The Advocate - March 24, 2010

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Artist aims for skies Icue160 ready to redefine hip-hop

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campus beat ◆ page A5

spotlight ◆ B section

scene ◆ page A6

Recital astounds

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Census counts people, trends

Professor blends harmonious tones

VOL. 94, NO. 18

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

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

Masses band together for change Amphitheatre rally unites, preps troops

By Cody McFarland STAFF ILLUSTRATOR

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Fists of rage — Santa Barbara City College students Milochka Tshiringu (left) and Moctezuma Vallejo-Howard (right) raise their arms and chant at the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento during Monday’s March in March rally to protest educational budget cuts.

Thousands storm capital streets protesting budget cuts, fee increases

By Lauren Shiraishi OPINION EDITOR

SACRAMENTO — “You say cut back, we say fight back.”

Fight back was exactly what students, staff and faculty did at the March in March rally Monday morning, as thousands gathered in Raley Field before marching over to the Capitol and rallying in front of the building.

Students came from colleges as far away as San Diego to protest against potential budget cuts, fee increases and for the restoration of categorical programs such as

counseling, EOPS and DSPS. Groups such as the California Federation of Teachers and the Faculty Association for California Community Colleges were also represented.

Chants such as “students united, we’ll never be divided” enthused the crowd as it made the 1.4-mile journey from the field to the Capitol, sporting homemade T-shirts and signs.

Drumbeats, accompanied by clapping and cheering, filled the air as students rallied at the steps of the building to await the speeches.

Representing Contra Costa College was a small contingent of students and fac-

ulty members, along with student trustee and Los Medanos College student Christina Cannon. Members of the ASU carpooled to Sacramento, and the United Faculty provided a charter bus.

According to Student Life Activity Coordinator Henry Parker, 93 CCC students signed up to attend the rally. Approximately 13, however, showed up on Monday morning.

“I wish more people from our school would have come,” CCC student Jose Rivera said. “But I was surprised to see so many students from SoCal and NorCal get together. (Overall), it was a good turnout.”

■ SEE MARCH: Page A3

edit orial Creating change A wide range of efforts are necessary to save our colleges.

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19-year-old beaten at bus terminal Violent incident leaves few leads

By Lissette Alvarez STAFF WRITER

An unidentified 19-year-old male refused to cooperate with Police Services on March 13 after being assaulted by four unknown males at

the Bus Transfer Center.

The violent incident, which was witnessed by an AC Transit bus driver, occurred at the campus some time after 7 p.m.

Police Services Sgt. Jose Oliveira said the victim, who was using the bus system at the college, was under the influence of alcohol when he was assaulted. He said Police Services has yet to find culprits, because the victim was uncooperative.

“We don’t have much on them, because the victim didn’t want to cooperate,” Oliveira said.

The victim would not name the perpetrators and refused to even identify himself to the police, Oliveira said.

District Police Services Chief Charles Gibson said his department is also unsure if the victim and his assailants were students at Contra Costa College.

He also said that the bus drivers’ recollection of the incident did not provide the details Police Services needed for its investigation.

The AC Transit bus driver who witnessed the assault said he saw four men kicking something. But then he realized the men were kicking and punching at a person, Oliveira said.

As the bus driver approached, the

In an attempt to unite those in favor of funding higher education in California by means of an oil severance tax, the ASU held a rally in the Fireside Room and Amphitheatre Thursday.

The proposed bill, titled AB 656, would impose a 12.5 percent tax to raise up to $1.3 billion for colleges throughout the state.

The Fair Share for Fair Tuition rally drew a diverse crowd of all ages and ethnicities, including both students and members of the community.

Sixteen individual speakers used the allotted time to address education cuts, determine ways to fund higher education with a particular emphasis on AB 656 and ultimately encourage students to be active.

“It is your education that will let you live your American dream,” Academic Senate President Richard Akers said.

Among those that spoke at the rally were Governing Board President Anthony Gordon, United Faculty President Jeffrey Michels, Dr. Akers, President of the Student Senate of California Community Colleges Reid Milburn and Assemblyman and author of AB 656 Alberto Torrico (D-Fremont).

“In the past year, our state has spent more money on prisons than on colleges,” Torrico said. “(That is) unacceptable. I’ve been taking (AB 656) outside the Capitol to make sure the student voice is heard. Enough is enough.”

Torrico has traveled to 25 colleges throughout the ■ SEE RALLY: Page A3

“Students should also do their best to watch out for one another.

They should be aware of their surroundings.”

Kristina Bautista, ASU President

■ SEE BEATING: Page A3

Martial arts fascinate

By Hilberth Ibarra STAFF WRITER

Youth empowerment and community bonding vibes filled the packed Gymnasium Saturday in the form of the Soulistic Olympics tournament.

More than 2,000 people, including 400 competitors, came from across Northern California, ranging from San Francisco to Sacramento, as well as other states such as Georgia and Florida.

One competitor came all the way from Paris, France. Participants ranged in age from 4 to 40 SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE years old.

Fight Club — Javier Gomez of Cortez Martial Arts in Manteca (left) spars Directed by James Solis, the event was with Isean Henry of Antioch’s Guila Hawaiian Kajukenbo-Kickboxing school hosted by the Affiliated Martial Arts Promoters during the Soulistic Olympics event held in the Gymnasium Saturday.

Association (AMAPA), a nonprofit organization established in 1982.

It is one of the oldest and most innovative sport karate leagues in the Bay Area, Solis said.

The 21-year-old Solis has participated in martial arts since he was 5 years old and started competing locally in San Pablo and Richmond at the age of 6. By 11, he was competing nationally and eventually internationally, winning seven martial arts world champion titles.

“In competition, you can only get so far so,” Solis said. “Now it is my time to give back, and my way to do that is hosting martial arts tournaments for younger people. And I’m hoping that some of these kids will get to that level of competition.”

He came up with the name of the event by combining his last name with “holistic.”

“We just want to have that creative power ■ SEE SOULISTIC: Page A3

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Gymnasium audience thrilled at tournament

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A2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “Words and eggs must be handled with care. Once broken they are impossible things to repair.”

Anne Sexton, poet 1975 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 Alexandra Waite Lamar James news editors 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 Luis Zuniga Staff photographers Kevin Chourarath George Morin Joe Phutiyotin Raul Reyes Ricardo Sanchez 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, MARCH 24, 2010

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 VOL. 94, NO. 18 ●

Editorial Activism necessary Future of education requires student voice

C

ommunity colleges are facing further budget cuts and tuition fee increases. Programs are being reduced to almost nothing. Competition for financial aid is intensifying.

This is unacceptable.

Contra Costa College, already anticipating a $2.2 million deficit for the 2010-11 academic year, cannot afford further cuts. Losing vital resources is not something we should take lightly.

As part of a statewide rally for education, thousands of students from all three tiers of higher education marched on the steps of the state Capitol Monday.

In preparation for the March in March demonstration, the ASU hosted a Fireside Chat and rally Thursday to generate student interest.

By the end of the day, the roster for a free bus ride to Sacramento was full. The abundance of people willing to participate led the ASU to arrange carpools.

But on Monday morning, out of the 93 students who signed up, fewer than 20 boarded the bus. This lack of student activism is a disappointment for the college, as it is up to us to make certain that we do not lose our future.

Though the annual rally may have come and gone, we cannot afford to wait until next year to start advocating for equal access to public education.

In his speech during the Sacramento demonstration, for instance, Assemblyman Warren Furutani (DLakewood) said the solution to budget cuts is found within the community, not inside the Capitol.

Similarly, before we begin to expand our ideas outside the community, we must recognize that there are a few things we can do to fight for education.

First, students can take the initiative to write letters to their legislators. We can express complaints or push for new initiatives on the ballot.

Among the rights protected by the First Amendment is the right to assemble. By organizing and attending campuswide and local demonstrations, we should not be afraid to share our opinions with others.

Assembly bills, such as Assemblyman Alberto Torrico’s (D-Newark) AB 656, are another way to generate more funding for higher education. While we do not have a direct say in which bills pass the legislature, students can sign petitions to raise awareness of them.

We can also turn to fundraising to support and utilize our programs on campus. For example, the proceeds from Lunafest benefitted the College For Kids scholarship fund. If the government is unwilling to provide more money, we must be self-sufficient.

If we fail to speak out and make our voices heard, nothing will change. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.

JAMES HECK / THE ADVOCATE

■ Reflections

‘Fictional tomorrow’ steals opportunities

L

ive each day as if it were your last. Love like you have never been hurt. Life is short. Carpe diem. Open up your heart and live in the moment.

These clichés are so deeply etched in our minds that every time we come across the concept of seizing the day, we think we understand. We think we are living proof.

Yet, the truth is that for the most part, we are all cowards.

We are made of far too much talk and simply not enough action. We do not mean to be, but we hold too much faith in some fictional tomorrow that has not yet arrived.

So, we put things off — saying “I love you,” writing the novel we have talked about for years, wearing that pretty dress we have been saving for a special occasion — because we think that tomorrow will yield greater opportunities to do those things.

“Right now is not the best time for me,” we say. Or, “it can wait until later.”

But with each and every day, hour, minute and second that we wait in vain for the right moment to magically appear before us, we allow chances to slip through our fingertips.

After all, the right moment is a mirage and an excuse.

There are only chances taken, and chances missed, based on the decisions we have made.

Every day, our actions are a matter of choice, not destiny.

hollypablo Personally, I find it disheartening that we romanticize those fictional occasions. It is truly devastating that we take time for granted, that we do not speak up about how we feel, or show the ones close to It is truly us how much we devastating care about them. that we take Still, I must admit that I, too, time for am guilty of this granted, senseless charade. and do not It was only as my sister was speak battling a lifeup about threatening illness how we feel. this past summer that I learned to be thankful for my family.

The month that I spent sitting in the hospital, I regretted not keeping in touch with her as frequently as I could have. I grieved for not appreciating the times the five of us — my parents, my two older sisters and myself — spent together.

I suppose that in many ways, it takes a near-tragedy, like the possibility of losing a loved one, for us to wake up and realize how much the

little things matter.

Like many people, though, I still hold too much back from the world.

Rather than stating my true feelings all the time, I live in a permanent suit of armor with hopeless attempts to shield myself from inevitable pain.

Instead of following through with what I have planned for myself, I convince myself that I am too busy to start.

Surely, if I was to die today, there is no way that I could look back and feel fulfilled, because there are so many things I wish I would have said or done.

But luckily, it is not too late to attempt changing these habits.

I propose that we all find the courage to stop wasting time and waiting for perfect moments that do not exist.

Do not be afraid to pick up the phone and call that person you have been meaning to contact. If music is your passion, find your way into a studio and make a mixtape. Do something nice for your mother.

By doing something out of the norm, we might expose ourselves to potential pain. But without such leaps of faith, we will also never experience the joy that comes with the unexpected.

Even if a situation does not work out to your heart’s wishes, what matters is that you tried. The time is now.

Holly Pablo is editorin-chief of The Advocate.

Contact her at hpablo. advocate@gmail.com.

CampusComment

How do you feel Thursday’s Fireside Rally went?

“I think the rally went well. It is good to know (people) are rallying for education. People deserve education.”

“I have no idea, because I am not informed. People don’t pay attention to education. They should though.”

Takima Davis nursing

Fernando Velaquez economics

LAMAR JAMES / THE ADVOCATE

“I don’t even know what the rally was about.”

“I was happy to see people speak with so much passion.”

Akel Hillany business

Tania Pulido undecided

“The rally could have been a little more beneficiary to students. I hope they get what they want.”

“I think the rally was needed. Everyone could use cheaper education, (or be) provided education.”

J.T. Maillet

Amit Tewari

art

psychology

CAMPUS BEAT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Twitter

Receive breaking news and updates by following The Advocate’s Twitter account at www.twitter.com/accentadvocate.

Newsline ■ WOMEN

Celebration to hit Knox The college is hosting the annual Women’s History Month Celebration in the Knox Center tonight from 7-9 p.m.

For more information, contact Melody Hanson at 510-235-7800, ext. 4206.

■ CAMPUS LIFE

Speech night to entertain Speech and Drama Night is going to be held Thursday from 7-10 p.m. in the Knox Center.

All are invited to attend.

■ MOVIES

Gospel Choir to show film The CCC Gospel Choir is hosting Movie Night Friday in LA-100 at 7 p.m. “2012” will be the movie shown, and admission is $4.

For more information, contact Denise Hunter at 510-235-7800, ext. 1183.

■ FOOD

Culinary arts plans event The third annual Food and Wine Event will commence in the Gymnasium on April 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Tickets are can be purchased through the culinary arts department at 510-2357800, ext. 4409.

CrimeWatch Thursday, March 11 A student reported her wallet lost on campus.

Saturday, March 13 Unknown suspects assaulted a victim at the Bus Transfer Center. The victim was kicked and punched, causing lacerations to the head and hands. The victim was transported to the hospital.

A suspicious vehicle was stopped, and it was found to have stolen items inside.

Wednesday, March 17 A warrant arrest suspect was stopped on a traffic stop, and it was determined that she had a warrant for her arrest. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

Thursday, March 18 Officers responded to a report of an intoxicated, combative student in the Men’s Locker Room. The suspect was arrested and transported to the hospital for further evaluation.

— Alexandra Waite

Correction In Campus Comment on page two of the March 17 issue, the mugshots for Diana Jones and Amari Hudson were accidentally switched.

This left the comments for each of them under the wrong name.

The Advocate regrets the error.

l THE ADVOCATE

Murder case continues Headway seen in Chang trial

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MARTINEZ — Trial began for Marcellus Lewis Allen, the alleged gunman in the robbery and fatal shooting of 24year-old Contra Costa College student Jinzhou Chang in the summer of 2007.

