStudent ation-orientMelvin Sheire Howard Hall, ed and par- health and human services secretary G o r o s b e ticipates in a said he lot of school began to events. walk by the event and found The club also organizes himself wandering around trips to the Cherry Blossom the clubs.

Festival and Fanime in the “(The event) was pretty spring. useful, plus we get to know One of the newer clubs to the school more,” Gorosbe participate in the event was said. the Computer Graphics and Clubs provided snacks on Gaming Club. their tables, such as candy “We’re teaching our- and corn nuts. selves to create games and Free Cycle Day gave make animated movies,” students the opportunity to said Haseni Groce, computer donate old clothes. graphics major and Gaming Contact Alexandra Waite Club secretary.

One of the club’s goals is at awaite.advocate@gmail. to make a movie and submit com.

SPOTLIGHT

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

9

MATH AND MIRTH Mead teaches with humor, ‘fun’ passion

By Cassandra Juniel SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

ERIK VERDUZCO/ THE ADVOCATE

Pointing the way — Mathematics professor Terrill Mead helps student Darryl Melodias during his Introduction to Differential Equations class Monday in H-7.

Mead teaches his pupils with a combination of humor and helping hands.

Some people consider him quiet, while others say he has an outgoing humorous side. In truth, he possesses both of these traits in addition to being a dedicated teacher and colleague.

Professor Terrill Mead has been with Contra Costa College since 1996, teaching all levels of mathematics.

“Everything we offer in math at CCC, I have taught,” Mead said. “This semester, however, I am teaching the higher-end courses such as statistics, linear algebra, indifferential equations, and third-semester calculus.”

Students find him smart, helpful, and have come to enjoy his sense of humor while teaching.

“Professor Mead stays after class is over and helps students that are struggling,” physics major John Monks said. “He does have a good sense of humor, which sometimes helps take the edge off. He is smart and a very decent person.”

Mead’s inspiration to teach math came along with his choice of a major.

He said there are many times when one chooses

something and does not like it, yet he got lucky.

“What I found in choosing math was much nicer than what I originally thought it to be,” Mead said. “For example, earlier, I saw it as just numbers. Yet, going forward, I began to see arguments, proofs, logic, and theory — and here is where it all began to make sense.”

Mead uses different teaching approaches for his students, attempting to find the right balance for them.

“I try to give minimal definition and focus on concept, which is less stress on producing the mechanics of problems,” he said.

He said that the main thing about math is that one has to put in the time for it, such as with music, and that it will become easier to pull off as one does so.

Speaking of music, Mead is known to create final exam lyrics that he sings while playing his guitar for students at the end of the semester.

“I usually write different songs according to the different personalities in my classrooms. They do change each semester.” Mead said.

“One song that has existed for a while is called, ‘You’ll Survive 118’ (specific for Math 118 students).”

Mead learned how to play the four-string guitar at the age of five, learning only a few chords and playing with his parents. Although

he did not pursue entering a band, which his brother was already in, he remained interested in playing the acoustic guitar, rather than an electric one as he got older.

Some students get a kick out of the songs Mead puts together and look forward to them.

Student Emily Fields, who was in Mead’s class for Math 118 said she enjoys his helpfulness and humor.

“Mr. Mead is an excellent teacher. He takes extra time to ensure your understanding of things,” Fields said. “His songs are a wonderful way of ending the semester and relieving stress. He also had a special way of making the class fun with his great sense of humor.”

Colleague Peggy Abrams is an instructional assistant who has worked with Mead since he came to CCC and shared his willingness and dedication to students.

“Mr. Mead is always willing to work with the students, always making himself available to them,” Abrams said.

“He is a very good teacher — very thorough.”

Mead keeps a comfortable environment in his classrooms, possessing both a serious and funny side.

“Fun is good, as long as it does not take a person away from learning,” he said.

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

La Raza course brings poetry to people Creativity sparks class expression

By Cassandra Juniel SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

Students may often feel there is a prerequisite for entering a poetry writing class, and because they may not have the experience, they may neglect to participate, feeling unqualified.

This is not so at Contra Costa College. La Raza 250, Poetry for the People: Introduction to the Art of Poetry, is a class for aspiring poets or just those who want to brush up on their skills.

The class meets each Thursday from 5:10-8 p.m. in M-116.

“I hope anyone interested in writing poetry will take the class,” said Agustin Palacios, La Raza studies department chairman and instructor of the course. “Some people may feel intimidated. Yet, poetry is just saying what you need to say in the strongest way you can say it.”

As there was once a similar program at CCC, Poetry for the People is a welcome addition, Natural, Social and Applied Sciences Division Dean Terence Elliott said.

“Poetry for the People is similar to Black Song and Poetry (BSAP) I taught at CCC,” he said. “These programs give students the opportunity to voice concerns about things in a creative stance. It is an intellectual and creative avenue to share your thoughts.”

The concept for the La Raza course is modeled after a program taught at UC Berkeley under the same title and was founded and directed by the late Dr. June Jordan, professor of African-American studies.

Jordan was a professor, activist, an award-winning poet and one of the most published AfricanAmerican writers in history, according to the Newsroom Advisory publication from the University, dated September 2002.

