The Advocate - April 28, 2010

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

Rappers let loose

Freestyle event a battle of wits

CMYK

campus beat ◆ page 6

sports ◆ page 11

spotlight ◆ page 9

Season ends in 7-1 collapse

Agbabiaka sets aspirations high

Crushed

Scholar excels

VOL. 94, NO. 20

SINCE 1950

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

12 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

Bill helps with loans

Finance officer selected

SWEET SOUNDS

District fills open position amidst deficit

Act modifies lending setup for students

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Muindi

Facing a combined $16 million deficit total for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 fiscal years, it is a necessity for the district to maintain precise records of its finances, administrators say.

As part of this need, the Governing Board approved the hiring of Serena Muindi for the $160,000 annual salary position of associate vice chancellor and chief financial officer (CFO) on April 1, Chancellor Helen Benjamin said. The position was vacant for two years.

“The district doesn’t have a hiring freeze but at the

By Cassandra Juniel SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

A bill to make college more affordable for students, as well as provide help to those graduating and responsible for paying back their school loans, has been signed and will take effect shortly.

According to the www. whitehouse.gov, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (HCERA), noted as the largest rewrite of a federal college assistance program in four decades, was signed into law on March 30 by President Barack Obama and will make higher education more affordable and help more Americans earn a college degree.

From the perspective of the Contra Costa College’s Financial Aid Office, this new bill shows favorability on behalf of students.

HCERA enacts sweeping reforms in federal student loan programs, Director of Financial Aid Viviane LaMothe said.

Prior to its approval, the pairing of student loans and the new health insurance reform bill, signed by Obama on March 24, which makes health care more affordable for more Americans to receive health coverage, was a highly debated item within the House of Representatives.

The concerns regarded the fact that the lending legislation would make the

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

The position of district associate vice chancellor and chief financial officer, which was vacant for two years, has been filled by Serena Muindi, who brings more than 16 years of finance experience.

■ SEE MUINDI: Page 4

MICHAEL SUE / THE ADVOCATE

Belting it out — Tutoring Coordinator Jason Berner sings his rendition of Van Halen’s cover of “You Really Got Me” at Staff Appreciation Day in the Amphitheatre Friday.

SHOWING APPRECIATION Day of

By Malcolm Lastra

fun, food karaoke delights college faculty,

■ SEE LOANS: Page 4

staff

SPORTS EDITOR

There have been many long days in the 2009-10 college year for faculty and staff that have been filled with hard work, stress and determination.

Hard work pays off in the end, however, as Contra Costa College celebrated its third annual Staff Appreciation Day Friday in the Amphitheatre.

“It’s a day where we support our staff, and it’s a day we want to relax and appreciate one another,” President McKinley

Elections completed

By Lamar James NEWS EDITOR

Williams said. “There are a lot of people who do a lot of hard work (here on campus), and we need to recognize it.”

Clear blue skies and a bright sunny day brought positive vibes to the event, as those who attended showed nothing but smiles and laughter.

Staff Appreciation Day has been held by the CCC staff development team for all three of its years. This was the second held outside, as the last year’s event was held in the Student Dining Room.

“The CCC staff development just wanted to appreciate the staff and the

With the recent dropping out of a potential second candidate, Contra Costa College student Brandon Amargo is now running unopposed for the position of district student trustee.

ASU Senator Jasmyn Oliver said the student trustee position alternates between each of the district’s three colleges. A CCC student will be representing students districtwide for the 201011 academic year.

“This is our turn to have the position,” Oliver said.

She said that when one is in a position such as this, there are certain responsibilities one must

■ SEE STAFF: Page 4

■ SEE TRUSTEE: Page 4

Two of four suspects apprehended in burglary EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

RICHMOND — Two suspects were arrested in the case of a residential burglary that resulted in a police chase and vehicle collision near the intersection of Moyers Road and Duke Drive.

Billy Hudson and Creo Semien, both 21 years old, were arrested for allegedly robbing a home near the 2900 block of Greenwood Drive at approximately 4:10 p.m. on April 21, spokesman for the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department Jimmy Lee said.

A neighbor reported suspicions of the burglary after witnessing a male suspect climbing through a window, Lee said, and when officers arrived at the scene, three male individuals were seen running from the home with property in their arms.

The suspects jumped into a dark green Chevy Camaro driven by a fourth male accomplice and led authorities on a short pursuit through the surrounding neighbor-

Tony 0,

Richmond resident

hood, Lee said.

Their getaway car collided with a sheriff’s office vehicle less than a half mile from Contra Costa College and for approximately two hours, Lee said, officials from the county sheriff’s department, Richmond and Lafayette police departments and a helicopter searched the vicinities after they fled the crash site on foot.

Hudson and Semien were

immediately taken into custody, but police are still trying to identify and apprehend the other two involved in the crime, Lee said.

Nobody was hurt.

Though the crime occurred in the proximity of the college and Highland Elementary School, no emergency procedures were implemented.

“There was talk about locking down the area, but it was determined there was no need for it, especially because it was well after the elementary school day,” Lee said.

Among the items recovered from the Camaro were cash and portable electronics, including a laptop, he said.

A few dozen local residents and passersby stood outside their homes and near the site of the crash during the two-hour long search.

Tony O said that of the five years that he has lived in the HilltopFairmede area, himself and four of his neighbors have experienced a combination of residential breakins, automobile thefts or tampers.

Nearly one year ago, O’s home was broken into and thieves stole his 2001 Ford Mustang, jewelry, $500 cash and two television sets.