“He was helping his father remodel an apartment complex on Belmont Avenue in El Cerrito, when he was approached by three males as he washed a bucket outside,” Deputy District Attorney Mark A. Peterson said. “They pointed the gun at Mr. Chang, he put his hands in the air and after

they went through his pockets, he was shot in the head.”

Of the four individuals arrested in connection with the July 31, 2007 killing, 20-yearold Allen is being charged with murder, Peterson said. Two of the defendants will testify against Allen in a plea agreement for lesser charges of voluntary manslaughter.

If Allen is found guilty of murder, 21-year-old Dion Williams, the alleged driver for the crime, will receive seven years in prison under the agreement. Similarly, 19-year-old Christian Latimore will receive 11 years, Peterson said.

The case of the third individual who robbed Chang, Raymond Richard, is still pending resolution.

At the Richmond resident’s hearing on Monday at the

Martinez courthouse, Deputy Public Defender Daniel Cook told jurors that there is insufficient evidence to prove that Allen was the shooter, albeit being caught with possession of the weapon during an unrelated incident with the police.

There were no witnesses, no physical items left behind or binding evidence such as blood or fingerprints found at the crime scene to determine his client shot Chang, Cook said.

El Cerrito Police Department Detective Aaron Leone was present to answer questions regarding a videotaped interview between Latimore and himself from Aug. 7, 2007, which was shown during the trial.

Among what was discussed on the tape, Latimore said that the first time he saw Allen with

the gun used during the crime was three days prior to the murder.

Cook said that throughout the video, there are numerous inconsistencies, including Latimore acknowledging his awareness of the gun and then later denying this knowledge.

Latimore is allegedly the one that chose Chang as the victim, Cook said.

Yet, it was Williams who contacted the El Cerrito Police Department days after the murder to name Allen as the shooter.

Leone said that other than the fact that the gun in question was found on Allen, they have been going on Dion’s statement.

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

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Chang

The 24year-old Contra Costa College student was robbed and murdered while helping his father remodel an apartment complex on Belmont Avenue in El Cerrito on July 31, 2007. The case is currently still ongoing.

March | Participants make 1.4-mile journey ■ FROM: Page A1

Academic Senate President Richard Akers said he had hoped for a better turnout from the college, but “the vocal minority sometimes speaks for the majority.”

Speakers, consisting mostly of students from all three tiers of higher education, along with professors and state legislators, shared personal stories of their educational successes and struggles with the crowd.

Many stressed the importance of categorical programs and the various forms of financial aid.

Budget cuts, while detrimental to students of all backgrounds, would be particularly harmful toward students who depend on services such as EOPS and DSPS, as well as student-athletes, Dr. Akers said.

Without these programs, many of these students would be unable to continue their education, he said.

Also speaking was Assemblyman

Warren Furutani (D-Lakewood), who said the solution to the budget crisis lies within the students.

He addressed the importance of finding new revenue to fund higher education, stressing a need for students to write to their legislators to start initiatives.

“The answer is not in this building,” Furutani said. “There’s still more work to be done, and the answer is in the community.”

Although he found the event a good opportunity for students to voice opinions, Parker said he wished there had been more time for a question-and-answer session between the crowd and the legislators.

Frequently mentioned throughout the demonstration was the Master Plan for Higher Education in California, which was established in 1960 by a team appointed by the State Board of Education and the University of California Regents.

Under the original plan, higher education was free, guaranteeing access for everyone. Budget cuts and higher fees, however, have limited this access, College of San Mateo alumnus and former Student Senate for California Community Colleges President Richael Young said “The Master Plan for Higher Education has been nothing but an unfulfilled promise, and right now we want the state to stop making cuts (to our schools),” Young said. “We can’t wait any longer.”

Today, there are 112 California community colleges that serve 2.7 full-time equivalent students (FTES), Cannon said.

One of the most noticeable effects of budget cuts on community colleges is the decrease in the number of class offerings and an increase in students, Akers said. “(At CCC alone), many instructors are teaching 10 percent more

students than they’re being paid for, because they understand that education is important,” he said.

Following the rally, two CCC students, accompanied by Cannon, United Faculty President Jeffrey Michels and Akers, went inside the Capitol to speak with the legislators. They spoke with the staff of Assemblymembers Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo), Nancy Skinner (DBerkeley), Alberto Torrico (DNewark), and spoke directly with Assemblyman Tom Torlakson (DContra Costa) and Senators Loni Hancock (D-Oakland) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord).

Cannon said that overall, she was pleased by the event.

“I think it showed that students can be passionate and that advocacy works,” she said.

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

Beating | Unknown culprits remain at large ■ FROM: Page A1

suspects ran toward the Del Camino housing authority area by the Bus Transfer Center, Oliveira said.

He said the bus driver also gave a vague description of the suspects. The driver said they were all young black males, but he could not really see their faces or noticed if they had any distinguishing marks.

“Pretty much all we know is what the bus driver told us,” Gibson said.

Oliveira said it was not the first crime committed at the location.

“There have been crimes like robberies and people getting drunk in public at the Bus (Transfer Center) in the past,” he said. “But they haven’t had a random incident like this in a while.”

Additionally, Oliveira said Police Services generally pays thorough attention to the Bus Transfer Center, especially while class is in session, day or night.

For example, Police Services has taken measures to control crime in the particular area by putting up a new fence at the Bus Transfer Center,

Oliveira said.

He recommends that students who frequent the spot should take precautions like staying in groups and keeping their valuables in their bags.

Students should also stay off their cell phones and have their MP3 players put away while waiting to catch the bus, in case someone attempts to rob them.

ASU President Kristina Bautista said she felt bad when she heard about the incident.

“We at CCC try our best to raise awareness of violence to keep our students safe,” Bautista said.

She said the best thing for students to do is to have Police Services’ extension number and 9-1-1 on their cell phones.

“Students should also do their best to watch out for one another,” Bautista said. “They should be aware of their surroundings.”

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

A closer look

An unidentified 19year-old male was beaten at the Bus Transfer Center by four unknown assailants on March 13.

The case remains without any strong leads.

INFOGRAPHIC BY SAM ATTAL/THE ADVOCATE

Soulistic | Olympics Rally | Draws crowd ■ FROM: Page A1

spread positively throughout the day,” Solis said. “It doesn’t matter how old you are or what level you are. This tournament is open for anybody and everybody.”

More than 50 different styles and disciplines were showcased, including Filipino martial arts, jujitsu, kickboxing, Chinese forms and extreme martial arts. A director ran each division.

One of the highlights of the event was the kickboxing, as it was the most popular section of the Soulistic Olympics, with people swarmed around that section of the Gymnasium.

The only sour note of the day came when world-champion Marcel Jones of Atlanta, Ga., injured his knee.

Jones was part of the halftime show that included many martial arts world champions. During the choreographed routine, Jones did a front/back flip and landed with the full weight of his body on his knee.

He fell to the ground, and an ambulance was called.

Paramedics determined that Jones had torn a ligament in his knee, and he was taken to Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo.

Scott Whan of Fairfield, however, participated in the 12- to 14-year-old boys division. He is a blue belt, and

this was his fourth tournament and second with the Soulistic Olympics.

“It is a very positive situation. It gives me a sense of involvement in something,” Whan said. “It really helps me focus, gives me determination and it helps a lot of young people.”

Anthony Vargo of Stockton participated in the 15-year-old boys division of the international low-kick and said it was well organized.

“I think that it is great that the youngsters get started too and especially early,” Vargo said, “because if I would have started earlier, I would be much better than I am now.”

In addition to the martial arts displays of the Soulistic Olympics, the event partnered with the city of San Pablo to provide a Community and College Fair to help families and young people find positive and helpful resources.

“The best thing you can get out of it is just community bringing people together,” Solis said.

“This event is about recognizing youth and recognizing talent and taking kids to the next level. This is all about young people and all about giving back to the Richmond and San Pablo communities.”

■ FROM: Page A1

state, but this was the first rally he attended at a community college, he said.

Due to time constraints, Akers delivered the detail he felt was most important to fill his three-minute time slot, urging students to “take action and demand your education.”

In the wake of budget cuts, there are fewer applications for financial aid, and they have been made less available, Akers said. Many students are relying on financial aid and school programs, such as tutoring, to succeed and now they do not have those options, he said.

“The system is preventing students from accomplishing what is expected from them,” Akers said.

“Cutting these programs is cutting away their chances at success.”

Though students came and went throughout the two-hour event, and numbers had thinned toward the end, it was viewed as an success by the ASU, Director of Public Relations Jasmyn Oliver said.

The ASU’s main focus was to rally students to take buses they rented to go to Sacramento Monday, and before the event had even ended, they had a full roster and were beginning to organize carpools to accomContact Hilberth Ibarra at modate for the overflow of interested hibarra.advocate@gmail.com. students, she said. “(The ASU) tried hard and worked

harder,” Oliver said. “We’ll be representing (Contra Costa College) with the group of students we’re taking to the Capitol Monday.”

Oliver was responsible for gathering all the speakers except Torrico, who was personally invited by Student Trustee Christina Cannon.

After the rally, a brief panel discussion was held in the Fireside Room. This gave attendees a chance to ask speakers about their plans to take legal action to perpetuate strong education, as well as their ideas and opinions on education cuts.

The meeting also allowed them to share their own ideas and opinions and receive feedback.

“We need to remove student apathy,” Milburn said. “There are endless ways to reach out to the youth with the social media we have today.

I feel that the apathy is dissipating.

We are uniting slowly, but surely.”

Proposed solutions also included increasing accountability and the encouragement of peers to attend educational events and vote. Students are urged to work with their campus’s ASU to establish strong student government influence. “(The event) was a big mindopener,” Middle College High School student Jack Forey said.

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

A4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010

CAMPUS BEAT

Forum examines likely reductions Budget entails mass cutbacks within 5 years

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The college’s budget problem is like a bouncing ball. It springs up and down, left and right, and just when you think you have figured out its route, it changes direction.

That is how President McKinley Williams explained the budget to Contra Costa College administrators, faculty and staff during a forum held on March 17 in LA-100.

California’s exact amount of reduction to education funding for the fiscal year 2010-11 has not yet been finalized, so at this point, the college is preparing for the coming years based on “guesstimates,” Williams said.

Williams and Director of Business Services Mariles Magalong presented the anticipated operational budget for fiscal year 2010-11, as well as overall projections for the four years following.

Based on the prospective five-year budget outlook ending 2014-15, CCC will have to reduce its operating expenses by nearly $3 million over that time period, Magalong said.

The forum opened up an avenue for the approximately 60 attendees to learn about what the college is facing, as well as ask their questions and voice their concerns about topics ranging from

the summer course schedule to sustainability efforts to attrition.

One of the main topics discussed was the possibility of faculty and staff layoffs in response to a $2.2 million deficit for the upcoming year.

After adjustments with $1.7 million in estimated district subsidies, the college’s deficit for 2010-11 is $413,000.

As 90 percent of the budget is used toward salaries and benefits, “it gets really difficult to not affect people,” Williams said.

“We’re trying to do this as humanely and fairly as possible,” he said.

Currently, management is looking to see which positions would create the most adverse effects on the students and staff if reduced, Williams said, but “nothing is (set) in concrete right now.”

Had the district not offered a Retirement Incentive Program last year, which resulted in the early retirement of a handful of eligible staffers at the college, the deficit would have been larger, Williams said.

Faculty members discussed ways to reduce utility expenses associated with lighting and heating, which is currently costing $800,000 a year.

Computer technician Bernadette Green said that one potential way to do this would be by modifying future course schedules to only offer classes Monday through Thursday.

Closing the facilities and using less energy throughout the weekend might poten-

tially save money, Williams said, and in turn, those monies could help backfill other deficits.

At the district level, HealthNet, its health care provider, is proposing a 17 percent increase cost for premiums, Magalong said, which could cost an additional $75,000 for the college.

Magalong said that the budget includes a $100,000 contingency fund for the benefit increases, as well as another fund of the same amount for facilities emergencies.

The facilities contingency may not cover everything, as emergencies happen almost each year, such as leaky roofs, but it is just a start, she said.

One thing that students can count on, however, is that the college has no plans for eliminating its summer schedule.

Williams said that during the summer, the college produces approximately 680 full-time equivalent students (FTES), which is a needed head start on making its goals for the fiscal year.

“I hope that everyone understands that this is going to be a very tough year for us,” he said. “The bottom line is, every nickel that we spend we have to account for.”

But with continued cuts to course schedules and essential core student services, Academic Senate President Richard Akers said that this “state-implemented work force reduction” is really just “student access reduction.”

Williams agreed that it is getting increasingly dif-

ROMAN YOUNG / THE ADVOCATE

Presenting possibilities — President McKinley Williams reveals potential cuts to the college budget for the upcoming academic years in response to a lack of funding at a budget forum held on March 17 in LA-100.

EOPS Manager Vicki Coordinator Robin Harrison ficult and that potential state increases in tuition costs Ferguson said that she said that the more knowlfrom $26 to $40 for com- appreciates Williams and edge that the faculty and munity colleges may act as a Magalong’s open communi- staff have about the budget, cation about the budget. barrier to students. the less fear there is to oper“I can see that it’s not ate on.

As “the landscape keeps changing,” it is not certain all about numbers, but they Contact Holly Pablo at that the numbers presented care about the people, too,” hpablo.advocate@gmail. will reflect the final out- Ferguson said.

Transfer/Career Center com. come, Williams said.

Richmond homicide sees no arrests Youth killing still under investigation

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

No arrests have been made in the December homicide of Kyle Dorjan Bratton, a 19-year-old Contra Costa College student, youth activist and aspiring music producer.