“Dr. Jordan founded and directed for 12 years a UC Berkeley a course called Poetry for the People that taught undergraduates to read,

write and critique poetry from various cultures,” Palacios said. “I learned how to write poetry under the university program, which had over 100 students at a time per class.”

He said the program also sought out student-teacher poets who became responsible to lead small workshop groups within the course.

“I became greatly involved in the curriculum and teaching of the class, which serves as a model I would like to follow and implement at CCC,” Palacios said.

He said that the program was so successful that former Poetry for the People students went on to lead workshops at Berkeley High School, Glide Memorial Church, Dublin Women’s Prison and Bay Area cultural centers.

The course at CCC, intended for anyone to learn about four different ethnic groups, also introduces the students to poetry as a culture, history, criticism and practice. It focuses comparatively on poetry from Chicano/Latino, African/AfricanAmerican, Asian-American/Pacific

Islander and Indigenous/Native American groups.

Poetry for the People is praised by students for its ability to allow them to express themselves within a positive environment.

“This class helps me to open up and express myself, use my writing skills to be creative and share my feelings with others,” early childhood education major Mia Inocencio said. “When we leave class, we feel ‘light.’”

Some students look forward to these moments and see their time of gathering together each Thursday evening not as a classroom, but as a workshop where everyone is comfortable together at the same time.

“We are learning about the different cultures right now, beginning with the Chicano culture,” Inocencio said. “From there, we will learn about the Native American culture and then finishing out with African Americans.”

Students are so enthused about the class, that they are continuously telling their friends about it with the hope that they will enroll, Palacios

said. As a result, several students have enrolled since the start.

“I have written poetry before, which is why I wanted to take this class. I am sharing what I am learning with others,” humanities and art major Greg Seiler said. “People will like the class if they actually knew what it was about.”

What is unique about this class is that it goes beyond mainstream poetry and focuses more on minorities, Palacios said.

“The university program was extremely diverse. I’d like our program to be likewise, because I believe that sharing something personal tends to build community,” he said. “It takes a lot of courage. People begin to listen to each other and start to care about one another.”

Poems the students write during the semester will be published in a poetry anthology and read at their May 13 Poetry Performance Night.

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

Club builds confidence Toastmasters aid public speakers

By Lamar James NEWS EDITOR

The Toastmasters Club is a group dedicated to encouraging and supporting students to become better public speakers and having fun doing so.

Emphasizing the practice of impromptu speaking, the club has been meeting every Tuesday in varying on-campus locations for a little more than a year now.

Club President Elizabeth Vega, who joined the club in March last year, said roughly 250,000 members make up 12,500 Toastmasters clubs that span over 108 countries globally.

“This is a learning experience outside the classroom, and it is a very positive and supportive environment,” Vega said.

At first, before joining the Toastmasters, Vega said her verbal skills were not too strong.

After joining the group, however, she began to enhance her communication skills.

Over time, she started to mature as a public speaker, becoming more comfortable with talking in front of large crowds, Vega said.

She said the Toastmasters provide a very informal setting that is relaxed and laid back, so members do not have to be shy or intimidated. Toastmasters members

are there to help each other out to achieve their public speaking goals, Vega said.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join the club.

There is a membership fee of $20 for the first months plus the cost of “(The club) manuals, and then the price has made is cut into two a major payments of $27 every six impact on months, Vega some of the said.

“The main experiences goal of the I have had Toastmasters is to build and down the develop publine.” lic speaking, organization, and leadership Charles Gibson, skills,” art Police Services chief department Chairman Richard Akers said.

“And it teaches you how to run a meeting very effectively.”

One of the benefits of going to Toastmasters meetings is getting to know one’s colleagues.

“I knew faculty on campus, but I didn’t know a lot of classified staff,” Dr. Akers said. “Since joining Toastmasters, I have had the time to meet classified staff, which I think is really good.”

He said Toastmasters is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to self-improvement.

Its aim is to strengthen a stu-

dent’s ability to be able to speak in front of crowds, becoming open to the idea of being a public speaker and helping to relinquish the fear of public speaking, Akers said.

Police Services Chief Charles Gibson said Toastmasters has helped him a lot. “(The club) has made a major impact on some of the experiences I have had down the line,” he said.

“It has helped me to be a better communicator.”

Vega said the will to improve her verbal skills has always been there, but Toastmaster has given her the means to help her get to where she wants to be in terms of her public speaking or even personal conversation skills.

She said one only gets better with time.

“I like Toastmasters because it gives you time, and it is fairly different from a (speech) class,” Vega said. “The atmosphere is just different, and you gain a sense of support from the other members because you are working closely together with them.”

Vega said students are not judged in Toastmasters, but instead are given feedback and constructive criticism.

“Six years ago, I came (to this country) with little communication skills,” Vega said. “I wanted to be able to speak as well as a native, so I am taking the necessary steps to reach my goal.”

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

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

No reason for jitters — Academic Senate President Richard Akers performs an impromptu speech at the Toastmasters Club meeting in the Fireside Room Feb. 9.

10 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

This week: “Cop Out” (R) “The Crazies” (R)

DVDs

New releases: “The Informant!”