■ SEE ARREST: Page 4

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

By Holly Pablo

“I would say that this neighborhood is not all that safe, but it looks like it is. You might expect these things to happen at night, but these thieves are looking around and doing these things while people are at work.”

Detained — Billy Hudson, 21, is searched by a member of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s department after a reported inhome burglary at the intersection of Moyers Road and Duke Drive in Richmond on April 21.

Authorities were in vehicular pursuit of the perpetrators before their car crashed into a sheriff’s office cruiser.

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

CMYK

Home just off campus robbed

CMYK

2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “Speaking with your own voice is important. You just can’t say that some speech is more permissible than other speech; that’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed.”

Eric Nuzum author 2001 Holly Pablo editor-in-chief Sam Attal associate editor Asia Camagong associate editor Alec Surmani associate editor Cassandra Juniel spotlight editor Diana Reyes Lauren Shiraishi opinion editors Dariush Azmoudeh Malcolm Lastra sports editors Lamar James Alexandra Waite news editors Brent Bainto social media editor Erik Verduzco photo editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Lissette Alvarez Mairat Assefa Alison Calais Tanisha Frazier Hilberth Diaz Ibarra Cassidy Gooding Marjorie Riformo 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 Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.235.7800 ext. 4315 Fax: 510.235.NEWS E-mail: advocate@ contracosta.edu or letters.advocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.

OPINION

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010 VOL. 94, NO. 20 ●

Editorial Voices silenced

Limits to privileges only reduce representation

A

s student trustee of the Governing Board, Christina Cannon frequently visits the Contra Costa, Diablo Valley and Los Medanos college campuses and speaks with students about their educational, financial and personal concerns.

Representing the issues and needs brought to attention, Cannon brings a fresh perspective and direct link between the student population and the district’s policy operators by privileges of an advisory vote and attendance at open board meetings.

During a discussion based on Cannon’s proposal to grant future student trustees the ability to make and second motions and have access to closed board sessions, except collective bargaining, the board dismissed the idea at its March 31 meeting.

Governing Board President Anthony Gordon told The Advocate that allowing the student trustee to attend closed board sessions brings “confidentiality and maturity” into question, and that they do not have the “life experience” to respect these two qualities.

Such an attitude is counterproductive to the hope that the elected student trustee gains valuable leadership skills and maturity through the opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals while being the voice of the students.

The sole member of the board in support of Cannon’s proposal was Trustee Tomi Van de Brooke.

Van de Brooke told The Advocate that she has not heard any convincing argument for why the student trustee should not gain more privileges.

As the one-year position rotates through each of the district’s campuses, and includes the swearing in of the student trustee and approval of their privileges in May, there is no legitimate reason for the board to deny expansion.

In a short-term sense, any and all changes to extend privileges are not permanent beyond the given student trustee’s elected term, and if it is found to conflict or be unsatisfactory with the operations of the board, they can legally revert back to the minimum privileges after that year.

With Cannon’s term coming to an end, the board should take pride in her collaborative efforts, abandon their decision and take a chance.

Student trustee candidate Brandon Amargo, however, who is currently an active member with the ASU, said he did not object to the board’s ruling.

But as a future representative of the students within the Contra Costa Community College District, he should consider it of significance.

If the student trustee is denied certain privileges, he or she will not be able to fully voice concerns of the group they strive to represent — their fellow students.

CODY MCFARLAND / THE ADVOCATE

■ Law enforcement

Unqualified officers unfit to enforce justice

W

hile listening to music in my room recently, a song came on from one of my favorite bands about the lead singer’s half-brother who is a crooked cop.

The vocalist screamed out a particular lyric that references the police as “A necessary evil, but an evil just the same.”

This reminded me of all the times I have seen or been harassed by officers, or heard a story on the news about police brutality.

But I also thought of my late uncle, who was a honorable and valiant sergeant for the Richmond Police Department. He was one of the few honest cops I have encountered who actually reciprocated respect and had a genuine desire to serve and protect.

How then does one become an officer, and how can this process be refined?

The criteria for becoming a cop, according to www. education-portal.com, are as follows.

Anyone convicted of a felony or charges of domestic abuse is not eligible.

If eligible, the first task is to complete high school and acquire a diploma.

State and federal agencies require college degrees, however, smaller departments in cities and towns do not, though an associate or bachelor’s degree is recommended as an advantage over other potential officers.

Applicants must also spend three to four months at a police academy honing physical and mental skills, completion of which is

codymcfarland

of how to act and react in hostile or potentially dangerous situations, as well as on how to deal with lesser criminals and petty crime appropriately.

The last and most radical of my ideas is that any person attempting to become an officer should be voted into their position by the community they wish to serve.

Implementing local elections of officers guarantees residents that they are getting the brand of justice they want and deserve, all while instilling a sense of accomplishment and providing a taste of true democracy through participation in the voting process.

Best of all, if residents feel an officer is abusing his power or displaying excessive force, it is their incentive to petition for that officer’s impeachment.

I feel the end result would be a stronger sense of community and democracy, accompanied by an air of overall safety and well-being among residents, and that the occurrence of police brutality would dwindle.

The song comes to a close with the lyric “In my perfect world there would be no police, yet we would still function in relative peace.”

I could not agree more, but I could also never see this actually happening.

Then the song ends, along with my hopes for a better law enforcement system.

marked by passing grades on all necessary examinations.