“The case is still open, and it is still being actively investigated,” Richmond Police Detective Avon Dobie said, “but we are not close to any arrests.”

Bratton was standing with his girlfriend on the intersection of South 17th Street and Maine Avenue in the Coronado District of South Richmond when an unidentified male shot Bratton

in the back at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 14.

A woman passerby stopped to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Bratton before ambulances arrived on the scene, Dobie said. He was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where he was later pronounced dead.

Though investigators were looking into a few leads following the murder, three months later, the ongoing investigation has yielded no progress, Dobie said.

“We haven’t had any recent leads,” he said, “and no evidence has been found to detain any suspects.”

Immediately before the shooting, two unidentified males walked past Bratton and his girlfriend, starting at him up and down, Richmond Police Lt. Mark Gagan told The Advocate in

February.

One of the males then proceeded to turn around and open fire at a close range, but there was “very little verbal action” before the incident, Gagan said.

It has not been determined whether Bratton knew the suspects.

The suspects were described as two African-American males in their late teens to early 20s, both wearing blue jeans. One wore a red shirt and a black jacket, and the other wore a beanie on his head and a dark brown coat with a hooded sweater underneath.

They were last seen running southward on South 17th Street toward Florida Avenue, Gagan said, and though the area was searched by police officials with the help of a canine, the suspects eluded capture.

Bratton was active at the Richmond Youth Student Empowerment (RYSE)

Center, a youth-driven leadership organization that advocates for peace in the community.

Just a few days prior to his murder, Bratton, also known by his stage name “Lil’ Twin,” was at the RYSE Center, working on a few songs.

He was Richmond’s 47th homicide victim in 2009, Dobie said.

As the investigation is ongoing, Dobie declined to comment on the previous leads or information given by witnesses.

The Richmond Police Department is offering a $10,000 reward for details leading to an arrest. Those with information should contact Dobie at 510831-3053 or the anonymous tip line at 510-235-8477.

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

Bratton

The 19year-old Contra Costa College student was shot and killed in Richmond at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 14.

The ongoing investigation has found few leads, and no arrests have been made.

Chat promotes education

By Diana Reyes OPINION EDITOR

MICHAEL SUE / THE ADVOCATE

Anchoring toward academics — Athletic Director John Wade encourages young scholars to continue pursuing higher education and earn college degrees at the Fireside Chat on March 17.

Contra Costa College alumni and four-year university graduates paid a visit to the campus on March 17 for a Fireside Chat to discuss the importance of pursuing higher education among male students.

The speakers were former CCC students who transferred to Montana State University, Cal State-Stanislaus and UC Berkeley.

Athletic Director John Wade said the purpose of the Fireside Chat series is to have people from the community return and encourage young men to find a path and a link to their continued education.

“This event was open for anyone, but we wanted to focus on African-American male leadership,” Wade said. “This is our third year doing this, our second time this semester and we plan on having at least two more (Fireside Chats) this semester.”

Montana State and CCC alumnus De`Andre Green said he planned to graduate early and achieved his goal. He said the importance of a college degree was so significant for him, and he knew that it would be “the only nice thing to fall back on.”

“I wanted to find a job, but the recession seemed to get in the way for many people,” Green said. “I’m lucky I got that degree.

Otherwise I would be like my partners, ‘recession, recession.’”

He is currently a school counselor for troubled youth in Oakland.

“I am so glad I took academics so seriously once I got out of high school,” Green said. “Once I got out of high school, my academics went (through) the roof, and that’s what will open up a lot for people.”

Green encouraged his attentive audience by advising them to find an “edge” within themselves and suggested that edge be one’s grades.

CCC alumnus Duane Jones, who transferred to Cal StateStanislaus, emphasized the importance of associating with the right people to get a good start toward the future.

“Back when I was in high school, there was the whole ‘hyphy’ movement,” he said. “I’m not going to lie. I went to school with that mentality. Then at some point, I realized I had to surround myself with more positive people, because a lot of my friends were selling drugs.”

Since Jones is highly influenced by the music business and has helped produced rap albums,

he talked about his plans to create an album centered around a text that young women and men need to read.

He said there are books that, since they are not required reading, no one gives them much importance.

“If I bring this message to the hood, I hope people will want to listen to it,” Jones said.

He said his plans for the future are to keep pursuing music, but his main goal is to become a professor and hopefully teach a class at CCC in the future.

Jones said he does not only want to expose students to the rigors of the next level, but he strongly believes that having a professor close to the students’ age is a great asset to remove the standard age gap.

“I believe it is always helpful to have people who look close to your age and are also from where you are from and also went through what you went through,” Jones said. “It is always easier to listen to people your age than people who are way older than you when it comes to certain things.”

He is currently working with the Youth Service Bureau, a mentoring program for boys raised by someone other than a parent.

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

CAMPUS BEAT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010

Icue160 attacks hip-hop

l THE ADVOCATE

A5

Musician sets sights on changing culture

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Too often does that same exasperated sigh escape one’s lips when switching from radio station to station, barely managing to hang on to the shred of hope of catching a new sound amongst a sea of played-out music.

With an ambition matching the size of the love for his craft, student Ivan “Icue160” Maxwell is ready to introduce a style all his own.

“In order to make it in something that you like, you have to be great in it,” Maxwell said. “I want to stay doing great things, so I can make it to the top.”

The 27-year-old, born in Memphis, Tenn. and raised in Arkansas, has created a genre blending his southern roots with Bay Area flair.

“Everybody usually sticks to their (own) genre, but (Maxwell) kind of mixes it all up,” nursing major Nailah King said. “(He has) a different style to listen to.”

In addition to absorbing hip-hop musical influences since his move to the Bay Area in November 2008, Maxwell said a more accurate way to describe his sound is to visualize a “homemade plate of southern cooking.”

“You can hear the realness and the authority of my voice when I rap,” he said.

While keeping in touch with his southern origin, Maxwell also has created an identity showing his progress as a person.

The name “Icue160” was inspired by Maxwell’s representation of himself as a musician and intellect.

“I wanted something to symbolize that yes, I am a rapper, but I also have education,” he said.

As a writer of all his own songs, Maxwell hopes to convey political messages to listeners, as well as “feel good” music that is relatable to others, he said. “(I want to) keep people aware of what’s going on and also just have fun,” Maxwell said. “I’m speaking for people, and I like to say things in my music that people think but don’t want to say aloud.”

Already he has performed shows in Oakland and San Francisco and recorded songs in studios based in Alameda and Vallejo.

“I don’t consider this a dream. I consider

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

No. 1 — CCC student Ivan “Icue160” Maxwell strives to change the face of Bay Area hip-hop by integrating southern influences from his past into his unique approach. Starting his ambitious pursuit of his rap interest at the age of 9, Maxwell has been able to keep his goal of expanding his musical career by involving himself in numerous projects. this a goal,” he said. “This is something I was born to do.”

While living in the Bay Area, Maxwell has expanded his career, actively working on his networking by becoming acquainted with a variety of artists, directors and studios. “(My career) seemed like it kicked off from zero to 100 miles per hour,” he said.

“It seems like I’ve been getting blessings to meet different people, (and) I’m just trying to keep that circle and continue (learning) my craft.”

Currently Maxwell is working on filming a music video for his “club banger” song, “Where Dey Do Dat At,” which features local artist Yung Tray, he said.

“I wanted to make a crunk song of something that we always say down south,” Maxwell said. “(The video) just shows the energy in my music.”

Video production, which began Feb. 18 in Vallejo, will continue to be shot in various other local areas and will later feature animation to provide “a lot of eye candy,” director for VTV Entertainment Rod Wagner said.

Utilizing his passion for music to fuel his determination, Maxwell has the makings of a successful artist, Wagner said.

“He (knows) the three P’s: prepare, present and persuade,” he said. “(These are) three elements to being successful, and (Maxwell)

demonstrates all three channels.”

By utilizing popular social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace, as well as having his music played on Ozcat Radio, an independent music radio station, Maxwell remains adamant on promoting his name to the public.

“I’m doing the footwork to accomplish this goal,” he said.

Maxwell has worked to advance his career by leaving promotional fliers and free copies of his CDs at local record stores, gas stations and other venues helping make “Icue160 a household name,” he said.

With such a magnitude of ambition, the rising artist began building his skill doing freestyles and tongue twists in the back of school buses at the age of 9, he said.

When he reached 12, Maxwell began to grow a passion for writing poetry and later published a book of poems, titled “Inspired Vibrations,” in 2007.

After graduating high school at West Memphis High School, Maxwell joined the U.S. Navy and served on active duty from 2001-05.

During his stay in the Navy, Maxwell traveled to locations such as Australia, Japan, India, Singapore, Dubai and many others around the world.

It is through these experiences that

Maxwell understands how to target his audience.

“By going to all these places, I see many different (parts) of life,” he said. “I just saw a whole different world, so now I know a lot.”

After leaving the military, Maxwell enrolled in San Diego Mesa College, where he earned an associate degree in liberal arts.

Maxwell later transferred to Utah State University to play football when he was 24 years old, but left to return to Arkansas after his father lost an arm from a broken power line incident at work.

Though he returned to Utah with the intention of getting into school, he later made the decision to travel to California for a change of pace, he said.

In search for work, he decided to move to the Bay Area and enroll at Contra Costa College as a student with a double major in political science and mathematics.

While Maxwell’s focus is on expanding his music career, he earns his money working as an intelligence analyst for the Navy Reserve and as a part-time police aide for the CCC. “By any means necessary, (I’m) headed for the top with no wrong turns,” he said.

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

Traditional Irish cuisine hosted in buffet

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR

The culinary arts department went green on March 17, honoring St. Patrick’s Day with an Irishthemed buffet held in the Three Seasons Restaurant.

Students of the culinary arts baked, fried and stewed together dishes and desserts to commemorate the holiday.

Corn beef and cabbage, which are traditional Irish cuisine, were the main ingredients included in most of the dishes in the buffet.

Other dishes included lamb stew, marinated chicken and colcannon

puffs.

“It’s the first year that I’ve been here that we’re doing this,” culinary arts department Chairman Nader Sharkes said. “We usually have corn beef in the menu (around St. Patrick’s Day), but this is the first time we have a St. Patrick’s Day buffet.”

One challenge that the students faced was producing these foods, which take a while to cook, Sharkes said.

The other goal was getting the community to try out new food, third-semester culinary arts student Jessette Nelson said. “(Customers) should take a leap and try everything,” she said.

Despite the short preparation time, Nelson said she likes working under pressure. She was part of the team that made the “Irish Puppies.”

It was not her first time making hush puppies, but Nelson decided to make it with an Irish variation.

The Irish puppies were made with corn beef and cabbage with cornmeal batter and deep-fried for a soft center and a crispy outside.

The buffet gave not only her, but also her fellow classmates an experience in catering and a chance to experiment cooking with new ingredients, she said.

The desserts ranged from chocolate whiskey tarts, lemon meringue

pies and cream puffs that were shaped as swans.

“For the most part, the students started yesterday. All together, they had to make enough dessert to serve 200 people,” said Claire Legas, culinary arts professor and chef of instruction of baking and pastry. “They got to choose what goes into it as long as it was seasonal.”

Fourth-semester culinary arts student Keith Kelpsas, who is taking the baking course this semester, said that most of the desserts were done the day before, but that the cakes were done on the day of the buffet for freshness.

The buffet came up quietly, as it

was not advertised much, and fliers were only distributed on the day of the event, Sharkes said.

Even though there were fewer people than usual, those who participated still enjoyed their meals.

Former Contra Costa College student Trevor Joyner, whose daughter is a culinary arts student, said the food was better than he expected, and he could not decide which dish was his favorite.

“Can’t put a finger on one,” Joyner said. “They were all very good. It’s a tough decision.”

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

Gamers enjoy unity event

By Lamar James NEWS EDITOR

MICHAEL SUE / THE ADVOCATE

Critical thinker — Student Edgar Vega deliberates over his next move during Game Nite in the Recreation Room Wednesday. The event was hosted by the ASU and the Gaming Guild.

Gamers and game enthusiasts enjoyed a day of board games, table games and video games and a night of promoting togetherness and interaction between people young and old in the Recreation Room on March 17.

Held in the afternoon and again later in the evening, the joint events of Game Day and Game Nite encouraged students and members of the college to bring family members for a fun-filled day and night of game playing.

The event was organized by the ASU and the Gaming Guild, a club on campus promoting the playing of video games.

Club President Alejandro Ramirez-Escanellos said he thinks this is a chance for people to come together and play games as a way to work out their differences.

“Who doesn’t love a good game,” he said. “It gives them a chance to relax, and this is why we decided to bring this day forward, to help people relax.”

Student Sam Hunter, who was

in charge of the whole Game Day, said he and others help to plan the event alongside ASU member Henry Parker.

“Since I am the ambassador of the (Recreation) Room, I guess he trusted me to oversee everything,” Hunter said. “I really enjoyed seeing all the children who came out, seeing them play all the games and have fun was the best part.”

He said the only time he had seen a child light up like that was on Christmas day opening gifts.

Parker said the event was healthy and a good way to keep people out of trouble and doing something positive.

“It brings families together, and this is the beginning solution in ending violence,” he said. “You never know who you are keeping off the streets by doing these kinds of events.”

Hunter said he was pleased with the turnout of people, as this was the first event this semester that related to playing games.

“I just didn’t know people were into games like that,” he said. “We should have this more often here at the college, because we are not only having fun, we are giving a

people an outlet to reduce stress.”

Parker said the organizers were trying to help people have fun when times can be getting a bit rough.