(R) “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” (PG-13) “Sorority Row” (R) “The Box” (PG-13)

CDs

New releases: Alkaline Trio: “This Addiction” Shout Out Louds: “Work” Toro Y Moi: “Causers of This” DJ Khaled: “Victory” Cassidy: “Problem is Back” David Byrne and Fatboy Slim: “Here Lies Love” Joanna Newsom: “Have One on Me” The Radio Dept.: “Clinging to a Scheme”

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010

SCENE

‘Island’ bends minds

By Alec Surmani ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sometimes in our lives, we reach a threshold where most of our deepest, most debilitating pain bleeds from the refusal to accept help from others.

All the misfortunes we have ever been associated with become failures, and we assume the role of the solitary guilty party. No amount of reason or attempts to reach out will penetrate the microcosm of delusion until we let go of ourselves and our own SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE self-absorption.

Cracking the case — Leonardo DiCaprio (center) and partner Mark Ruffalo (left) play U.S. marshals on the Edward “Teddy” Daniels, prohunt for an escaped mental patient in Martin Scorsese’s psychological labyrinth “Shutter Island.” tagonist in the Martin Scorsese of the asylum workers’ calm psychological labyrinth “Shutter As a means of coping, Daniels mother’s waist. She will not, candemeanors in the midst of a literal assumes full responsibility for Island” played by Leonardo not, let go. and figurative storm or relivDiCaprio, is so far past this his wife’s death, branding himself It is no coincidence. ing fractured amalgams of past threshold that all the bread in the with an easy tag, much like how Daniels chooses to not let go, horrors, how he receives what world could not leave a trail of society as a whole labels those and his perfected defense mechais offered to him reveals a nearcrumbs long enough for him to at Ashecliffe as nisms sustain his torture. gamut of internal struggles, with find his way back. crazy, inhuman. It The film builds intensity as his moviereview which any viewer is sure to idenA U.S. marshal with nightis a way of confinfervor grows more uncontrollable, tify with at least a handful. mares of his wife’s death and his ing that which we eventually climaxing in an obviThis is because Daniels is an participation in the liberation of cannot fathom. ous, yet necessary twist ending. archetypal man.

Dachau, Daniels and his partConsequently, Though, as his journey proHe exists in conflict, anger, ner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) the marshal dips vides all the depth and emotion, “Shutter Island” violence, war, power, victory. He are sent to investigate the disinto dreams and the credit roll never feels cheap. ★★★★★ lives through games and demands hallucinations, appearance of a patient from Daniels’ process, his decisions, Starring: Leonardo control. the Ashecliffe Hospital for the expertly rendered is the essence of his being, just When the warden (Ted Levine) through computer- DiCaprio, Mark Criminally Insane. like all of us.

Set in 1954 on the fictional Choices illuminate the difcalls him a “man of violence” and generated imagery Ruffalo Directed by: Shutter Island located well off the jokingly threatens to put a knife ference between prisoner and (CGI), of all the Martin Scorsese Where: coast of Boston, the film follows patient, painful regret and valuworst moments to the marshal’s eye, rather than Everywhere Daniels’ search for what he susable memory. denying the claim or taking a step of his life seared Genre: Thriller pects to be the hidden truth, while back to collect himself, Daniels Our lives can often be together, with only simultaneously he desperately explained by whether we allow the evidence of challenges him to do so. attempts to not lose the grip on ourselves to crawl alone in circles, the water used to Men and women of all strides his own mind along the way. engulfed in darkness and blindly put out the fire and the resultant can surely relate, even if only What ensues can be taken searching for a path identical swirling flakes of ash. through the similar alpha males many different ways. to the one projected inside our One recurring vision of the they have met in their lives.

Most of the film’s themes heads, or look to a lighthouse that Stronger emotional connections Dachau concentration camp sees emerge early, primarily through a pile of dead prisoners. The cam- helps guide a way. can also be drawn with Daniels Daniels’ reactions to what hapbased solely on his greatest preoc- era cuts in to a mother and her Contact Alec Surmani at asurmani. pens around and within him. daughter. Frozen. The daughter’s cupation — the universally expeadvocate@gmail.com.

Whether growing suspicious arm forever locked around her rienced pierce of regret.

‘Wiz’ turns Richmond into magic land general public.

“It’s the script of ‘The Wiz’ STAFF ILLUSTRATOR with a Richmond thumbprint,” David said. “Each page of Though often seen as a place the script has a little piece of of fear and dread, the city of Richmond in it, whether it’s in Richmond will be transformed the sets, the characters or their into the wonderful land of Oz in dialogue.” the drama department’s adaptaIn David’s version of the tion of “The Wiz.” classic, Dorothy is an eighth Department Chairman and grade African-American girl Director Clay David celebrates from Richmond, traveling the city of Richmond and its home on BART after an award residents with this theatrical ceremony in Oakland. gift to the community, which During the ride, her train will premiere March 4 at the is sucked into a tornado in a Knox Center at 8 p.m.