This process seems a tad too easy to complete, bearing in mind that officers hold much power over the public.

The donning of a badge, representing an ability to operate above the law when “necessary,” and the use of a firearm, which allows a man to take the lives of others almost effortlessly, unsettles me to the very core. This is far too much power to be given to any Joe Blow with a diploma and a point to prove.

Upon signing up, potential officers should be thoroughly background checked and given an in-depth mental analysis, in search of ill wills, bad tempers or histories of mental illness.

Aspirants should provide sound reasoning as to why, as well as how, they want to serve their community, and the quota system should be eliminated to reduce work pressures and the excessive ticketing that ensues.

College degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement or a related discipline should also be a necessity.

Precincts should require officers to take both physical and mental evaluations each year to ensure a full Cody McFarland is a staff understanding of the law and illustrator for The Advocate. capability to enforce it.

Contact him at cmcfarland.

Police should also be equipped with the knowledge advocate@gmail.com.

CampusComment

How will cuts to the summer schedule affect you?

“(I would) probably not have much of a social life, because I would have to fit a whole semester’s worth of work into six weeks.”

“It will take longer to obtain my associate degree because (of) the lack of classes being offered.”

“It would affect my schedule, because I’m trying to do something else during the summer time, like an internship, so it would limit me.”

“I wouldn’t be able to finish make-up classes from spring or fall.

That would affect me, because I would have to stay longer.”

Hira Shafique

Pool Mabegli

Joseph Robinson Brianna Partee MCHS

finance

undecided

mathematics

“I anticipate the stress level of the students to be higher, because classes they need will not be available. There will be more students needing help with classes.”

Norma Valdez-Jimenez

LAMAR JAMES / THE ADVOCATE

counselor

“It’s going to be harder, because you have to cram everything together or wait for spring or fall, making it longer to finish.”

Tiffany Redmon sociology

FORUM ■ Culture

laurenshiraishi

‘Hot’ lesson burns morals of Girl Scouts

W

hile browsing through the online news headlines on my home page the other night, one in particular stood out: “Girl Scouts Guide Draws Criticism.”

As a former Girl Scout, my curiosity was sparked.

Looking back at my childhood memories, a fair amount of them are associated with Girl Scout activities. From kindergarten through high school, I was involved with a troop in the city I grew up in.

Recently, this very same organization was brought under fire, as the World Association of Girl Scouts collaborated with Planned Parenthood to distribute sex guides at a conference, titled “Healthy, Happy and Hot.” It encouraged tweens and teens to explore their sexuality by talking or acting out fantasies.

Personally, I was shocked.

The use of the word “hot” in this context comes off as vulgar, particularly when used as a word to describe how a Girl Scout should ideally perceive herself.

While in elementary school, we took annual camping trips, went horseback riding and stood outside grocery stores every spring to sell the iconic Girl Scout cookies.

By the time I was in middle school, there was definitely nothing “cool,” let alone “hot,” about being in a troop.

The shine had long worn off, yet I stayed out of a sense of obligation.

I came to the conclusion I was not a camping kind of girl. Also, my friends and I found that we were mortified at the idea of selling cookies in front of the supermarket while guys in our grade skateboarded in the parking lot.

At the time, talking about sex seemed to be taboo. As far as I can recall, that threeletter word was never brought up within my troop or at any of the general Girl Scout events we attended.

Obviously, this is no longer the ’90s, and times have changed.

It is no secret that the United States has the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in all the developed countries.

While adults can try to pretend it does not happen, the truth is that teenagers have and will engage in sexual activities.

I am all for female empowerment and girls learning how to protect themselves from pregnancy and STIs. But when I think of “Brownies” being educated about sex at such a young age (Brownies typically range from 6-8 years old), I cringe a little.

According to the Girl Scouts of the USA Web site, the organization’s mission statement is “building courage, confidence and character” as well as making the world a better place.

As far as I’m concerned, telling young girls to “act out their fantasies” does not accomplish any of the above.

In fact, it would more likely have the opposite effect and encourage younger teens to experiment with sex.

I am aware that the bridge between childhood and adulthood is shorter than ever, particularly in our beauty and sex-obsessed culture, but when are children considered too young to be educated on these particular subjects?

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

3

■ Income

Cost of job hunt hard to pay

T

hrough my years of living on this earth I have come to realize something so simple yet something I never really paid attention to.

Everything in this world costs money.

Whether it be going out for a bite to eat or just staying in for a home-cooked meal, paying for gas or bus fare to get to your destination, and even sometimes paying for wherever you are going, everything in this world costs.

With that in mind I sought the basic solution to this problem that a lot of people, including myself, go through. A job.

Getting a job is not as easy as it seems, however, as jobs are scarce, especially in the current economic crisis.

A lot of these jobs are at risk of disappearing, as corporations are more willing to pay for additional goods rather than additional employees.

I know that makes perfect sense from a corporation’s perspective, but I always

malcolmlastra tend to ask what about me, and others like me, who are struggling to get a job?

Job hunting is not as easy as it seems. It takes a lot out of a person to write several resumés, get dressed up and go store-to-store asking for employment just to be constantly rejected because the positions are usually filled.

Even the jobs that are available tend to be difficult due to the competition in getting them.

Applications are also a stressful hassle, since you would usually feel confident in getting the application, filling it out with your personal information and turning it in. That same rejected feeling comes, as the manager simply takes the application and puts it under the

desk barely even acknowledging receiving it.