“This is a really hard time for a lot of people. So, if this could be an outlet for a little relief, then that is what counts at the end,” he said.

Student Daniel Cook said Game Day went really well, and he was surprised by the number of people he saw there.

“It was nice that everybody got along. It was definitely a learning experience,” Cook said “It was fun to see the children having fun playing the games.”

Hunter said Game Nite was more family-oriented, and thus attracted more children.

“That is where the special moments came from, seeing the children having fun playing the games,” he said. “A highlight for me was seeing a grown man get whooped at Ping-Pong by a little boy.”

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

A6 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

This week: “Hot Tub Time Machine” (R) “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG)

DVDs

l WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010

SCENE

Piano notes thrill Knox Griest recital blends delicate, harsher tones

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

New releases: “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (PG) “The Men Who State at Ghosts” (R) “Brothers” (R) “The Blind Side” (PG-13) “Mad Men: Season 3” (NR)

CDs

New releases: The Dillinger Escape Plan: “Option Paralysis” She & Him: “Volume Two” I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business: “The World We Know” Love Is All: “Two Thousand and Ten Injuries” Woodhands: “Remorscapade” Monica: “Still Standing”

Sitting behind a black grand piano with hair tied up, long gown stretching down to the floor and hands swaying over the keys with unmistakable fervor, was a lesson plan unlike any commonly found in a classroom.

Many gathered as music professor Jennifer Griest performed a solo presentation exhibiting a selection of classical piano pieces with personal flair in the Knox Center Friday.

Griest, performing pieces by legendary composers such as George Gershwin, Felix Mandelssohn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Henry Cowell and Frederic Chopin, said the presentation was to set an example for students in the music department. “(Tonight) hopefully gives them the idea to work hard (and) hopefully brings them confidence in their instructors,” she said.

As a product of four to five hours of daily practice over the past year, Griest said the

Games

New releases: “Red Steel 2” (WII — T) “Bakugan: Battle Trainer” (DS — E) “Just Cause 2” (PS3/ XBOX360 — M) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

night “went seamlessly,” and was rewarded with a standing ovation by the end of the night, as cheers and applause roared throughout the room.

“It is really amazing to see the professors (performing),” Vice President Carol Maga said. “(I had) forgotten what a beauty that (the music) was, and she does it justice.”

Groups of faculty, staff, community members and students filled all 10 rows of the Knox Center, eyes observing the pianist as her fingers played the keys. “(It was) amazing how smoothly she plays across the piano,” music major Jerid Richardson said.

He commended Griest’s stage presence, noting her calm demeanor.

Student Lauren Banayat said, “(Tonight) makes us see our faculty more as humans.

It moves us to where we aspire to be.”

Banayat, currently taking courses in the music department, said the performance was “almost unreal,” as Griest rapidly moved her hands on the keys during the entire set.

“It was almost as if she was watching her fingers play,” Banayat said.

The presentation, which featured a “mix of staccato with legato,” showed Griest’s skills in blending delicate sounds with harsher tones, she said.

Though many students were in attendance, community members familiar with Griest were also in awe by the end of night.

Audience member Linda Hickok, whose son previously took piano lessons with Griest, said the recital surpassed her expectations.

The faculty performance conveyed more credibility for the professors, she said.

“It shows students (the instructors) know what they’re talking about,” Hickok said.

Griest said the night not only aimed to generate more confidence in instructors, but also in students and the flexibility of music.

During the performance of Cowell’s “The Banshee,” Griest used an extended technique in which she slid her hands over the strings and of the grand piano, creating a haunting sound matching the very title of the piece.

JazzaNova to play La Strada

By Cassidy Gooding STAFF WRITER

A Jazz Vocal Show will soon bring the college’s musical talent to San Pablo’s La Strada restaurant.

On Monday, the local eatery will be hosting a performance featuring students in Contra Costa College’s music department from 7:30-10 p.m.

Located on Church Lane in San Pablo, the Italian-style restaurant will be presenting JazzaNova, one of the music ensembles on campus.

“JazzaNova is the top music ensemble at the school,” said Mac Esposito, CCC student and

member of the ensemble.

The group is comprised of six singers with featured instrumentalists who cultivate their jazz repertoire throughout the semester with bi-weekly meetings in M-116.

At the end of each semester, students in the class earn credit for their final grade by doing a show at La Strada, a collaboration that has been going on for the better part of five years, Esposito said.

JazzaNova member Mihiro Yanai said, “The ambiance of the restaurant is very open and welcoming.”

Traditionally, it has only been these final exam performances that the group has put

on at La Strada, and the Jazz Vocal Show is the first in what the group hopes to become a series, Esposito said. “(La Strada) is a local business that we’ve been working with for awhile and that trusts us enough to do our own thing,” he said.

Though the restaurant is a venue open to everyone, Yanai said she hopes CCC students in particular will attend the Jazz Vocal Show as a way to broaden their musical horizons and open their ears to a completely new genre and experience.

Daniel Ruiz, another singer in the group, desires a large audience simply to justify the fact that “we’ve rehearsed until

our ears bled.”

Throughout the night, a $10 cover charge will be collected at the door, with all the proceeds going straight to the JazzaNova fund, Esposito said.

The money raised through this show and others like it helps pay for the tours they do each semester, as well as odds and ends like the music they perform and the uniforms they perform in.

“Most people think, ‘Jazz…

Ew.’ But then you’re in it and it’s, ‘Oh! Jazz!’” group member Carol Prieto said.

Contact Cassidy Gooding at cgooding.advocate@gmail. com.

“That’s one of the great things about the piano and (makes it) a great solo instrument,” Griest said. “You’re basically the orchestra, (and with the) variety of music you could play, it never gets boring.”

All proceeds earned from the showcase will go to the music department, funding students to go to competitions and participate in other activities, she said.

“There are a lot of talented musicians in the music department,” she said. “The harder you work at this, the more rewards you get.”

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

The 5 W’s Who: JazzaNova What: Will be performing a Jazz Vocal Show When: Monday, 7:30-10 p.m.

Where: La Strada restaurant on Church Lane in San Pablo Why: To gain experience performing and to raise funds for equipment, music and future events

Hip-hop expressions analyzed, defended

By Marjorie Riformo STAFF WRITER

Goldfrapp: “Head First”

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Sweet sounds — Music professor Jennifer Griest captivated the audience at the Knox Center Friday evening with her solo presentation of classical piano pieces executed with personal flair. Her dextrous blend of delicate sounds and harsher tones went over seamlessly and thrilled the crowd. The event concluded with a standing ovation.

RICHMOND — In recent history, society has grown to include the surround sounds, artistic beats and flows that hiphop has given civilization, providing the opportunity to let expressions and voices be heard in a different lyrical rhythm.

Following in this spirit, the “Listening To and Cultivating Our Youth” conference was held at Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church Saturday to separate the significance of hip-hop from what others often see as a threat to youth and voice for violence and often associate negatively with drugs, sexism, murder and utter profanity.

Terence Elliott, dean of the Natural, Social and Applied Sciences Division, attempted to convey the real image of hip-hop to churchgoers and students of Contra Costa College and help them look at hip-hop from a different perspective to understand the cultural background.

“How is it really negative? How do we look

at music as being negative? How do we look at expressing ourselves and the issues of today as a negative?” Elliott said.

He said the culture has many different themes, and music is just an expression from people.

“We as people are a part of humanity,” Elliott said. “When we think of being human, art makes us that part of who we are. We are only human.”

When people talk about the black arts movements that happened in the 1960s, they should also include the hip-hop movement of the ’80s and ’90s, as it is also more than just music, he said.

“It started by the youth,” Elliott said.

“These youths were poets.

They were lyrical figures.

They were people who wanted to express themselves in writing.”

The history and power of the youth culture plays a big role on the outcome of our future, he said.

Poetry from Langston Hughes, Tupac Shakur’s lyrics and early historic hip-hop artists like Grand Master Flash were presented and interpreted during the program by African-American studies professor Lia Bascomb.

“Hip-hop is a tradition of the youth culture, and the youth changed what art meant,” she said. “They made it into a social commentary, and they made it very prepped. They brought an idea into the art world.”

“When we talk about the power of youth culture and the power of hearing your voice, we are only one small group, compared to larger things,” Bascomb said, “but we have the power to change that.”

The presentation triggered constant applause during the encouraging speeches.

“I was inspired by how well the history and roots of hip-hop (were) presented,” student Andrea Alonso said. “I understand the real meaning and messages of the hiphop culture, and it helped me recognize the issues of our community in a form of art.”

San Pablo Mayor Leonard McNeil said that when people hear music, they move, but there is a piece that is missing.

“In all that we are dealing with in our community and culture, in terms of education, power and violence, all the issues

JOE PHUTIYOTIN / THE ADVOCATE

Listen up — African-American studies professor Lia Bascomb speaks about hip-hop culture at the “Listening To and Cultivating Our Youth” conference at Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church Saturday. that we think about are forms that will help us missing that beat.” intact with on one side, organize and educate ourContact Marjorie (but) on the other side selves to adjust to those there is something miss- issues in society, in the Riformo at mriformo. ing,” he said. “The leisure aura of culture, we are advocate@gmail.com.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

A7

Center defines tone

PUMPING IRON

Students, staff focus on fitness

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ROMAN YOUNG / THE ADVOCATE

Ripping muscle — Student Denny McDaniel works out on a biceps machine at the Fitness Center in the Gym Annex Building on March 15. The center offers numerous workout machines.

Challenging the services of outside gyms off campus, the Fitness Center provides students, faculty and staff on campus the opportunity to tone up, work out and strengthen.

Located in GA-30, the center has more than 20 exercise machines and many 2- to 100pound dumbells of free weights in a space that is both convenient and affordable for students needing transferable credit or an avenue for body conditioning.

As a result of budget cuts, the operating hours for the Fitness Center have changed this semester to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday.

“It’s a workout room, (and) some people don’t have this opportunity,” football coach Alonzo Carter said. “(They can) grow (from) different exercise, gain muscle and build good relationships.”

Consequently, taking advantage of the facilities may help reduce stress levels and improve one’s work ethic, Transfer/Career Center Coordinator Robin Harrison said. “(Exercise) keeps people in shape and healthy so that they do better to succeed in studies (and) work,” Harrison said.

Harrison, who has used the Fitness Center since 1996, said she seizes the opportunity to use the on-campus facility during her lunch hours, finding little time to use gyms outside of the college.

Others agree, as many students said they find the time to use the

Fitness Center after class.

Not only is the facility convenient, but it is also cost efficient.

By enrolling in PE 102, 103 or 98, students can take 0.5-2 units to gain access to the center.

Comparing the cost of a monthly local gym membership to that of a 0.5 unit class, the numbers show that using the campus structure is cheaper, student BriAnna Wade said.

There are also services at the Fitness Center that teach exercisers more than what can be learned at an off-campus facility.

“We have instructors who adapt to your workout,” Fitness Center Coordinator April Tisby said.

Tisby, who previously worked as a personal trainer for 10 years before coming to Contra Costa College, said the faculty and staff at the Fitness Center address all physical concerns of those wanting to get into shape.

“This is part of (their) college experience, and (they’re) a part of our Fitness Center family,” she said.

Coach Carter, as well as many other coaches in the athletics department, have required their athletes to train in the Fitness Center to teach them time management and “weight lifting etiquette,” he said.

“We want people to move forward and benefit from us,” Carter said.

By requiring players to work out alongside non-athletes, he said it contributes to the “aura of the Fitness Center” by setting a positive environment.

Wide receiver Jonathan Zrihen said the weight training is beneficial for him, because the coaches are available to assist the athletes.

Yet, whether helping athletes, non-athletes, disabled students or workers on campus, the Fitness

Center is structured to accommodate everyone, Tisby said.

“People here actually want to work out,” strong safety Aramis Moore said. “(There is) a hardworking atmosphere.”

By unifying exercisers regardless the workout background, the Fitness Center produces an environment that makes students feel safe and secure, Tisby said.

Regulations such as the banning of cell phone use in the Fitness Center and a strict dress code prohibiting jeans and unsuitable clothing, the standards are meant to help students feel safe and secure, she said.

Though currently equipped with several cardio and weight lifting machines, Tisby said the Fitness Center may need to look into updating the equipment.

“It’s about the time to generate funds, (because it) costs more to keep fixing them than (it is) to buy more equipment,” she said.

While receiving machines through money from their foundation and donations, Tisby encourages others to donate to “keep things new and up-to-date,” she said.

Observing the equipment generating the most popularity, Tisby said she hopes to implement more treadmills, stair steppers, dumbbells and possible machines beneficial to the disabled population.

“If students want to come here, we have to (meet) the standards for a premier college,” she said.

Donations can be mailed payable to the CCC Foundation with a memo for the Fitness Center.

Those interested in donating can also contact Tisby at 510235-7800, ext. 4312 or the CCC Foundation directly at ext. 4566.

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

Comets Feed to raise funds for athletics Programs offer lose 4-1, all-you-can-eat win 5-2

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR

By Hilberth Ibarra STAFF WRITER

Errors caused the Comet softball team to lose the first game of its doubleheader against Napa Valley College 4-1 Thursday, but a quick upsurge led to a 5-2 victory in the second game, giving the team its first conference win of the season.

Though Contra Costa College (4-14 overall, 1-7 in the Bay Valley Conference) was up 1-0 through the fifth inning of the opening game, defensive errors in the later innings gave NVC (7-10 overall, 6-2 in the BVC) a chance to come back.

“We gave them the first game,” coach Edward Miller said.

“Our defense let me ScoreBoard down and then Storm 4 my hitters let me down.”

Comets 1 The Comets redeemed themselves after their Comets 5 disappointing Storm 2 loss, however, by winning the Next game: second game.