BART tunnel. She awakens to Tickets are $10 for students the neon lights and colorful, and seniors and $15 for the singing and dancing inhabitants

By Cody McFarland

of the fantastic world of Oz. Awestruck by the vivid, Vegas-like manifestation of her gray, urban town, young Dorothy follows the yellow BART train line to meet the great Wiz, the one she is told will help her find a way back to the home she once knew.

“The Wiz is going to be one of the biggest shows performed at (Contra Costa College) in the past 20 years,” David said.

“There’s going to be explosions, fire and smoke.”

This vision entails vibrant, unnatural-colored hair, such as blues, greens and oranges, with just as visually lush garments,

atop a scale of gray that represents the urban concrete, littered with vibrancy in the form of graffiti.

J.R. Morocco designed and constructed the set, with help from technical theater students, David said.

All costumes were designed

by David and are based around what an eighth grade girl from Richmond in 2010 would imagine if she were in Oz. “The musical score consists of the original music from the 1970s play, only faster and accompanied by hits from Michael Jackson and Rihanna, as if woven into the original

orchestrations, giving it a fresh, hip feel for the year 2010,” David said.

Culinary arts instructional assistant Joyce Edwards said opening night will mark the seventh gala event, held two hours before the show for a combined $35, which she calls “bridging the arts.”

Preview night is Wednesday, March 3, at 8 p.m. in the Knox Center. Tickets are $8.

For information, call 510235-7800, ext. 4274.

Contact Cody McFarland at cmcfarland.advocate@gmail. com.

Games

Black history celebrated Varied cultures shared at event New releases: “Heavy Rain” (PS3 - M)

By Lissette Alvarez STAFF WRITER

“Metal Slug XX” (PSP - T) “Hello Kitty Birthday Adventures” (PS3 - E) “Sonic Sega All Stars Racing” (PS3/ XBOX360/ WII/DS - E) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

CRYSTAL JOY BIS / THE ADVOCATE

Rhythm of life — Armel Mampouya pounds out a beat at the Black History Celebration held in the Knox Center Thursday night.

The Black History Celebration once again gave students an enlightening take on black history Thursday night in the Knox Center.

Hosted by the Black Student Union (BSU) and AfricanAmerican studies department, the event was designed not only to entertain the students and faculty, but also to have them re-evaluate what they think they know about African-American history.

History professor and coadviser of the BSU Manu Ampim showed a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation examining the classical African contributions to the world in math, different field medications, literature and writing.

“I was blown away by professor Ampim’s presentation. I want people to look at black history analytically,” said Laila Greene, ethnic studies major and master of ceremonies for the event. “I hope people will actually look up

the information and share it with other people.”

The presentation walked the audience through the temples, tombs and pyramids of ancient Egypt, and broke a few misconceptions about the country. For example, the pyramids were not built by slaves, but primarily by paid laborers.

Another myth Ampim broke was the ethnicity of ancient Egyptians. The first artificial black toe was among the evidence that proved that some of the ancient Egyptians were in fact black.

One of the most controversial topics discussed in Ampim’s presentation was the first calendar in the world and how the information was misrepresented as artifacts not of African origin.

Apparently, at the time, no one wanted to admit that the first calendar was indeed the product of an African man.

Professor Ampim also wanted to make sure students knew about the founder of Black History Month, Dr. Carter Woodson.

In addition to his presentation, the celebration included a spoken word poem on unity by Simone Foster about how people come together as a community.

“I thought that Simone’s spo-

ken word poem was very uplifting,” African-American studies major Demencio Lafleur said.

“Most of the information from the celebration I already knew from the classes I took.”

One of the most popular performances at the Black History Celebration was the Congolese drummers Kiazie Malonga and Fua Dia Congo.

“My favorite performance was the drummers; Kiazie really did me a favor performing,” said Carolyn Hodge, African-American studies department chairwoman and BSU co-adviser. “They had a huge performance the night after the event.

We were lucky they were able to make it.”

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) members Ken Nelson and Amy Brooks came to the event to talk about the history of the organization and to recruit new members.

Also, the event included an interpretive dance by Lawny Ross and the singing of the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” performed by Anthony Thompson.

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

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

11

Rebounds, errors hurt Supporters rally teams CCC in loss via chants dariushazmoudeh

T

he stadium blasts the song and plays the tune so the fans can yell “Charge!” The cheerleaders dance to get the crowd in the team spirit. The mascot throws free T-shirts to get the fans’ attention.

Those are all great, but they steal the creativity and passion of the fans.

Most, if not all, the times we go to professional sporting events, we are usually offered a free burger if we can be the loudest section.

It waters down the fans’ cheers, because they are not cheering for the team, they are cheering to try to get a free sandwich. The songs that play in the loudspeaker encourage the fans to yell on command, instead of them doing it themselves. The soundtrack of the stadium becomes whatever is played through the speakers.

You can go anywhere around the world, or even watch it through a television set, and see the fans at their sporting events cheering, chanting and making the soundtrack of the stadium theirs.

The best examples to use are the soccer games in Europe and South America. The public address system is only used to announce what players did what.

Fans do their chants, started and created by themselves, sometimes with drums and use flares to create an atmosphere that not only pushes their teams but also intimidates their opponents, proving to be the extra man on the field. It goes further than chanting. Fans also create banners and flags of their players or their group of supporters, sometimes known as Ultras. Ultras are groups of supporters who come together and essentially create a fan club for their team.