Online applications are even worse, since there is What’s the no physical interaction. point of Once you complete that ‘Now the online application and call the Hiring’ job site they tell you that sign if common phrase we, you are as unemployed constantly people, tend to hear — “We’ll rejecting give you a call back.” people?

There have been several times where I found myself calling these companies back day-by-day only to get that same response.

What’s the point of that “Now Hiring” sign if you are constantly rejecting people?

One of my personal experiences in that scenario

was at Chuck E. Cheese in Pinole.

I received an application and was told by a hiring manager to turn it in two days later.

On that day I arrived at the time specified by the manager only to be told by another hiring manager that the company was not hiring anymore as I watched her throw away my application.

At that point, I felt that applications were useless, as it seems like the companies don’t even care.

Now I’m not asking for any handouts, but these jobs should give people a chance to at least work.

Although it seems hopeless, I will continue to try to find employment somewhere, so I can enjoy and experience the fun things life has to offer and that cost me money.

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

G o o d vibrations Music influence extends beyond pleasant sounds

By Alec Surmani ASSOCIATE EDITOR

I

t allows us to say what we want.

It allows us to say what we need to say. The words that infect your entire being and prod you to make the biggest little mistakes of your life. Ones you knew you’d make and whose respective self-warnings you so obliviously wrote off. By saying them aloud, first to an audience, then to yourself, and then to that person. The process transforms us and our radius of effect.

From a child’s first experience with percussion through beating its fists on the ground to everyone’s inevitable swan song, music is one of the many lifebloods of humanity.

The influence runs throughout our lives, often defining or helping us remember the moments we so desperately do not want to forget, and often begins at birth.

Association with and involvement in music has been shown to facilitate early creativity and self-expression, perseverance, risk-taking and tolerance of other cultures, according to the Children’s Music Workshop, a California-based education company that helps youth learn and grow through music.

Yet, these development benefits are not limited to children or even people who play music.

A study, conducted by Harvard Medical School professor Gottfried Schlaug and published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, looked at 12 patients left with impaired speech after they experienced strokes to the left hemispheres of their brains.

When these patients were instructed to sing the words they were supposed to learn, their verbal abilities greatly improved.

Yet, although there are innumerable experiments conducted with an objective and empirical approach, subjective examples of music’s connection with development can be seen all around.

If you’ve ever watched a child discover a piano keyboard for the first time, you’ve likely seen a human’s first period of spiritual concentration.

The way their facial expressions and mannerisms instantly evolve, if only for a brief period of time, indicates that precociousness is not the appropriate term.

The effect is too universal.

Everyone seems to have the innate ability to create music to a certain degree.

Part of this is because music, unlike writing which must be channeled through language or painting which requires some form of a tangible canvas and various materials, can often be more directly expressive.

Music is like controlling the atoms around you and crafting a picture out of them. Like taking the world and rearranging a part of it to show others how it looks to you and seeing if they’ve ever felt the same.

Many feel this energy so strongly that they are often able to forgive certain vices they would normally be averse too. This is why it is one of the few forms of art where people have essentially no objection to repeated use of the second voice.

We love singing “you” and imagining our targets. Yet in writing, for instance, we immediately notice any use of “you” and often feel insulted and lectured when we do. The first few lines of this article will likely turn some off from reading any further.

Though writing and painting and all other forms of art are naturally valued for their power over the human spirit, few of them have the direct physical effect of music.

According to www.howstuffworks.

com, sound is defined as a mechanical disturbance traveling through an elastic medium. This means that when we feel the deep, vibrating stomp of a bass drum compressing our hearts, it is not just our love of the notes, but our physical reaction to them.

Given this added layer of dimension, it only makes sense that music carries a distinct spirituality among the arts.

In her autobiography “Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey,” conservationist Jane Goodall noted how listening to Johann Sebastian Bach in an ancient English cathedral became a spiritual encounter, albeit one difficult to explain.

“If I hear Bach’s fugue,” Goodall said, “the result is the same: just as the chimes of Big Ben trigger an unconscious spasm of fear, so that music floods my whole being with love, joy, and a sort of spiritual exaltation.”

Like shouting in the rain, music lets us feel what we feel as strongly as we actually feel it. Throughout our daily interactions, we often have to tone down our emotions for fear of embarrassment, ridicule or individuality.

So we sing them. Or pluck them.

Or pound them. Extracting them from their corporeal limitations and onto the limitless canvas for sound.

We learn from the musicians’ openness, but remember they are just as guilty as us, struggling with the same problems. We know this, because if they didn’t, they wouldn’t be recording these songs.

Flowing with the music helps remind us that just because there are no help patrolling boats that putter around and offer assistance without hesitation or request does not mean we cannot swim on our own.

But the greatest benefit, or if you want to be utilitarian about it, the benefit with the widest application, of music is its role as social healer.

It reveals what we fear in our relationships and helps us understand how to mend them.

Admittedly, answers are not always offered, as additional rhetorical questions often abound. Bob Dylan alone must be responsible for about half of them.

But at least music provides further impetus and sometimes a final push to help us do what we already wanted to do in the first place — live our lives. And live them the way we want to live them.

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

JAMES HECK / THE ADVOCATE

4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010

accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

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Newsline ■ EMPLOYMENT

Job Fair aims to help public The Job Placement Office is hosting its annual Job Fair today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the plaza in front of the Student Services Center.

The event will assist students and the general public in submitting resumes, meeting employers and seeing who is hiring in West Contra Costa County.