Tuesday at Los As they have Medanos, 1 p.m. done in the past, the Comets came out stronger in the second game, hitting and pitching well and making fewer defensive errors.

“Our pitching was good in the first game, and our pitching was good in the second game,” Miller said. “We hit the ball much better (too).”

The Comets will look to continue this momentum on the road against Los Medanos College (4-9 overall, 0-6 in the Bay Valley Conference) Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Sophomore Vanessa Kersten started the second game of Thursday’s doubleheader and was doing a good job on the mound until one of her knees starting bothering her, and Miller had to take her out.

Freshman Geneveva Reina replaced her and was given the chance to redeem herself after the loss in the first game.

“She definitely redeemed herself, but she pitched well enough to win the first game (too),” Miller said. “She pitched a tremendous game.”

He said that the pitching has been outstanding all year, but the defense needs work.

“The defense has been letting us down, and it’s because I have people playing in the wrong positions, because we don’t have a lot of players,” Miller said.

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

In search of raising funds for the college’s sports teams, the athletics department will be holding an all-you-can-eat crab feed on April 3 at 6 p.m. in the Gymnasium.

Music, prizes and food will be presented at the feed, with tickets going for $35. “(Although) the (feed) is about having fun, the event is really needed to try to get funds,” Athletic Director John Wade said.

The crab feed will be the seventh held by the athletics department in the past nine years.

“Usually, we would use the money for other things such as equipment,” administrative assistant Neotha Richardson said. “However, this year we have to help out the athletic pro-

grams, since it’s tough for every- will arrive already cooked and cracked. body (financially) right now.”

“The culinary department Previous crab feeds attracted crowds of up to 200-300 peo- helps us out a lot in this year’s feed, as they are going to be ple.

The department is expect- making the pasta and sauce,” ing similar numbers this year. Barnes said. “Also they will be Currently, however, ticket sales warming the bread.”

In past crab feeds, the athletare not promising.

“Ticket sales are coming in ics department would usually slowly, but they usually come in buy cakes from a bakery for the around the last minute,” Athletic desserts. This year, however, Equipment there will be desManager Benny sert donations.

“We just have Barnes said.

“Normally At the feed, to do our part to we have cakes, the foods to be but this year we served will be keep our programs will have a varipasta, garlic ety of different going.” bread, Caesar desserts,” Barnes salad, desserts said.

John Wade, and crab.

Those attendathletic director The bread ing will have the will come from Acme Bakery opportunity to choose from a and Semi Freddi’s bakery, both variety of beverages such as located in Berkeley. The culi- wine, beer, soda and water.

Also at the feed, there will be nary department will prepare the pasta, and the athletics depart- door and raffle prizes. ment will prepare the Caesar Richardson said that in presalad. The crab will be com- vious crab feeds, the athletics ing from San Francisco, which department donated free tick-

ets to Oakland A’s games, and once auctioned off a Yao Ming basketball jersey when he first came into the NBA. “This year, we’ll have gift certificates to various local restaurants and shopping stores that will be raffled off,” Richardson said. “We’re hoping we can get some autographed stuff, such as baseballs from teams such as the A’s.”

Student-athletes will also take part in the event, as they will help set up, clean up and serve the food.

“It’s great to see the athletes help out, and it pays off for them too, as they make pretty good tips,” Barnes said.

Many in the athletics department are looking forward to the event and hope that it will be enough to help keep the sports programs running.

“We just have to do our part to keep our programs going,” Wade said.

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

World Cup anticipation mounting A

pproximately 78 days, for any soccer fans who know. That is how many days until the FIFA World Cup begins.

While it is still months away, the world is beginning to change, because during the World Cup, everything (and I mean everything) feels different.

It is the one month every four years when the countries in the tournament forget about their political differences, and whatever rivalry they have will be settled on the soccer field.

Like back in the 1998 World Cup, when the United States played against Iran and the Iranian goalkeeper and captain presented the American captain with flowers to show peace.

As the months draw closer, people will represent their national colors and when the cup is finally here, the world will change for the better.

I remember watching the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups in the United States,

dariushazmoudeh but in 2006, I watched it in Brazil and right away I noticed the huge difference.

While here it is pretty normal during the World Cup, in Brazil during the weeks counting down to the grand spectacle, people will literally paint their streets the yellow, green and blue Brazil colors. On the days of Brazil’s games in the World Cup, citizens will either have the day off from work or they will be able to leave early so they can watch the game.

For me, in the past World Cups when I had school, either regular or summer, I would rush home after school to get to a television to watch any game going on, whether live or a repeat of an earlier game. But

this year, I’m planning on either going late to class or not even showing up in the summer semester if Brazil is playing during school hours.

In preparation for this World Cup I am already practicing some superstitious rituals such as not wearing a soccer jersey of any other national team, as I own an England and a Portugal jersey.

During the tournament, I am planning on not eating any typical food from any country other than Brazil (and by default the United States).

I have even begun my trash talking about other nations’ teams to their supporters.

Mexico is the easiest to talk trash about for so many reasons. And I will welcome anyone to talk trash to me about Brazil’s five-time World Cup-winning team if they think their country is better — which it isn’t, no matter what. That is part of the atmosphere of the

upcoming tournament.

The sport doesn’t seem as popular in the U.S. I believe the reason is first because the U.S. team is not as good as most of its competitors. Secondly, there is a lack of attention on television. And thirdly, commentators like Jim Rome make negative comments about the competition, and soccer in general, on ESPN. After the United States’ standout effort in the Confederation Cup, I believe while they will not win the cup, they will do well and the momentum will shift and make soccer more popular in America.

But, unfortunately, we are still in March, and the only tournament going on is the boring and overrated March Madness. The FIFA World Cup couldn’t get here any faster.

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

A8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010

FOCUS

Lights out — Modesto resident Rick Rodriguez (left) of Dynamic Martial Arts takes a swing at Michael Martha of Antioch’s Guila Hawaiian Kajukenbo-

POWER of

Kickboxing school during the Soulistic Olympics held in the Gymnasium Saturday. The event aimed to empower youth and unite the community.

youth photos by Sam Attal

Cleaning up — Martial artist Javier Gomez has his bloodcovered mouth and nose cleaned by his sensei, Jason Cortez of Cortez Martial Arts in Manteca, during the Soulistic Olympics held in the Gymnasium Saturday.

Fearless — Eight-year-old Jazmine Jocelyn Felipe of Pittsburg’s East Bay Karate-Do performs a martial arts-inspired dance during the Soulistic Olympics in the Gymnasium Saturday.

Despondent — Marcel Jones of Atlanta, Ga. gets carried away in an ambulance heading to Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo after injuring his left knee while performing a dance during the Soulistic Olympics in the Gymnasium Saturday.

Direct hit — Fresno resident Markus Bell (left) of Quan’s Martial Arts takes a jab from Anthony Charondo of Tracy’s Castro Sport Karate in a kickboxing match during the Soulistic Olympics held in the Gymnasium Saturday.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

SPOTLIGHT

CMYK

SECTION

B

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010

ACCURATE

ASSESSMENT edit orial Demand fairness

The only way for communities to obtain the proper resources and representation they need is to make sure that every member within them correctly fills out and mails back the census form.

Count me in.

page B2

CMYK

T

he first decade of the new millennium is over, and it’s time to see how America has changed.

Come April 1, counters across the United States will be tallying up more than 300 million forms in an effort to better understand a country’s identity.

Despite all the nationwide commotion, however, many are still left wondering just what exactly the census is all about.

In this special B section, The Advocate takes an indepth look at the decennial census, including how it works, what its different components and subsets mean, where it’s changed and what it might say about where America is headed.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

B2 THE ADVOCATE

OPINION

l WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010

U.S. C ENSUS 2010

ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES HECK / THE ADVOCATE

Editorial

Stand up, be counted M

True American ideal of government for, by the people impossible without proper representation obtained through methods such as census surveys

ore than 300 years ago, a group of colonies united together to break free from a ruling empire that they deemed unjust. Their slogan: “No taxation without representation.”

Thousands upon thousands died demanding fair governance.

Flash forward about 18 or 19 score, and many still cry afoul of their leaders.

But there is a difference this time. Now the people have a greater sense of power to demand their representation, with the bonus of an even smaller cause for massive bloodshed across multiple continents.

And in 2010, it takes about 10 minutes.

Though the census may not be as revolutionary as the war named with such a powerful label, it still carries a great deal of pertinence and history for all Americans.

Also, just like in the nation’s greatest battles, formal and complete citizenship is not as important as participation.

As the U.S. Census Bureau is not tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), those avoiding the latter body can fill out the forms and mail them back without fear of internal “snitching.”

This is of certain relevance, because immigration rates and demographic shifts are of a particular interest as the term “minority” begins to quickly make less and less sense.

Hispanics, for example, are the fastest growing community in the nation. With more

accurate census data to prove this, business and government will have to adjust.

Spanish subtitles will no doubt increase in availability. Supermarkets will likely begin stocking more products frequently used in Mexican, Puerto Rican, Spanish and other Hispanic cooking. Additional English as a second language (ESL) classes will be offered at colleges.

Yet, this is only a relatively small area of effect compared to the overall reach of the census.

Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance. Food Donation Program, Section 8 housing, food stamps. Title I grants, Head Start, Development Block Grant.

All of these programs depend on data from the census.

Bank loan rates. Enforcement of the Civil Rights Act. Risk assessment.

The list goes on and on.

Despite the seemingly unfathomable impact a measly 10 questions can have on an entire country, however, some still don’t see the point.

College students especially have been known to be cynical or apathetic when it comes to politics.

But if these sons and daughters of pedagogy want the job market to be ready for them the second that mortarboard hits the air, as well as provide them with plenty of aid on their way to graduation, then they had better

let the world know they’re coming.

With all the work going into the effort to spread the word about the census, including a $133 million advertising campaign recruiting everyone from professional snowboarder Elana Hight to experienced pathfinder Dora the Explorer, it only seems right to return the favor by taking a few minutes to fill out the form and drop it in the mailbox.

It’s not just mandated in the Constitution and a national civic duty, it’s also plain, old common courtesy.

The entire project was simply created, and is continued to be carried out, so that America can embody the principles that the nation was built on and continues to proclaim with great pride.

A government of the people, for the people and by the people simply cannot function without the final leg. After all, most twolegged stools do not support weight very well.

“Representative government cannot function without the census,” said Sonny Le, senior media specialist for the local census center in Oakland.

If one continues this line of logic, then surely the census cannot function without the input of the constituency it hopes to record and represent.

So, fill it out, mail it back and honor America’s history by helping make its future that much better.

CampusComment

How important is filling out the census form?

“It’s not that important, because I don’t know much about it.”

Jimmy Duong undecided

“It’s pretty important to complete the census form. It should be mandatory that everything be (answered) in the census.”

“I don’t think it’s important to complete the census form. I never did it, and I don’t plan on taking it.”

“I think it’s important to do the census form, because it showcases how the population growth is doing.”

Davonna Lee

business

Paulo Rodriguez

Aclasiele David

MCHS

MALCOLM LASTRA AND TRISTIN COOPER / THE ADVOCATE

electrical engineering

“It’s not important to complete the census form, because I think it’s a way for the government to control the people.”

“When I filled out the census form, I didn’t understand how it was relevant to help out the community.”

Nequiche Johnson

Rudy Ruano fire fighting

nursing

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

B3

That’s Debatable Is the census reliable?

■ PRO

■ CON

Inspection lacks truth

Perfection unrealistic

Low response rates indicate abundance of erroneous data

Basic purpose still served despite apparent flaws

T

he census is one of the most important activities American residents can participate in, but it is certainly not a reliable survey for the measurement of population growth or resource allocation.

As far as the country’s population is concerned, while the survey is mailed to every house, and community counting centers are established for attendance and encouragement, there will always be large groups of people not tallied.

Under the “How It Affects the Nation,” section of the 2010 census Web site, the bureau states, “Participation isn’t just important — it’s mandatory.” But in reality the census is still completely voluntary, and there will always be an underrepresented percentage of people regardless of age, race or domestic relationship.

There are so many constituency groups that are not even accounted for in the survey.

For example, since the last nationwide census in 2000, ex-president George W. Bush established a policy that barred the count of same-sex couples, whether in a domestic relationship or marriage. It is only during this decennial account and the Obama administration that th policy was reversed to consider these growing families and communities in the country.

By government budget, determined by participant population, more than $400 billion goes into the country’s infrastructure based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s data, but the federal government has ultimate say over the questionable importance of the head count.

And though the census may be crucial for allocation and determining congressional seats, there is also no way of determining the absolute population to supply adequate funds for particular areas of this country. Nor is there a way to tally past the approximation to which states depend.

Even with aid of census counters for accuracy’s sake, they are lied to during interviews, and there is no telling how truthful participants actually are. There is no way to accurately record the number of people per household without conducting a full, physical inspection of each home and facility, which further pushes the feeling of infringement on privacy that the survey already exhibits.

Privacy issues include the fact that undocumented immigrants live in certain homes. Many choose to remain uncounted for, for fear of possibly being reported to Homeland Security by the U.S. Census Bureau. This leads to perhaps the biggest reason for the unreliability of the census — the truth.

There is no way to fully inspect a particular person’s actual ethnic background, age or even sex.

Additionally, many census forms are not fully completed, and it is unknown to the public what is done with such forms. Additionally, there are also a certain number of surveys that are lost or simply thrown out, leaving a portion, regardless of size, uncounted.

With each participant’s form, the bureau will also certainly not take the time to inquire about the ambiguity of millions of responses that would be much easier to just omit.

People have every right to refuse taking the census.