Manchester United fans have their “Glory, Glory Man, United” chant to the tune of “God Save the Queen.”

And many teams chant to the guitar riff of “Seven Nation Army”

by The White Stripes while incorporating their own words.

In the 2002 World Cup, the South Korea fans were able to push their team all the way to the semifinals. They were the underdogs when they faced Italy in the first game of the second round. The stadium was filled with Koreans chanting throughout the entire game, helping their team defeat Italy.

While most of the sports in the U.S. do not have fans that are as devout, supporters of Major League Soccer are influenced by the European soccer culture.

It is their chants that pump up the stadium, rather than the stadium pumping up the crowd.

Dariush Azmoudeh is a sports editor of The Advocate. Contact him at dazmoudeh. advocate@gmail.com.

Comets fail to complete late comeback

out with too much energy, since it did not want it to be the final game of the season.

The 49ers’ defense was able to cause several turnovers by playing a tough full-court man-to-man press

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR that overwhelmed the Comet offense. Yuba was also able Strong defense causing to control the rebounds with several turnovers helped players Mike McChristian rally the men’s basketball and Kyle Allen combining team back into the game, but for 11 of the team’s 17 first early turnovers and a lack of half rebounds. rebounding proved to get the “We should have best of the squad, as it fell to rebounded a lot better and Yuba College 80-73 in the played a better transition Gymnasium Friday. defense,” Comet forward Contra Costa College Cameron Cash said.

(13-14 overall, 8-8 in the Down 22-13 with seven Bay Valley minutes to go Conference) in the first half, displayed CCC was able ScoreBoard great effort in to come back its last game of and reduce 49ers 80 the season by the deficit Comets 73 bouncing back to one point from an 18with 3-point Season over: point deficit field goals 13-14 overall, 8-8 against conby guards in BVC. ference-leader Bobby Ward Yuba (24-4 and DeShaun overall, 15-1 LeGree. The in the BVC), Comets then but it was not enough to earn took their first lead of the the victory and gain conten- game with a put back lay-up tion for a post-season berth. by Cash with six minutes left “It would’ve been another in the first half. win against a 20-win team CCC’s defense also began for us, as we already beat to step up, creating several (College of the Sequoias) steals, scoring on fast-break and West Valley College, points and getting to the which could have put us in free-throw line. a better position to make The 49ers led the Comets the playoffs,” coach Miguel 33-32 at the half.

Johnson said. “However, we “I started my sophomores hurt ourselves today taking in their last game and they quick shots and making cost- came out a little too excited,” ly turnovers.”

Johnson said. “We began to The Comets entered their adjust to the game late in the last game recklessly, as their first half.” defense could not contain Yuba came out strong the 49ers, who attacked the early in the second half, post early. exploiting the Comets’ “It took us time to settle defense and taking a 10-point down, since we were playing lead at 49-39, by attacking such a good team,” Johnson the basket and scoring on said. second chance points through Comet forward Addonnis offensive rebounds.

Leacock said his team came The 49ers outrebounded

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Zero gravity — Comet guard Justin Hamilton protects the ball with his body during a game against Yuba College Friday in the Gymnasium. Contra Costa College was unable to complete the comeback and fell to the 49ers 80-73.

CCC 35-26 in the game.

“We had to get more physical and play more confident in the paint,” Leacock said.

The 49ers continued to add to their lead with a combination of McChristian, who finished with a gamehigh 23 points, and guard Bo Henning who added 19 points.

After a timeout with four minutes remaining, the Comets began a rally that brought them to within eight points, trailing 68-60, by playing an intense full-court press that created several steals and fast-break points.

Momentum shifted in CCC’s favor after a steal and fast-break slam dunk from

Comet guard Jordan Mouton, which brought them within four, 72-68.

With 1:30 left to play, Comet guard Justin Hamilton maneuvered his way to the basket and was able to draw a foul to get him to the freethrow line. After sinking the first basket and making the score 72-69, CCC was charged with a lane violation penalty that gave the 49ers ball possession.

And Yuba would hold on for the 80-73 win.

“We had more spirit in the second half compared to the first, as we made more steals and shots,” Comet center Nikita Evdokimov said. “But in the end, we couldn’t get the win.”

Johnson said, “It was great to see the guys finish strong in this game and at the end of the season. It’s good to carry over this type of momentum into the offseason.”

This season, the Comets finished fourth place in the BVC, which is an improvement from last season’s seventh place standing where CCC registered four total wins.

“We were 10 times better than last season,” Johnson said. “I was proud of the team’s effort, and we’re looking forward to next season.”

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

Clutch single clinches 4-3 victory home against Monterey Peninsula College (4-2 overall, 0-0 in the Coast Conference) Friday at 2 p.m.

“Today was a wake-up call,” Tramble said. “During the week, our coach gave us a speech about how geese fly in a pack and that when one falls, two go to pick him up.”

The first seven innings consisted of little offense and mostly pitching and defense. In those seven innings, the Comets had three hits while the Saints had only one.

Tramble struck out four, while Saint pitcher Jacob Cook amassed eight strikeouts.