For more information, contact John Christensen at 510-235-7800, ext. 4344.

■ FUNDRAISERS

EOPS to have karaoke fun The EOPS Club Karaoke Night will be held Friday in the Fireside Room from 5:30-10 p.m.

All are invited and may dress up like their favorite star.

Tickets are $5, and all proceeds are donated to the EOPS Scholarship Fund.

Contact Dionne Short at 510-230-5754 for more information.

■ MEDIA

Library plans sale of books The Friends of the Library are putting on the annual Book Sale in front of the Library fireplace from May 11-13.

An assortment of books, CDs and other media will be available for sale.

The public sale will be on May 11 from noon to 6 p.m., on May 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on May 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

■ TRANSFERRING

Center hosts reception The Transfer Center is holding its annual Transfer Reception for students transferring to a four-year college or university in fall 2010.

The reception will be held in the Fireside Room on May 13 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Robin Harrison at 510-235-7800, ext. 4241.

CrimeWatch Friday, April 16 Two suspects entered the Student Activities Building and took the victim’s property by force.

Thursday, April 22 A subject was stopped on a traffic stop, and it was determined that he was in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility, and his vehicle was towed.

— Alexandra Waite

Conviction obtained at trial Gunman in Chang case faces 25 to life

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nearly three years after the robbery and murder of 24-year-old Contra Costa College student Jinzhou Chang, Marcellus Lewis Allen was convicted of first-degree murder and faces 25 years to life in prison.

The 20-year-old pleaded not guilty to charges of robbery and murder during the March 1 to April 1 trial in Martinez, defense attorney Daniel Cook said, and will maintain his innocence at the May 14 sentencing.

Jurors also found Allen guilty of second-degree robbery and his admission of possession of the assault weapon used in the July 30, 2007, crime, Cook said, but did not find true a special allegation that he personally caused bodily injury or

In the article “Gala recognizes contributors of college” on page four of the April 21 issue, there is one correction.

Hall of Fame honoree Mark Jackson is a deputy district attorney for Alameda County. Nancy O’Malley holds the elected position of district attorney.

The Advocate regrets the error.

death by discharging a firearm.

“Mr. Allen and I were obviously disappointed in the outcome,” Cook said.

“He testified that he did not take part in the robbery and that he did not shoot Mr. Chang.”

Cook argued that Allen obtained the firearm the evening following the murder from 19-year-old Christian Latimore and was wrongly accused of being the alleged shooter of the crime after an unrelated incident in El Sobrante led to his arrest after police recovered the weapon.

Chang, a Chinese immigrant, was helping his father renovate an apartment complex at Belmont Avenue and Lassen Street in El Cerrito when three robbers confronted him as he washed a bucket outside, Deputy District Attorney Mark A. Peterson said.

After the young men, whose ages ranged from 17-18 at the time, went through Chang’s pockets, he was fatally shot in the head, Peterson said, and the young men fled to a getaway car, where a fourth accomplice was waiting.

As part of a plea bargain for lesser charges of voluntary manslaughter, prosecutors have accepted testimony against Allen from the alleged driver, 21-year-old Dion Williams, who will serve seven years in prison.

Under similar arrangements, 19-yearold Latimore will serve 11 years. The case of the third individual that robbed Chang, Raymond Richard, was suspended after he was deemed incompetent to stand trial, Cook said. “(Williams and Latimore) are never going to have a trial. They opted out of that as part of their agreement to testify against Mr. Allen, and the court will impose the sentence,” he said. “Obviously, they decided it was in their best interest to accept that plea agreement instead of standing trial for murder and potential life charges.”

Allen is expected to appeal his convictions, Cook said.

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

Chang

The 24year-old Contra Costa College student was fatally shot in the head while helping his father renovate an apartment complex in El Cerrito on July 30, 2007.

Muindi | To be paid $160,000 salary Staff ■ FROM: Page 1

same time, we are trying to downsize in order to address a large state budget crisis,” Dr. Benjamin said. “This is a position that is crucial to the success of the district.“ Each of the three colleges in the district, Contra Costa, Diablo Valley and Los Medanos, are facing more than $2 million in deficits individually and each location is preparing to lay off employees in the near future, Benjamin said.

In October, the district used reserve funds to cover budget deficits and prevent mid-year layoffs, but as those onetime monies are depleted, there are no other options, she said.

“The last thing we want to do is cut employees, but we’re at that place now,” she said. “We have to make a lot of these cuts permanent.”

CCC President McKinley Williams agreed that affecting people is unavoidable at this point and that pink slips will start being distributed within the next 45 days, to be effective July 1.

There is concern, however, that filling the classified administration position at a time when student services and labor is being reduced is counterproductive to the district’s attempt of downsizing expenditures and preserving resources.

“The district has asked us to do more with less. Responsibilities have been shifted, staff members have been doing more,” CCC Academic Senate President Richard Akers said. “They don’t seem to be practicing what they’re preaching.”

At the district board meeting in Martinez on March 31, several DVC students spoke against the hiring and expressed discontent about three pink slips issued to college managers, including the associated students adviser, dean and director of admissions.

Over the past two years, Vice Chancellor of Districtwide Administrative Services Kindred Murillo, Director of Fiscal Services Judy Breza and others have been picking up the additional work, Benjamin said, but this division of work among several people can no longer continue.

Chief Human Resources Officer Gene Huff said that the largest misperception is that the district is adding unnecessary costs by adding a new position, when actually, it was a vacant position that needed to be filled.