With that being said, it is not a reliable source for an actual poll of the country’s population, nor is it a fair representation for government funding.

alecsurmani

R

eliability is a funny thing.

Often mistakenly interchanged with perfection, the idea that something or someone can be relied on does not necessarily mean that it does exactly everything and anything it is meant to do all the time, any time.

If a car has to make a few trips to the mechanic throughout its entire eight to 15 years of usage, that does not mean it is unreliable. That means it’s a car.

As long as it does not break down multiple times in a year, the car is reliable.

It still performs the transportation function it was designed to do, and it still does so in an honest and accurate way.

The same basic logic can be applied to the decennial census.

No, it is not perfect.

Since the government cannot generally force people to do something, though it can present incentive through positive or negative reinforcement, everyone in America can never really be counted. Coupled with the fact that a new baby is born in this country every eight seconds and it is near impossible to track everyone down in the first place, even if the U.S. Census Bureau somehow overcame these obstacles, no doubt a number of the last few people left uncounted would take great pride in this and become a certain brand of expert fugitives.

Yet, these limitations are OK, because that is not what the census purports to be.

It does not claim to be a flawless head count of the American population. Though it may strive toward this goal, it maintains a practicality that such a possibility is merely a pipe dream and working toward the essentially abstract concept is just as good.

Thus, the aim of the census is not to be an exact, concrete number to be looked at in reverence of completion. It is merely the best guess about certain aspects of a nation’s identity, which can then be used to help that entity grow.

That is why, though the decennial census may be the bureau’s largest focus and most important endeavor, various other actions like the American Community Survey are carried out in the intervening years. This way, no finite, unchangeable number is ever really desired, because we are in a constant state of motion and such a figure would be useless.

When the census’ goal becomes clearer, however, one can see that it is not just a waste of taxpayer money.

Take a look at congressional seats and the state senate. Or maybe programs like Medicare, Head Start and food stamps. Don’t forget public construction like repaved roads and new on-ramps.

If the census was not the least bit reliable, none of this would exist, and even if it did millions would be in an uproar about their poor setup and execution.

By using the census data, government officials, businesses, banks and various other entities are able to mold themselves around the masses’ shapes, needs and actions, which is exactly how it should be.

Sure, one could make that argument that with participation rates barely surpassing the two-thirds mark, the census does not reflect enough of the public to really address its issues.

Carrying this belief into other areas of government, however, would practically render the country an anarchy. It would have no president. Few bills would be passed. And most politicians would just sit around twiddling their thumbs (more so).

Like a majority of America’s best attributes, the census embodies the most reliable of all concepts — compromise.

And that concept gains even more reliability when it leads to the eventual action so many demand.

Alec Surmani is an associate editor of The Advocate.

Contact him at asurmani.advocate@gmail.com.

brentbainto

DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

Brent Bainto is social media editor of The Advocate.

Contact him at bbainto.advocate@gmail.com.

B4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010

SPOTLIGHT

Voices to be heard in 2010 Bureau seeking fair assessment

left to count at their homes, which equates to $57 per household, U.S. Census Bureau public information officer Michael Gregorio said.

Although the bureau was allotted $6.9 billion this year for the

By Alec Surmani ASSOCIATE EDITOR 2010 census alone, Gregorio said that $6.7 billion of that is spend on Some promise the rewarding mailouts, receipts and processing, of belief in change. Others paint leaving little room for additional an image of stronger community expenditures involved with going identity and responsibility. A sense to people’s houses and making of social duty, be it ethical or man- them fill out the form. dated by law, emerge from others The bureau is not alone in its still. efforts, however, as more than Yet, regardless of the specific 200,000 partners have teamed up form each message takes, they with the government body to spread all stem from the the word, saving an same theme present estimated $338.5 since the birth of the “Ten questions, million, according nation — fair repreto the 2010 census 10 minutes. If you Web site. sentation.

Throughout the Also, as a way don’t fill it out, blanket of advertiseof improving on ments, public ser- someone is going the roughly twovice announcements, to come knock on thirds national partestimonials, inforticipation rate, the your door.” mational Web sites bureau built a $133 and various other million advertisSonny Le, efforts to educate ing campaign in 28 the United States senior media specialist for the languages through population about local census office in Oakland the firm Draft FCB, the 2010 census, the U.S. Census histofocus on making everyone’s voice rian Dave Pemberton said. heard remains.

Like virtually every product in “The census data is a funda- the country, he said the census is mental building block of our dem- being sold to everyone who is an ocratic system,” said Sonny Le, inhabitant of the United States, but senior media specialist for the local with one key difference. census office in Oakland.

“There is no portion of the Cities, counties, nonprofit orga- population that we can afford to nizations and numerous other enti- leave out,” Pemberton said. “So ties, he said, must request funding the advertising is broken down from the government each year — there are general messages for based on their needs. Without data general audiences, and there are from sources like the census, how- specific messages for subsets of ever, they cannot prove this need. the general audience. The media “If you don’t have the data to are selected based on which porprove the reality, you’re going to tion of the population we are trying get shortchanged,” Le said. to appeal to.”

He said that what makes the As with any product, however, census in particular so important there are certain audiences with for everyone is just how pervasive a history of low interest that are its reach is. Though some may made special targets during marthink the effects of the census may keting. Chief among them for the not directly benefit them, every 2010 census are college students. person in America feels its effects, Le said the particular demoeven college students, Le said. graphic is especially difficult to “That money may not go to you, count for a number of reasons: but it goes to your classrooms,” he they were not old enough to fill out said. their own census forms 10 years This process of data collection ago; most are mobile and do not and analysis, along with the public pay much attention to “snail mail”; policy such as the redrawing of many are cynical or apathetic about congressional districts that follows politics; and many do not identify soon after, will be fully set in with their surrounding community motion come April 1, the nation’s outside of the campus. official Census Day. Counters In an attempt to change this and across the country will begin appeal to youth interests, adverreading the forms and tallying up tisements with contemporary eleAmerica. ments such as hip-hop music and Though the actual form has seen snowboarding have been set up little change since the last decenni- on MTV, VH1, “American Idol,” al census in 2000, the U.S. Census Twitter, MySpace and Facebook.

Bureau has made a stronger point Additionally, social networking this time around to convey the ease sites like Facebook act as the basis and importance of filling it out. for one of Le’s arguments as to why “Ten questions, 10 minutes,” Le cynical college students should not said. “If you don’t fill it out, some- be averse to providing the governone is going to come knock on ment with the information requestyour door.” ed on the census forms.

For every 1 percent of the popu“You’re going to give up a lot lation that does not mail back the more information for a Facebook completed form, the bureau spends account,” he said. “(College stu$85 million tracking down those dents) think the census is too intru-

A MERICA ’S

COUNT

2010

U.S. C ENSUS sive, but they don’t blink when they give their information online.”

Dr. Timothy Clow, senior dean of research and planning at Contra Costa College, likened much of the form’s content to that of registering for classes at the college.

He also said that this year’s decennial census will be particularly important for the campus and its community because of the drastic shifts already forming in the area.

Since Contra Costa County has the third highest number of residents with at least a bachelor’s degree in the state and many are on their way to joining that group, Clow said the community’s needs will swiftly change soon due to the high number of educated persons between the ages of 21 and 40.

“It’s hypothesized that (this group) will want access to transportation, parks and recreation, nightlife,” he said.

Clow said that much like the rapid growth Emeryville experienced not too long ago along its BART line, Richmond is headed for a similar boom, according to housing reports obtained through the census.

As a result, he predicts fast expansion within the community along Richmond’s BART line, transforming and uplifting the area without driving its current inhabitants away through gentrification.

This ties into changes in transportation, which are largely affected by government allocations based on census figures, as Clow expects much of the population to be heavy commuters.

“This college is set to expand greatly, because the population is set to increase dramatically due to (shifts in) transportation,” he said.

“It will further define this county as a bedroom county to others around us.”

By completing and mailing back the census form, Clow said the community can communicate its needs to the government and help better prepare for these upcoming changes.

Although the effects of the census are sometimes difficult to spot, Le said, the evidence is all around the county.

Whether it’s new housing developments in Hercules or repaved roads in Berkeley, numerous government programs are molded around information obtained through the census. It even extends to various businesses that use demographic analysis to make choices like stocking Lucky shelves with jasmine rice in

areas with higher Asian populations, Le said.

“It’s very mundane,” he said. “It’s stuff people don’t think about.”

Although the 2010 census is going to be the last subject of interest on most people’s minds during a recession, Le said, Americans m u s t remember to perform their civic d u t y and fill it out. “ I t is very important that we get counted,” he said.

C o n t a c t Surmani Alec at asurmani. advocate@gmail. com.

Reduction aims for improvement Shorter form seeks better participation

By Lamar James NEWS EDITOR

A significant and historic change was made this year to the way people fill out the census, as the previous 50-question form was reduced to a mere 10 questions, which will account for every citizen who completes the survey.

The drastic change was made in order to get a swifter response to this year’s census, and in the end save taxpayer dollars and obtain more accurate information, U.S. Census Bureau media specialist Deni Luna said.

“We are hoping for a better response,” she said. “The change was made to encourage more people to complete the census.”

She said the 10-question form was sent out to everyone in 2000 as well. But one in six Americans also received the 50-question survey.

Though the 50-question form is done every year

for economic reasons, the bureau decided this year to only use the 10-question survey, because that would be enough to account for every one who completes a census, Luna said.

“This is a more simple form. Instead of asking those entire detailed questions, it (asks for) only 10, which should only take 10 minutes, then you can mail it back,” she said.

The simplicity of the new questionnaire should motivate more people to complete the survey and mail it back, Luna said.

“This is an opportunity to be accounted for so that everyone gets a fair share of funding,” she said.

The census money provides $1,400 a year for each person who completes it, and it is conducted to determine how much money should go to schools, roads, hospitals, social service programs and many other government programs, Luna said.

“I think it is really good that they changed the form,” she said.

Census worker Corin Towns said she has noticed an improvement in the perception many have toward the census because of the

switch to just the 10-ques- dispersed every year for the next 10 years, which is tion form.

She said that the older peo- important for communities,” ple are more willing to take she said.

According to the offithe census, and when younger people learn that it is only cial Web site for this year’s 10 questions, they are more census, through information collected patient A MERICA ’S COUNT from the with it census, too.

“When coupled U.S. C ENSUS with popI go to ulation some people’s houses, the older people estimates and economic data who are more familiar with collected from the American the census are relieved they Community Survey, the do not have to do the long nation will see how signifiquestionnaire,” Towns said. cantly it has changed since “And the younger people 2000.

Luna said she is excited to are like, ‘It’s that quick and see the response the bureau easy.’”

Although she does not receives from the 2010 effort recall the 2000 census, and eager to see if the new Towns realizes the impact system will work to its benthat it has now. efit.

Census taker DeAndrea “I know this is an important tool in helping to get Brown said the brevity of the what we need. This will help forms has made it easier to us to get the funding out and help people and to get more provided to communities,” census forms done.

She also said that it is a she said. “And who doesn’t have 10 minutes to spare to successful count of the population and will help America help their community.”

Luna said the census will move forward.

“Not because of the also decide how many legislators are assigned to the money, but because it identiHouse of Representatives for fies the needs of the people,” Brown said. the state.

“The census will deterThis is a chance for peomine how $400 billion is ple to stand up and advocate

2010

“Instead of asking those entire detailed questions (the census asks for) only 10.”

Deni Luna,

Downsize The previous 50question census form was dropped in favor of just 10 questions for the 2010 census as a means of increasing interest, participation and accuracy rates across the country’s population.

U.S. Census Bureau media specialist

for what their needs are and be counted, she said.

“I have noticed that more people are ready to take the survey,” Brown said. “I hardly get turned down after I educate them about it and tell them how many questions are on the form.”

Luna said everything that is on the form is strictly confidential, and nobody’s personal information will be shared with anyone except for those working at the U.S. Census Bureau for the purpose of allocating funds and apportionment of political seats.

“This information will not even be shared with the president,” she said.

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

Changes:

Do you think changing the census form from 50 questions to 10 questions will motivate more people to respond?

No: 20% Yes: 80%

Of the 125 random people surveyed on campus, 80 percent said that they think the shorter form will motivate more people to fill out the form.

SPOTLIGHT

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

B5

Richmond among ‘hard-to-count’ Expected growth needs accuracy

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For the first time in the history of the census, the number of people living in Contra Costa County is estimated to exceed one million.

History also indicates that many residents do not respond to the decennial survey, however, county officials say.

“Richmond is actually considered one of the highest hardto-count populations not only in Contra Costa County, but in the entire state,” said Nathan Rapp, district representative from the office of Sen. Loni Hancock (DOakland). “We really need to alleviate some of the fears that people have about the census.”

Communities with high levels of poverty, vacant housing units and unemployment, such as North Richmond, tend to have as low as a 50 percent response rate, Senior Planner of the Department of Conservation and Development Kristine Solseng said.

“It’s a catch-22,” Solseng said.

Though the exact reasons are unknown, studies have found that “That’s why it’s important for us to metropolitan cities and their sur- get a complete count — for each rounding regions are typically person we miss, we can lose up to undercounted because of a variety $12,000 in federal funds for state of barriers that lead residents to and local agencies.”

According to the U.S. Census disregard the survey’s importance.

It is possible that people are Bureau’s official Web site, there were 948,816 reluctant to parresidents reportticipate because they do not “For each person we ed in the county in the year 2000. understand the miss, we can lose up Of the American census’ intenommunity tions, or they fear to $12,000 in federal CSurvey’s the government (ACS) because of expefunds for state and estimates from riences in their 2006-08, which local agencies.” country of origin, measures averRapp said. age characterKristine Solseng, Also, immiistics within a senior planner of the Department of grant housethree-year time Conservation and Development holds, or those period, the total with low literacy was 1,016,696. levels, may not understand the lanThe July 1 projection by the guage, he said.