“Hopefully, this will propel us,” Comet coach Marvin Webb said.

“They had a good pitcher. He had our number for a few innings, but the game is nine innings. We came back in the eighth and ninth.”

The first runs in the game came in the eighth inning, when Mission leftfielder Jacob Ratliff got a twoRBI double with two outs to put the

game and send it into extra innings.

In the top of the 10th inning, SPORTS EDITOR however, Saint rightfielder Jordan Funtila was able to put his team With bat clutched in his hands in ahead 3-2, when he brought in the the bottom of the 10th inning, and runner at third after getting out at runners on second and third, Comet first. Yet again, the Comets fought shortstop Peter Fredzess-Lucas back in the bottom of the inning. made solid contact with the ball Following a sacrifice bunt by and drove it into right CCC catcher Sebastian field, bringing the runBarahana to advance ScoreBoard ner home and giving runners to second and Contra Costa College third base, Mission Comets 4 its first win of the pitcher Adam Zuniga Saints 3 season, over Mission threw a wild pitch that College, 4-3 Friday at allowed outfielder Next game: home.

Donnie Hogan to go Friday vs.

“I just wanted to home and tie up the get my team the ‘W,’” game.

Monterey, 2 p.m.

Fredzess-Lucas said.

Following a walk Entering the ninth, and a stolen base, the Saints (3-4 overFredzess-Lucas hit all, 0-0 in the Coast Golden Gate the game-winning single into right Conference) had a 2-0 lead and the field to drive Comet pitcher Wesley Comets (2-5 overall, 0-0 in the Bay Tramble home for the win.

Valley Conference) rallied to tie the The Comets’ next game is at

By Dariush Azmoudeh

Box scores Men’s Basketball (Feb. 19 ) Yuba College (80) Dorn 1-3 0-0 2, Romero 1-3 1-2 4, Figueroa 0-0 0-0 0, Daniels 5-9 2-4 12, Diop 0-1 0-0 0, Henning 6-10 7-9 19, Rodriguez 0-0 0-0 0, McChristian 9-12 4-4 23, Wilson 0-1 0-0 0, Prince 1-6 4-4 7, Allen 3-6 6-8 13, Ellwood 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 26-50 24-31 80.

Contra Costa College (73) Kinney 2-6 0-0 5, Caldwell 1-3 0-0 3, Hamilton 4-5 6-12 14, Cash 2-4 5-5 9, Ward 1-6 0-0 3, Mi.Brown 5-11 0-0 11, LeGree 5-14 4-4 15, Mouton 1-6 0-0 2, McCall 0-0 0-0 0, Leacock 3-7 1-1 7, Mo.Brown 1-2 0-0 2, Evdokimov 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 26-67 15-22 73.

Three-point goals Yuba — Romero 1, McChristian 1, Allen 1, Prince 1.

Contra Costa — LeGree 2, Kinney 1, Caldwell 1, Ward 1, Mi.Brown 1.

Fouled out Yuba — Daniels, Allen. Contra Costa — None.

Rebounds Yuba 35 (McChristian 13), Contra Costa 26 (Leacock, LeGree 6)

Women’s Basketball (Feb. 19 ) Yuba College (45) Spencer 0-0 0-0 0, Bajira 0-1 0-0 0, Silva 2-4 0-0 5, Bettercourt 3-4 0-1 8, Rainey 0-0 0-0 0, Marty-Case 3-9 3-4 10, Madenik 5-8 0-0 10, Correa 2-3 0-0 4, Christina 0-1 0-0 0, Hughes 3-10 2-2 8. Totals 18-40 5-8 45.

Contra Costa College (60) Gipson 0-1 0-0 0, Sanders 0-0 0-0 0, Montgomery 1-6 0-0 3, Bridges 0-3 0-0 0, Stewart 0-4 0-0 0, Hunt 6-22 2-2 14, Aquino 2-7 2-2 8, Martin 11-17 9-11 31, Williams 0-2 0-0 0, Walker 2-3 0-0 4, Chaney 1-1 0-0 2, Farinas 0-0 0-0 0, Love 1-4 0-0 2. Totals 24-70 13-15 64.

Fouled out Yuba — Correa. Contra Costa — None.

Rebounds Yuba 23 (Silva 7), Contra Costa 40 (Martin 16).

Baseball

Baseball (Feb. 19)

Totals

R 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

H 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1

Contra Costa College Contra Costa College AB R Williams rf 4 1 Fredzess-Lucas ss 5 1 Schwartz cf 2 0 Arnold 1b 4 0 Morris dh 4 0 Hogan lf 3 1 Bell 3b 4 0 Drew 2b 2 0 Barahana c 4 0 Tramble p 2 1

RBI 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

32 3 6 3

Mission College Contra Costa College

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

Game of the Week

Three-point goals Yuba — Bettercourt 2, Silva 1, Marty-Case 1.

Contra Costa — Aquino 2, Montgomery 1.

Mission College AB Herrera cf 4 Funtila rf 3 Hauf 1b 3 Ratliff lf 4 Milioto c 4 Prince 3b 4 Gallegos dh 4 Bento ss 3 Dennis 2b 3

Saints ahead 2-0.