“It’s a lack of understanding about the roles of the job and why it is important to have a permanent person in the district in that specific job,” Huff said.

Muindi brings more than 16 years

of finance and budget experience in California to the district, where her responsibilities include overseeing accounting and finance, purchasing and payroll functions.

United Faculty President Jeffrey Michels, who served on the hiring committee, also defended Muindi’s hiring in the midst of the fiscal crisis. The hiring process was selective and it took two years to find the right candidate, he said.

“I think it’s a crucial position because a good CFO is worth more money than she costs, and you need someone that can navigate the system and do highlevel financial work,” Dr. Michels said.

“I wouldn’t want to see us cut corners on finances. We can’t shoot ourselves in the foot.”

Dr. Akers said that if the district wants people to do more with less, it needs to set the example.

It is still too soon to determine the exact amount of potential reductions, Huff said, because the number of vacant positions that will not be backfilled and the number of employees potentially pursuing a retirement incentive is still unknown.

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

Loans | Federal assistance amended ■ FROM: Page 1

federal government the originator of student loans, thus eliminating the private student loan industry, according to www.thehill.com. Senators with lender facilities in their states were concerned about the potential job losses.

Rep. George Miller (D-Calif), who crafted the student loan bill, however, concluded that the bill would pass under the budget reconciliation rules, according to www.thehill.com.

LaMothe said key elements of the bill include: larger Pell grants; more stable funding for Pell grants; investments in community colleges; increased support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs); Expanded Income Based Repayment (IBR); and student loans that put students first.

“The biggest change is in who administers student loans,” LaMothe said. “Instead of private banks issuing loans guaranteed by the government, the government will now become the originator of the loan. The change will eliminate private banks as ‘middlemen’ in the loan process and will save the United States government about $68 billion over 11 years, according to the White House.”

As one of the most significant changes in the bill, similar thoughts were expressed as a result.

“Finally, it is about time that educational loans be in the hands of the people and not of the corporations,”

La Raza studies department Chairman Agustin Palacios said. “But this legislation will not mean much if fees continue to rise. We need to make public education truly public, which means free and accessible.”

Regarding Pell grants, the bill increases the federal Pell grant maximum award by the Consumer Price Index from 2013 through 2017, which is estimated to raise the award from $5,550 to $5,975, according to www. whitehouse.gov. And by the 2020-21 academic school year, it is expected that more than 820,000 additional Pell Grant awards are expected to be made as a result.

Also, HCERA covers the expected funding shortfall and much of the recent growth in Pell costs, according to www.whitehouse.gov.

The same Web site says that investment in community colleges includes $2 billion over a four-year period, which is considered the largest part of the nation’s higher education system.

According to the Smart Guide for Financial Aid, community colleges enroll more than 6 million students and are continuing to grow rapidly due to their open admission policies, affordable tuition, flexible course schedules and locations.

This also opens up additional funds for financial aid.

“The new student loan system will free up more funding for financial aid in general, broaden access to the nation’s

colleges and universities, increase revenue for those institutions and reduce the debt/burden on students over the long term,” LaMothe said.

According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education and www.whitehouse.gov, HBCUs and MSIs are hit particularly hard as a result of a host of challenges. As they account for approximately one-third of all degree-granting institutions of minority undergraduates, they are known to do more with less, enrolling higher proportions of low and middle income students.

As a result, HBCUs and MSIs will receive $2.55 billion in mandatory funding from HCERA, according to www.whitehouse.gov.

Graduates who have taken out loans find it particularly cumbersome and difficult to repay their debt when they enter into lower paying careers or suffer financial setbacks due to unemployment, illness or even fail to complete their degree, LaMothe said.

To help them afford to pay back their student loans, HCERA has expanded the repayment program. New borrowers who assume loans after July 1, 2014, will be able to cap their student loan repayments at 10 percent of their discretionary income, and if they keep up with their payments over time will have the balance forgiven after 20 years, LaMothe said.

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

Trustee | Amargo now unopposed ■ FROM: Page 1

Correction

CAMPUS BEAT

keep in mind.

“We want a student who will be able to keep (his or her) grades up and be a student first and foremost,” she said.

Oliver also said that a student trustee must be made available to all three schools.

“It is important that the new student trustee access all three colleges and identify their personalities, their multidimensions of culture, and place the needs of the students first,” she said.

Amargo said he would do his best to serve the needs of the students, and if elected, he feels he is capable to get a lot of things solved.

“I feel that I would be a great

representative,” he said.

“I have been serving as a senator and have been taking the necessary steps to prepare myself for this position.”

Additionally, Amargo said it would be a great Amargo benefit to the college if he were elected.

“I will do my best and represent this college to the fullest and hopefully have a great impact on the student body,” he said.

Oliver said it has been a while since CCC had a chance for a student to represent the college on a district level, and she is excited to see what is to come

■ FROM: Page 1

hard work that they do,” Bookstore Manager Janis Walsh said. “This event is about showing appreciation for all staff.”

The event started off well with a disc jockey playing variations of old school tunes as several staff and students lined up to receive their tickets and food.

The food served at the event was akin to a typical barbecue menu with hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and salad with dressing. Fruit and desserts such as cake and chocolate chip cookies were also offered along with beverages such as soda and water. All foods were paid for and provided by the staff management, and the Buildings and Grounds department helped serve the food.

As the event progressed, staff and students sat around each other eating, laughing and talking.