ACS reached 1,068,759 people, When people do not know how Solseng said, and it is possible that to fill out the survey, there is a huge the actual figures of 2010 may be chance that they will not complete higher. it, Rapp said.

One reason for the population But by ignoring the census, the increases in the county could be fact that lower-income areas like the considerable amount of previRichmond need additional resourc- ous unused land in 2000 that was es for health centers and education developed for housing purposes cannot be recognized. throughout the decade, she said,

such as the local city of Hercules.

But due to the ongoing nationwide economic recession and the numbers of home foreclosures and relocated residents, counting might prove to be more difficult than expected, Solseng said.

“The standard vacancy rate has been thrown out the window,” she said. “We have people moving in with friends and family, and there are lots of vacant homes.”

Among other changes include potential increases in educational attainment.

Though the recently adapted short-form census no longer asks about schooling directly, the educational attainment rate of county residents over the age of 25 has steadily increased.

In the census year 2000, 42.7 percent of the population held an associate degree or higher. Based on the ACS’s three-year estimate of 2006-2008, there was a 3.4 percent increase.

Whether this increase is due to the population growth or more people pursuing a degree is not certain, but Solseng said that as a general rule, each county wants to see its population become more educated.

A MERICA ’S

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U.S. C ENSUS Solseng, also part of the Contra Costa County Complete Count Committee, one of several nationwide organizations dedicated to increasing census responses in hard-to-count communities, said that the bulk of outreach in the county has been at the hands of volunteers.

The money that the county can afford to promote the survey this year does not come close to the amount of money spent for the same purposes in 2000, she said, which makes volunteerism efforts of extreme importance.

Through events, they hope to reach faith-based organizations, and in turn positively influence members of the congregations and their neighbors to spread the word about completing the form.

“The focus at this point in time is really making sure that everyone gets counted,” Rapp said.

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

Family event spreads joy, knowledge Iron Triangle residents visit Census Party

included non-English speakers, youth, seniors and the gay and lesbian community, Executive Director of Richmond’s Opportunity West Cheryl Maier said.

For the non-English speakers, they had Spanish

By Lissette Alvarez translators come in to help STAFF WRITER explain the importance of RICHMOND — By pro- the census to their Hispanic viding a welcoming family- audience. oriented environment, those “There have been a lot involved with organizing of misconceptions about the the Census Party believed U.S. census,” Gioia said. they suc“Privacy A MERICA ’S COUNT is a huge cessfully informed factor, some of especialU.S. C ENSUS this city’s ly with residents immigraabout the 2010 census. tion status.”

Held at the Nevin Gioia also said they Community Center Thursday, wanted to get the community the event was designed to more involved and remind encourage people to get their residents why it is important forms completed as soon as to be counted. possible, so that Richmond Maier, who sponsored the can receive more federal event, said that one of the funds. reasons why the event was Contra Costa County successful was because they Board of Supervisors had accommodated their Chairman John Gioia spoke guests so well. at the event and said the orgaThe children who worked nizers made it more “kid- at the event gave the Census friendly” for the families, so Party its family-oriented they may feel inspired to talk atmosphere, she said. to their friends and neighThey were helping the bors about filling out their representatives at the event census forms. give out free items such as THe also said they wanted shirts, trinkets and posters. to alleviate the fears their tarAdditionally, the Mariachi get audience may have about Dance Crew also performed the process. at the event.

Their target audience

2010

JOE PHUTIYOTIN / THE ADVOCATE

Representing cultures — A local mariachi band performs at the Census Party held at the Nevin Community Center in Richmond Saturday. The event helped spread awareness about the decennial census.

The group consists of young children and teenagers singing traditional Mariachi songs, which made some of the audience members feel more comfortable and at home, Maier said.

The event also had different organizations and groups, such as the Richmond Children’s Foundation, Native Wellness Center and Community Violence Solutions.

They were not only there to promote their programs, but also to support the census, as each organization had its own table set up with

pamphlets and fliers.

Richmond Children’s Foundation representative Cheryl Vaughn participated in the event to promote her organization’s Farm 2 Table program, which is trying to help low-income families obtain fresh fruits and vegetables.

Vaughn enjoyed seeing all the families wearing the census T-shirts and was impressed by the number of people who showed up.

She was also impressed with the children who performed at the event and the high quality food being

served at the event.

“There was definitely a positive feel to the Census Party,” Vaughn said.

Another organization looking to promote its own program was the Community Violence Solutions.

Coordinator of Prevention and Outreach Elisa Audo said she hopes that after participating at the event more people will become aware of Community Violence Solutions.

She also hopes the Richmond community will know that it is in a time of crisis, and with the support

of her organization, it can prevent sexual violence and abuse.

Audo said her organization is dependent on federal funds, and if more people finished filling out their census forms, the community could have more money for a program like theirs.

Registered nurse Tierra Brown, a local who attended the event, said the Census Party did an amazing job bringing people together.

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

Same-sex marriages recognized Gay couples see first official tally

By Brent Bainto SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

In the spirit of progression, the U.S. Census Bureau made the decision to officially tally same-sex couples and families for the first time in the national survey’s history.

Though the title of same-sex marriage is not currently binding in all states, the decennial count for 2010 will acknowledge current existing domestic partnerships in the country.

According to an article by the Associated Press published last year, U.S. Census Bureau spokesperson Steve Jost said that enumerating married gay couples would not require any immediate changes in the census forms, which includes boxes for the genders of people living in a household and their self-reported relationships as “husband,” “wife” or “unmarried

Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner partner.”

For last census in 2000, the (D-Berkeley) said the public should Bush administration established a realize that there are same-sex coupolicy that barred the count of ples, and there are families with same-sex couples, but since then, same-sex couple parents.

“We can’t hide them in the closthe policy has been reversed for a et anymore,” she said. “We all have better account of the country. family members “It’s a step forward for the A MERICA ’S COUNT that are gay and if they are part LGBT (lesbian, of a (separate) gay, bisexual family unit, they and transgender) U.S. C ENSUS should be countc o m m u n i t y,” said Carlos Uribe, national pro- ed as a family.”

Since the federal government gram director of San Francisco’s Children Of Lesbians and Gays uses census statistics for proper Everywhere (COLAGE). allocation, services and resources “(I’m) excited that this is being would be directed toward the count addressed for the first time. It is of same-sex relationship residena sign that work is being done,” cies. Pedro Rosado, district representative from the office of Sen. Uribe said.

He said it was important that Loni Hancock (D-Oakland), said LGBT couples, as well as fami- the 2010 census will determine lies and communities, are to be the needed funding for the LGBT understood. In gaining rights, he community. stressed that voices of the LGBT “This is the way to maintain the community should be heard and quality of life,” he said. that there are not only couples, but Also, Rosado said that the also families.

LGBT community struggles to be “There are many out there,” identified, but that once it is, many Uribe said. amenity opportunities will be made

2010

available. Facilities and programs such as more HIV prevention and community outreach centers can be established based on the population turnout in regard to the response of same-sex couples and families, he said.

“They are no longer taking the backseat,” Rosado said.

Though same-sex couples and families are to be finally counted, another change in future census forms is being suggested. Uribe said the LGBT community desires to have an additional question about individuals’ sexual orientation and gender identity.

“It’s a much-needed thing if we want to (further) understand our families,” he said.

A project initiated by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is currently working toward implementing the supplement inquiry. The project, titled “Queer The Census,” hopes to have it mandatory for the 2020 census.

Rosado supports the movement and said that since the LGBT community is known for philanthropy to society, it is time for them to be

“We can’t hide them in the closet anymore.

We all have family members that are gay, and if they are part of a (separate) family unit, they should be counted as a family.”

Nancy Skinner,

Assemblywoman (D-Berkeley)

represented, and the census will help.

Although that is still to be debated, participation from the LGBT community is still encouraged and supported, census partnership assistant Pedro Sahagan said.

It is imperative for same-sex couples to fill out census forms, he said, in order to “get a better portrait of America.”

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

B6 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010

SPOTLIGHT

Ethnic diversity in constant flux Immigration, assimilation alter identity

attributed to an increase in birth rates. The natural increase alone of Hispanics from April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008 was 7,257,703, according to the report.

Hispanics are made up of people of Mexican, Puerto

By Alexandra Waite NEWS EDITOR Rican, and Cuban descent, and several other ethnic The population in the groups from Central and United States, the third larg- South America. est country in the world, has The U.S. Census Bureau experienced a dramatic shift reported that by 2050, in ethnic diversity since the minorities are estimated to decennial census was last make up more than 50 pertaken in 2000. cent of the U.S. population.

According to a U.S. The report also speculated Census Bureau report from that Caucasians in pre-grade May 2009, the minority pop- school population will be the ulation reached an estimated minority in 2021.

104.6 million, or 31 percent In a report written by of the nation’s population, senior demographer William on July 1, 2008.

Frey from the Brookings For the most part, immi- Institute, he said that areas g r a w h e r e tion has A MERICA ’S COUNT Caucasians caused the dominate increase the popuin minorilation are U.S. C ENSUS ties, along more conwith better opportunities and cerned about issues affecting better education, adjunct health care and retirement counselor and psychology security when addressing professor Andrea Phillips minority groups. said.

Phillips said much effort One example is people is needed to stray from the coming from India for better “Eurocentric norm” and cultechnological opportunities, tures need to fight for their she said. inclusion in this country.

Phillips said the largest Intermarriages are also a minority groups in the popu- leading contributor to ethnic lation are Hispanics, account- diversity. A Pew Research ing for about 15 percent Center survey showed that of the population. African- more than one-fifth of all Americans are the second American adults have a close largest minority group, fol- relative who is married to lowed by Asian-Americans someone of a different race. with the third largest.

People are beginning The U.S. Census Bureau to be more understanding report states that rise is also and open to other cultures,

2010

though some cultures still try to keep to themselves, Phillips said.

Yet, the 2000 census was the first time people could mark themselves as having more than one race or ethnicity.

Although minorities make up more than onethird of the population, the ethnicities are not spread out evenly across the country, Phillips said.

In the Census Bureau’s 2006 American Community Survey, the largest number of immigrants were shown to have moved to California, New York, Texas, Florida, New Jersey and Illinois.

California is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the entire nation, Phillips said.

This is the first time in the country’s history where a minority ethnic group made up so large a share of the youngest Americans, a Pew Hispanic Center article said.

Two-thirds of Hispanics were born in the United States, most being descendants of the ongoing wave of Latin American immigrants who began coming to the country around 1965, a U.S. Census Bureau report said.

With the increase in ethnic diversity also comes the rise in cultural diversity, Phillips said.

“I think cultural diversity is understanding people’s teaching ethnic diversity at languages, and it is still this college. evolving,” she said. “We “We need to have more need to have more classes conversations to give (stu-

JAMES HECK / THE ADVOCATE

dents) the historical significance of ethnicities, racism and what all of it means,” she said.

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

Allocation dependent on nation’s survey Specific needs require close, full attention

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

With $400 billion in federal funding per year to be distributed across the country for the next decade, approximately 10 questions may give face to key areas whose conditions demand attention the most.

Yet, should the U.S. Census Bureau collect inaccurate data, it could jeopardize certain populations’ chances of having their needs addressed, a possibility that could leave problems in the West County unattended.

“If everyone isn’t counted, (they’re) not going to get the full funding back,” said Dave Sheppard, chief of the population and housing

“(The 2010 census) is programs branch of the U.S. Census Bureau. “(The state) important in this decade more than ever, (and it is) won’t know (their) needs.”

To further encourage resi- especially important to this dents to complete the cen- geographic area,” commusus, Contra Costa College is nity and educational partnerbeing advertised as a count- ship liaison Michele Jackson ing site where students and said. “(This is) how we look members of the community to the federal government.” can fill out the form in the With the unemployment Student Activities Building rate in Richmond and San now until April 19.

Pablo being the highest in its The decennial census county, an accurate measure counts of resie v e r y A MERICA ’S COUNT dents in inhabitant the state within the and comcountry munity U.S. C ENSUS and gathers is vital, that information to determine President McKinley Williams apportionment, redistricting said. and resource allocation.

“The West County serMoney allocated based on vice area has an abundance the information accumulated of (unaddressed) needs,” he through the census could go said. “It is important for us to the building and mainte- to be in line to get our fair nance of hospitals, schools, share.” infrastructure, transportation The census uses resident and other services, according population figures to disto the official 2010 census tribute apportionment, the Web site. number of members each

2010

state holds in the House of Representatives.

According to the 2000 census found on the official homepage for the bureau, 53 members in the House of Representatives represented California.

Election Data Services Inc. projects that the number of congressional seats for California will remain steady in 2010, according to a reapportionment analysis document released on their official Web site in December last year.

The states are then given the responsibility of redistricting, an act where state officials redraw the boundaries of districts based on the reports of their estimated populations.

Sheppard said that when determining where to “split up the state,” politicians look to information gathered in the census.

Jackson said, “We get our fair share of electoral

votes and (we have to) make sure we get representation for taxation. If (people) are not counted, (we’ll) be stuck with someone else with boundaries that will not represent us.”

The West County, with an “underrepresented” demographic including residents who are homeless or immigrants, is in need of an accurate count, Jackson said.

“California loses so much money because such a diverse population is not counted. So when the federal (government) sends our portion, it does not correspond with the need,” she said.

For every resident who does not complete the census, the state loses $3,000 annually, she said.

Rather than risking the allocation of money, filling out the census could help residents with resources they may need in the upcoming 10 years, Jackson said.