After the Comets allowed Mission to get two consecutive singles, Ratliff swung on the first pitch toward centerfielder Thomas Schwartz, who was unable to make the catch and allowed the runners on first and second to score.

Hoping for a miracle in the ninth, the Comets led off with a single by leftfielder Javan Williams, who the stole second. Fredzess-Lucas followed with another single and stole second base.

With runners at second and third, Schwartz came up with a two-RBI double to tie the game, and sent the match into extra innings.

“We didn’t quit. We battled back,” Webb said. “They picked each other up, and that’s what’s going to make us successful this year.”

H 2 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1

RBI 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

34 4 8 3 000 000

000 000

020 002

1 2

-

3 4

Contra Costa College Tramble Estrada (W)

IP

H R ER BB SO

8.0 2.0

4 2 2 1

2 1

5 0

4 1

Mission College Cook (L) Zuniga

8.0 2.0

6 2 2 2

2 1

1 2

8 1

VS.

Monterey Peninsula College When: Friday, 2:00 p.m.

Where: Baseball field Records: CCC 2-4 overall, 0-0 in the BVC. Monterey 4-2 overall, 0-0 in the CPC. Background: Coming off a 4-3 win last Friday, the Comets look to keep momentum going into the regular season. This is the first time the Lobos face the Comets, as they plan to use their hitting ability to win the game.

—Malcolm Lastra

12 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2010

Strong form leads Comets through Yuba

SPORTS

CAN YOU SAY PLAYOFFS?

Defense impedes 49ers’ infiltration

“Our guard play has been outstanding. I would match or guards against any in the state,” DeBolt said. “We are a dangerous team, (and) we still haven’t played our best game.”

By Alec Surmani ASSOCIATE EDITOR CCC proved its volatile potential by leaping out to a 17-4 lead If there was an answer to the over Yuba Friday on the back question of how to stop Comet of Martin’s eight points and two guard Kenyanna “K.K.” Martin’s assists within the first six minutes. seemingly irrepressible momentum Though the 49ers were evenFriday, the 49ers did not have it. tually able to knock down some The First Team All-State shots, they were never able to come sophomore racked up 31 points closer than within five points. and shot 64 percent from the This was not only because of the floor in Contra Costa Comets’ rarely College’s final game faltering offense, of the regular season, ScoreBoard but their nagging a 64-45 hammering of defense as well.

Comets 64 Yuba College in the Sophomore Gymnasium.

49ers 45 guards Aleah “I had to step up Bridges, Savannah and help my team Stewart, Alana Next game: win,” she said. “We Aquino and Zenaia Friday at Ohlone, dominated tonight.”

Hunt pressured 5:30 p.m.

Martin continuopponents with sufally rose above Yuba focating traps and defenders and sank quick footwork. shot after shot, some of which Hunt in particular showed hustle were mid-air tip-ins of her previous by sticking close with Yuba guards misses. The day after the game, she and diving for loose balls. She was named Bay Valley Conference amassed three steals, complementMost Valuable Player for the sec- ing her 14 points and five assists. ond year in a row, the first CCC “Zenaia really sparked us defenwomen’s basketball player to ever sively,” DeBolt said. do so.

Thanks to its tight defense and “K.K. is the leading scorer in dependable offense, CCC managed the state. She has a legitimate shot to finish the first half with a 33at player of the year,” coach Paul 27 lead, despite making only one DeBolt said. “She’s at the top of of nine 3-pointers and committing her game.” seven turnovers.

Following their confident vicYet, the Comets only grew tory over the 49ers (4-21 overall, stronger in the final period, which 3-13 in the BVC), the Comets Hunt attributed to the team’s strong (19-9 overall, 11-5 in the BVC) identity at the individual level. will look to Martin and other key “Everyone knows their role and sophomore contributors for leader- is playing their role better,” she ship and aggressive play in their said. first postseason game.

DeBolt’s strategy coming out As CCC finished third in the of the locker room was to balconference and was seeded ninth ance what he called “one of the in the NorCal Regional Playoffs, best defensive halves of the seait will play against eighth seed son” with an offensive rhythm built Ohlone College (18-8 overall, around Martin.

12-0 in the Coast-South Division “(The gameplan) was to give Conference) in Fremont Friday at it to her and kick it back out,” 7 p.m.

DeBolt said. “Instead of moving DeBolt is optimistic about his K.K. around a lot, we kept her in team’s chances, largely on the basis the same spot and moved the ball of his strong backcourt. around a lot.”

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

All smiles — The women’s basketball team celebrates after a convincing 64-45 trouncing of Yuba College in the final game of the regular season in the Gymnasium Friday.

This proved successful, as CCC only widened the gap between its opponent.

After a series of traded baskets preventing Yuba from attaining any significant momentum, Aquino drained a 3-pointer with five minutes left in the match to put her team up 53-40.

She followed the basket with two free throws and another 3pointer, scoring eight points in a row for the Comets and creating a

58-40 stranglehold. The latter ignited the crowd into bellowing chants of “Let’s go Comets, let’s go!”

It knew the team was ready for postseason play. Much of what followed felt like formality.