“Everybody getting together and renewing acquaintances (is beneficial), since a lot of the time you don’t get to see (many of the staff) due to our busy schedules in our departments,” automotive services department Chairman Peter Lock said. “We should have more events like this to bring the campus together.”

Several faculty members shared their thoughts on what they think staff appreciation is about.

“It’s a time where we actually get out of our work place and have a bit of fun,” art department Chairman Eric Sanchez said.

Some faculty members were also presented with awards to recognize their hard work.

After the award ceremony, there was a live performance by the CCC All-Star Blues Band, which performed four funk tunes that had audience members clapping and dancing.

“I love performing,” Natural, Social and Applied Sciences Division Dean and keyboardist Terence Elliott said. “That is what a lot of us do outside of our jobs.”

Live karaoke performed by staff also took place, which had those in the audience laughing and joining along in song.

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

Arrest

from the student trustee and the work that will get accomplished.

Voting took place online via WebAdvisor and runs from April 20 through Friday.

The winner of the elections will be announced through the newsletter, Oliver said, which comes out the week of May 3.

Student Roger Davis said the student trustee should be about the students, and the new trustee should approach the position with tenacity and the will to want to get things done.

“I would say that this neighborhood is not all that safe, but it looks like it is,” O said. “You might expect these things to happen at night, but these thieves are looking around and doing these things while people are at work.”

Residents need to lock their doors and windows, because it is common for thieves to sneak in through an open entry, Lee said.

Lamar James at advocate@gmail.com.

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

ljames.

CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

Student trustee privileges denied Board limits position’s role

By Alexandra Waite NEWS EDITOR

The district’s future student trustee for the 2010-11 academic year was denied the privileges to attend closed sessions and to make or second motions during a recent meeting of the Governing Board.

This request came in accordance with the district board’s annual discussion to maintain privileges for the student trustee.

The board must adopt the student privileges it is extending to the student trustee, Governing Board Trustee Tomi Van de Brooke said. Every year there is an opportunity to expand the student trustee privileges to the full extent avail-

able, Van de Brooke said.

Governing Board Trustee John Nejedly said that in essence, there was a vote.

“There was not a majority in favor of affording our (student trustee) additional privileges beyond what was originally granted,” he said.

There will not be an official vote for trustees to place a ballot on the item due to the lack of support, Nejedly said.

Student Trustee Christina Cannon said she was glad the trustees listened to her plea for gaining the privileges, but she was disappointed the majority of them seemed to have made up their minds.

Van de Brooke was the only trustee in favor of instating the privileges, Trustee Jesse Reyes abstained, and the other three trustees held a “very hard ‘no,’” Cannon said.

During the discussion, trustees provided reasons in favor of

People restore habitat

and against granting the privileges.

The districts within the state that allow for closed session access to student trustees amount to only two out of 72, those being Lake Mendocino and San Luis Obispo County, Governing Board President Anthony Gordon said.

For making or seconding motions, there are 30 districts that allow that privilege, Gordon said.

Van de Brooke said the student trustee position brings a student voice to the board.

“Whenever we can include that voice, I think it’s important,” she said.

Cannon said she was always interested in getting the privileges on the agenda, but knew it was a more relevant topic in the spring.

Although Cannon asked for more privileges, the bulk of the district Governing Board

thought the privileges the student trustee already had allowed the trustee to be heard and for that person’s input to be considered on decisions was enough, Nejedly said.

He added that those against the item felt the Governing Board recognizes the student trustee’s importance by giving the trustee additional privileges from other constituent groups, but did not feel it was appropriate to expand those privileges.

Cannon said the trustees were worried that the next student trustee may not be as reliable, because Cannon and the other trustees currently have a good relationship and they respect her opinion.

Allowing the student trustee to attend closed session is a question of confidentiality and maturity, Gordon said.

“I don’t believe (students) fully understand the importance of confidentiality and do

5

not have the life experience to respect that to the degree I believe it should be respected,” he said.

In defense of the privileges, Van de Brooke said the more often the student trustee can participate, observe, learn and be a part of the process is a learning experience, “I didn’t understand the downside of allowing a student trustee to participate in some types of closed session issues, and I didn’t hear a convincing argument against it,” she said.

ASU member and current student trustee candidate Brandon Amargo said he was not upset by the decision.

He said he appreciated Cannon trying to get the privileges, but the majority has spoken.

The Governing Board’s decision to deny privileges to the student trustee reveals a troubling lack of concern for student issues and representation, and the ASU’s indifference is equally questionable.

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

page 2

PITCHING IN

Students, faculty reinstate nature

edit orial Feedback limited

Mass cuts to hit terms

By Marjorie Riformo

By Asia Camagong

STAFF WRITER

Every day many students, faculty members and visitors pass

by Contra Costa College’s Rheem Creek watershed located near the Student Service Center and take pleasure in the scenery.

Several people on campus overlook the structure behind the nature, however, and are unaware of how the creek is ornamented with non-native plants that are obtrusive, Urban Creeks Council watershed specialist and West Contra Costa County Program Coordinator Neoma Lavelle said.

A lot of people do not realize that this may ruin the function of the environmental habitat, she said.

So on Saturday morning, student volunteers from an Introduction to Biology class, together with the selective interns, leadership groups MARJORIE RIFORMO / THE ADVOCATE and Hilltop Community Church Giving back — Volunteer Zach Paxpon gives his time and effort to contribute to the Rheem members, worked simultaneously Creek restoration work Saturday. The project aims to remove non-native plantlife and reinstate to restore what landscapers had natural plants of California that are native to the region in an attempt to rebuild the habitat. spruced up.