With data showing a need

Social media trigger new approach and videos that walk people through filling out the forms and mailing STAFF ILLUSTRATOR them back, as well as readable and audible information pertaining to Since its last decennial count, the the importance and relevance of the U.S. Census Bureau has begun tak- census. ing advantage of more social media “(The census Web site) has a ton to spark interest among one of the of new information available, includnation’s most difficult-to-count ing links to the Facebook, Twitter, groups — youth.

Youtube and blog pages, which are The majority of these changes frequently updated,” census public have occurred online, coinciding affairs specialist Samantha Oneil with the social said. prominence of The most Web sites such “(The census Web site) has difficult people as Facebook, a ton of new information to count are Twitter and between the available, including links ages of 18 and YouTube. “ T h e s e to the Facebook, Twitter, 24, Le said. social media Young adults were not avail- YouTube and blog pages, in this range able 10 years are typically which are frequently ago,” said moving away updated.”

Sonny Le, from home or senior media attending colspecialist for lege far from Samantha Oneil, census public affairs specialist the local cenhome and are sus center in non-responOakland. “The new tools of today sive to the forms, he said. help us reach a much wider audiThis also marks a point in their ence.” lives, Le said, when this type of The official Web site of the 2010 exposure to the federal government census includes comprehensive texts is very new and often unwanted.

By Cody McFarland

A MERICA ’S

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2010

Thus far, it has not proven to save money or incite more cooperation from the public by use of the Internet, she said.

As part of the recent attempt to raise interest across the country, however, 13 vehicles are traveling across the country on the Portrait of America Road Tour, stopping at colleges, city halls, plazas and parks to inform the public just how important it is to “be counted,” Oneil said.

At the stops, members of the U.S. Census Bureau draw a crowd and engage them with activities and useful information pertaining to the census.

They also take sign-ups for temporary census field recruiting jobs, Oneil said.

Also, if census forms are not mailed back, she said members from the bureau go door-to-door to the homes that did not respond to collect the necessary information, “I’m just waiting for it to come in the mail,” Gay said. “Ten questions — fill it out and send it back. It’s as simple as that.”

U.S. C ENSUS “The message is always the same, just on a different platform,” he said.

“It’s about finding the right medium and the right message to appeal to our target demographic.”

The U.S. Census Bureau has enlisted help from multiple advertising companies and spokespeople that attract much of the media spotlight, Le said. Athletes, actors and even the president can be seen backing the census in various advertisements.

Major television stations are also airing promotional segments and commercials in support of the census, including MTV, VH1 and all local stations.

“It’s even on BET,” student Bridgett Gay said. “Major players in the rap world are trying to get younger people involved. It’s obvious (the bureau is) putting in a lot of effort.”

Though the census is not currently being collected online, the bureau is studying ways in which to Contact Cody McFarland at offer an effective online application cmcfarland.advocate@gmail.com. in the future, Oneil said.

“It is important for us to be in line to get our fair share.”

McKinley Williams, college president

for child care, health care and hospitals to create a healthy environment, the census could influence the allocation for “better resources for students so they come to school,” she said.

As each population carries its own demands, Sheppard said the federal formulas look to the information from the census when deciding on where to focus funding.

Sheppard said, “(It is) in everyone’s best interest that the funding goes to a lot of different things.”

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

Evolution In an attempt to appeal to one of the country’s most difficult-to-count groups, young people, the U.S. Census Bureau has taken advantage of various social media outlets and online tools. Some of these include: ● Facebook ● Twitter ● YouTube ● Blog pages Additionally, on the official census Web site, there are numerous videos that help walk them through the filling out of forms, as well as audible and readable information related to the importance of the census.

SPOTLIGHT

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

Inaccuracies fog up results Process’ mistakes question veracity

their time, which the bureau equates to at least six months and one day of the year.

That error, usually found in students age 18-24, Le said, is only one of many potential inaccuracies

By Holly Pablo encompassing the large system.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Analysis of the quality of the Despite efforts to record every decennial survey in a report by the person in the nation, there is suf- U.S. Census Monitoring Board ficient evidence to suggest that mil- names three components of errors: lions of mistakes are made each omissions, erroneous inclusions and census period, particularly in surveys non-data defined persons.

Omissions are residents completerelating to metropolitan cities and ly missed, according to the report, college students.

Several factors can lead to such and erroneous inclusions are people who were either erroneous data, A MERICA ’S COUNT counted twice, in senior media spethe wrong place cialist for the local or should not have census office in been counted at Oakland Sonny U.S. C ENSUS all.

Le said, including Reasons include the use of ficmasses of people choosing not to participate or residents being count- titious names, children born after April 1 and people who died before ed twice.

College students living on April 1. Non-data defined persons their own, for instance, make up are computer-generated estimates of a group of people that are com- household characteristics, the report monly double-counted, Jael Myrick, said.

According to statistics found on field representative from the office of Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner the U.S. Census Bureau’s official Web site, massive errors made in (D-Berkeley) said.

These students are often con- previous censuses resulted in a net fused about whether they should be undercount of 4 million residents in included in their family’s census at 1990 and similarly, 3.3 million resihome in San Francisco, for instance, dents in the year 2000.

Both undercounts and overcounts or whether they should register from skew demographics and geographic their rented apartment in Miami.

Myrick said students should profiles, impacting the nation negarespond based on the place of resi- tively, Le said, because policymakdence where they spend most of ers base their decisions on these

2010

“We really cannot afford to even miss 2 percent (of the population), because it essentially is the lifeline of these communities, by determining funding for public services.”

Sonny Le,

senior media specialist for the local census office in Oakland

ing funding for public services,” Le said.

Those difficult to reach, also coined the “hard-to-count population,” typically include residents with low literacy abilities or limited English-speakers, immigrants, the undocumented work force and the homeless, he said.

These communities do not understand the importance of participation, Le said, which is why community outreach is needed in such areas.

Larger cities are hurt more by the census, according to a study by the Pew Charitable Trusts in 2009, because the prevalence of these groups leads to considerably high undercounts.

By not being included in the census, however, this results in the given county suffering from a disproportionate amount of federal funding to provide the high demanded social services that these people need.

Pedro Rosado, district representative from the office of Sen. Loni Hancock (D-Oakland), said that one of the reasons why California is generally undercounted is because there is an ever-present population of illegal citizens.

Even though these people may not be officially documented through legal employment, their presence still contributes to the state’s economy by consumerism and their payment of sales tax, for instance, Rosado said.

adjusted results.

The government’s scientific method in collecting census figures is by mailing the forms to each housing unit and asking residents to send it back, truthfully indicating how many people are living in the quarters.

But despite the number of undercounts and double-counts likely, this procedure is “the best tool we have at this point” to determine the nation’s head count, Le said.

It is an especially challenging job when residents do not respond immediately by mail, because the federal government subsequently spends millions of dollars in census workers going house-to-house to locate those people, he said.

“We really cannot afford to even miss 2 percent (of the population), Contact Holly Pablo at hpablo. because it essentially is the lifeline of these communities, by determin- advocate@gmail.com.

B7

Mistakes Although a number of measures have been taken by the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure that the fewest amounts of errors possible make it into the final count, there are still many inaccuracies present in the entire process of conducting the decennial census. These include: ● College students who are unsure of which home they are supposed to register through ● Those left completely out of the count ● People who are counted twice because they are born after, or die before, April 1 Additionally, when “hard-to-count” populations are factored into the count, the desired level of accuracy of the census is only further compromised.

Homeless young people left uncounted Youth remain beneath radar

By Lauren Shiraishi OPINION EDITOR

Growing up, the only issue most children have to encounter is working hard in school. Yet, a growing number of youth in Contra Costa County are faced with a larger problem — having a place to call home.

According to Subtitle B of Title VII of the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act, the definition of “homeless” children and youth refers to “individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.”

This can include those who live in cars, public places, bus or train stations and abandoned buildings.

Many believe that as financial struggles have become more of a mainstream issue, homelessness has become less of a taboo subject. “(Homelessness) is more prevalent now because of the current economy,” Youth Development Services (YDS) specialist Denise Clarke said. “Before, it wasn’t talked about as much.”

The causes of homelessness among youth are just as wide as its definition.

Catherine Giacalone, homeless education coordinator at the Contra Costa County of Education, said

that often, teenagers are specifically for youth is the either compelled to leave or Calli House in Richmond, thrown out of their homes an emergency shelter which provides hot meals, a place due to family problems.

In other cases, the chil- to stay overnight and other dren and teens, along with professional help.

Another is JR’s North their families, are removed from their houses due to Star, a group home with foreclosure or other financial locations in both Pinole and Richmond. This is where circumstances.

While there are homeless Greer, a licensed therapist, shelters scattered throughout provides counseling to variContra Costa County, most ous youths between the ages of them cater to either single of 13 and 18. adult males or single adult Greer said that as a result females, or entire families, of the slumping economy, Giacalone said. Available liv- even the shelters and other ing options for youth include programs that provide assisgroup homes, foster care or tance for the homeless have emergenb e e n cy shelA MERICA ’S COUNT affected. ters.

“The Others resources p r a c (to help U.S. C ENSUS tice what people) is known as “couch surf- are not there, and it’s just ing,” where individuals stay sad when people are not able overnight at friends’ houses, to take care of themselves,” Giacalone said. he said.

Contra Costa College Mickles agreed, and health and human services said she hopes more people department Chairwoman become interested in going Aminta Mickles said home- into the helping profession. less youth, referred to as As part of the No “transitional aid youth,” are Child Left Behind Act, the often overlooked, because a McKinney-Vento Homeless majority of people associate Assistance Act was enacted homelessness as a problem in January 2002, requiring mostly among older adults. all of the nation’s children to “A lot of (youth) get lost attend school. in the cracks and are in need Within the schools of services, because they run located in the Contra Costa away from whatever their liv- County districts, there were ing arrangements are,” CCC 1,624 students identified as health and human services homeless during the 2008-09 professor Steven Greer said. school year, Clarke said.

One of the few shelters Giacalone said that in the county that provides although organizations work

2010

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with the schools within the county to raise awareness about the issues of homelessness, identifying students who are homeless can sometimes be a challenge. “(A lot of them would rather) stay under the radar and not be identified,” she said. “They often feel embarrassed and don’t want the school to know they’re homeless.”

Aside from a sense of

shame, others may not reach out for aid, because they do not know where to go.

Once the families are identified, this is where YDS takes over.

Giacalone said that if the children are of preschool age, they are placed on the priority list at preschools funded by the state.

This is to ensure they are enrolled into a “quality childhood education experiADVERTISEMENT

ence,” she said.

Giacalone said that homeless youths are generally invisible to society, partially because they do not want to be seen.

“It’s a lot of transition to deal with for anyone — let alone a child,” she said.

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

B8 THE ADVOCATE

SPOTLIGHT

l WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010

Examining how the community is broken down

U.S. C ENSUS 2010

O

n April 1, counters across the country will work diligently to tally information on millions of forms as part of the 2010 census. The Advocate recently conducted a random, anonymous survey of 125 people on campus in an

effort to uncover the makeup of those at Contra Costa College and how they feel about the census. Questions were based on the actual form and their corresponding answers are meant to serve as a complement to the nation’s largest survey.

Total poll demographics: Analysis of the general information for the 125 students anonymously surveyed Census completion: Just over two-thirds, 68 percent, of the 125 polled by The Advocate said they will be completing the census form this month.

Requirement: When asked if the census should be mandatory for everyone in America, 65.6 percent of the 125 polled said yes.

Home ownership: Of the 125 polled, 48.8 percent said their household owns with mortgage or loan.

43 no

40 no

34.4%

32%

61 Owned by self or someone in the household with a mortgage or loan

68%

82 yes

65.6%

Ethnic breakdown: In the random survey of 125 people on campus, the largest ethnic group was found to be African-Americans at 24.8 percent.

3 Chinese 3 Native American

2.4%

1 Japanese 1 Korean 2 Vietnamese

0.8%

0.8%

9.6%

49 Rented

39.2%

48.8%

85 yes

12 owned without mortgage or loan

3 occupied without payment or rent

Reliability: In terms of allocating money to counties for government services, 54 percent of the 125 people randomly surveyed said the census was at least a “7” or better in terms of reliability.

2.4%

1.6%

6 other Asian

29

4.8%

2.4%

2 Other Pacific Islander

12 Filipino

9.6%

26

1.6%

20 20 mixed

31 AfricanAmerican

16%

24.8%

15

22 Hispanic 10 White

8%

12 Other Hispanic

17.59%

9 8

9.6%

Unreliable

4

4

1

2

5

3

5

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Very reliable

Hard-to-count areas Richmond and San Pablo are among the several hard-tocount (HTC) cities in the state.

To identify such populations, the U.S. Census Bureau uses information from its Tract Level Planning Database to analyze cities in a scoring system from 0 to 132, with higher numbers indicating lower response rates. In the 2000 census, communities such as North Richmond showed HTC scores of 76 and higher.

1. North Richmond: The neighborhood has mail return rates of 60 percent or less.

2. San Pablo: More than 20 percent of households have a language other than English spoken at home or no person in the house above the age of 14 speaks it well.

3. College: In neighborhoods bordering the college, 10 to 25 percent of residents do not have a high school diploma.

4. San Pablo: The area near Doctors Medical Center has an HTC score above 76.

3 1 4 2

5

6

7

5. Iron Triangle: Twenty percent or more of the population receives public assistance or welfare.

6. South Richmond: Forty-five to 60 percent of residences are rented.

7. Point Richmond: Only 65.7 percent responded.

Source : U.S. Census Bureau

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHICS BY SAM ATTAL/ THE ADVOCATE