Martin, who also nabbed 16 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals, exuded confidence and anticipation for the playoffs.

“We played well as a team, and we all feel great (about the Comets’ next game),” she said.

Although she finished in the top five for the BVC in points per game, field goal percentage, rebounds, blocks and steals and currently sits in the fourth position all-time for most points scored by a women’s basketball player at CCC, Martin said she is not done and plans to help the Comets be successful in the postseason.

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

Squad revives in second game, wins 7-4 from Lassen’s Kelsey Hawley, who finished with a zero-run complete game.

STAFF WRITER Comet coach Ed Miller blamed Contra Costa College’s poor hitting.

After an embarrassing 9-0 loss in the first “Our hitters were not ready to hit,” he game, the softball team pulled itself back said. together to beat Lassen College 7-4 in the CCC came out with a different attitude in second game of a doubleheader at home the second game encouraged by Miller, who Saturday. inspired them between games.

With a lack of pitching and no runs in “We (have to) have good attitude,” he the first game, the Comets (2-4 overall, 0-0 said to the team. “Because if you have good in the Bay Valley Conference) were sub- attitude, it’s going to allow you to play betjected to a nine-run shutout, courtesy of the ter, and it’s going to allow you to learn the Cougars (3-7 overall, 0-0 in Golden Valley game.”

Conference).

The Comets were able to score their The loss was the product of great pitching first run of the day after shortstop Victoria

By Hilberth Ibarra

Takahashi was walked by the Cougars’ pitcher with the bases already loaded, which allowed pitcher Genevieve Reyna to come into home plate.

CCC was able to amplify its lead with two more runs in the second inning and another two runs in the third, with a lead of 5-0 by the end of the inning.

The Cougars were able to reduce the Comets’ lead and score three runs in the fourth inning and one run in the fifth.

“Our defense was falling apart at the end,” Reyna said. “We did better than in the first game, and we should have had that attitude in the first game too.”

However a second loss was not on the

Comets’ agenda as they sealed the victory with two more runs at the end of the fifth inning.

“The key for this victory was that we had good pitching, and we hit the ball a lot better than in the first game,” he said.

Though he has a roster of 15 freshmen and only one sophomore, Miller said his team looks promising.

“A lot of these players never played at this level before, so I’m developing them,” he said. “But you (have to) have a good attitude to be able to be on my team.”

Contact Hilberth Ibarra at hibarra. advocate@gmail.com.

GUARD ‘BRIDGES’ OBSTACLES Future is bright for Comet mother

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Guard mother — Comet sophomore point guard Aleah Bridges (left) looks to carry on her talents to a four-year college in hopes of a promising future.

Leading a team on the court and a child into the world are a difficult jobs, but Comet point guard Aleah Bridges is up for the challenge.

“It’s really hard,” Bridges said.

“It’s depressing sometimes that I choose basketball over my daughter, but basketball is beneficial. I usually spend half the day without her.”

She said basketball is beneficial because it can get her into a four-year college on a scholarship in which in the long run will provide a better life for her 2-year-old daughter Ge’Niah.

The 21-year-old Bridges was born in Oakland and grew up in Berkeley, playing one year on her school’s freshmen team and her remaining three years on varsity. During the 05-06 and 06-07 season, her team won the Northern California Championship but lost the State Championship finals twice to Poly High School 54-34 in 2006 and 58-52 in 2007.

Comet guard Benikkia Gipson said that in high school, Bridges and Gipson had a rivalry when they played

against each other, with the former never knew schools would want for playing for Berkeley High School and me to go there.”

She aspires to be a coach and the latter playing for Richmond High is majoring School. Gipson in history so said that with both playing at point “She’s a true point guard, a she can get teaching guard, they tried quarterback on the floor.” her credential to do better than and become a the other.

Paul DeBolt, teacher.

The felwomen’s basketball coach Bridges low point guard said she could said that she not explain it, but she and Bridges is glad to have four of her closest just clicked when they came to the friends, Gipson, guards Zenaia Hunt Comets. and Lakesha Montgomery and for“Off the court, she’s goofy and ward Princess Sanders, who is also the she makes you smile,” Gipson said. godmother of her daughter.

“On court, she’s motivated and always “I knew her for 13 years, and she’s picks you up when you’re down.” like a sister to me,” Sanders said.

Last season, Bridges led the Comets “She’s real outgoing and likes to be in assists and steals with a total of 200 the center of attention.” assists, averaging 6.3 per game, and Bridges said she has had a great 93 steals, with an average of 2.9 per experience at Contra Costa College. game. This season, she leads the team Coming from Berkeley, she said she with 162 assists, averaging 5.8 per got overshadowed and never got recgame, and has the third-highest num- ognized for being a great player. “(I) never got to be a go-to player ber of points scored on the team.

“She’s a true point guard, a quarter- at Berkeley, but here I do,” Bridges back on the floor,” coach Paul DeBolt said. “Here I get recognized for everysaid. “She can get the ball to the thing. (It) feels like I’m important at people who need it.” this school. I work harder to keep my He said that Bridges has several reputation up.” four-year colleges after her.

Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at “I’m excited about that,” Bridges said. “Growing up in high school, I dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com.