“Landscapers planted non- natural greenery and give special the plants that essentially grow ciation on campus grounds by giving back to the community. native plants on this creek so growth treatment along the neck of throughout the creek. the woods.

Team member Jeffrey Blaquera Many benefits were given to members of the “We want said it felt good to go out and help everyone involved with the event. association put “We want to leave to leave natu- the environment.

Extra credit and internships were together a land ral plants of “It is better to overgrow and offered along with the project, proproposal (The natural plants of California here overpopulate the setting with the moting teamwork and collaboraRheem Creek on campus,” ordinary than the unnatural,” he tion among the diverse community California here on Declaration) to Lavelle said. said. “At first glance, it is unfa- members. fix this probcampus.”

Vo l u n t e e r s miliar faces and no creek. It is Student Jackie Callier said she lem and replant planted 80 dif- amazing how it only takes a couple enjoyed the hands-on experience. the soil back to Neoma Lavelle, ferent innate of individuals and their hands to “It is a very educational way to its basic roots,” Urban Creeks Council watershed plants along meet. By the time you know it, it receive credits and to get in touch Lavelle said. specialist with nature,” she said. the 700-foot reveals Rheem Creek.”

She explained area. California The hardworking group put in that the team’s Contact Marjorie Riformo at main objective is to replace the buckwheats, gooseberries and the five hours of service under the non-native plants like the ivy with California blackeye are some of serene weather and showed appre- mriformo.advocate@gmail.com.

Early retirement incentives offered

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

In terms of retirement, 80 has always been the magic number.

Add together the age and years of service to the district of a full-time employee, and the sum of the two determines whether workers are eligible to receive full retiree benefits.

Yet, while in the face of a dwindling budget, the district is offering employees the opportunity to retire early by providing additional “points” as a way of downsizing personnel and creating more vacant positions, Governing Board Trustee Sheila Grilli said.

The incentive is open to employees of the United Faculty, classified staff and management council, Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Gene Huff said.

Grilli said, “We have cut everything else that we can cut, so now we have to start looking at people.”

As the district anticipates possible layoffs next month, the retirement incentive program provides employees a chance to acquire their benefits early by awarding additional “points,” Huff said.

Benefits are measured by a point system that adds together the age and years of service of an employee to determine the amount of district-

paid retiree benefits awarded, Huff said.

For example, a 50-year-old employee with 30 years of service would earn a total of 80 points, the exact amount needed to receive full benefit premium costs for life.

However, if a 50-year-old employee worked for 25 years, earning 75 points instead, the worker would only receive half of the medical health care benefits, Huff said.

The incentive provides seven additional points toward retiree benefit eligibility.

“It is encouraging some folks who are eligible and want to retire to retire earlier than they would,” Huff said.

Those interested in applying for the retirement incentive program have until Friday at 5 p.m. to submit notification of their intent to retire to the district.

The conditions of the incentive also require that employees request a retirement date between May 10 and June 30.

Grilli said, “We’d like to be able to run the colleges with all the personnel in place that we have, but it appears that, with the diminished funding, that isn’t going to be so.”

After running the costs of the employees accepting the retirement incentive, the amount of savings generated will decide if the district will go forth with the program, Huff said.

“If (the incentive) doesn’t generate enough savings for the district or savings period, then

we (won’t) offer it,” he said.

Though, based on assumptions, Huff said that it is likely that the incentive will generate a reasonable amount of savings.

An earlier retirement incentive approved in December 2009 offered employees six additional points. Eighteen workers districtwide accepted it, Huff said.

Among those 18 is Senior Foundation Director Linda Cherry, who has worked at the college for 10 years.

Initially planning to retire in the summer of 2011, Cherry said taking advantage of the extra six points allowed her to retire earlier and provide her the opportunity to spend more time with her family, particularly her new grandson.

While encouraging employees to retire allows the district to save in funding, the absence of workers will impact the function of the colleges, she said.

“It will mean more work for those still here,” Cherry said. “(It is an) unfortunate reality (that) those still on the job will have to take up the slack.”

With the college experiencing its financial challenges, Cherry said that many positions might not be refilled, consequently translating to fewer services.

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

This was supposed to be her last year at the college.

Yet, as a lack of state funding to the college influences the number of courses available in approaching semesters, student Denali Knudson may find herself needing to stay one more year until she can qualify to transfer to a four-year college. “(The state) is cutting from the wrong areas,” Knudson said. “(There are) a lot of (other) places you can cut that won’t impact people in (such a) negative way.”

As a way of dealing with state reductions, the summer schedule has been reduced by an estimated 5 percent, canceling intersession courses as well as 10-15 sections initially set for the regular summer term, Vice President Carol Maga said.

Intersession courses, composed of five to six classes scheduled between the end of the spring semester and beginning of the summer session, are typically general education courses, Maga said.

With their cancellation, students are now left with the option of taking them during the regular summer session, she said.

“Every college in the state is reducing (its course) offering,” Maga said. “(Nevertheless), we have some solid summer course offerings and students have a lot of options they (can) choose to take.”

After discussing the financial situation with division deans, the reduction focuses on retaining general education classes meant for students hoping to transfer, she said.

Though issuing cuts “across the board,” shrinking the course offerings in comparison to last year’s summer schedule, Maga said students “still have a lot of options.”

Those options, however, may not address the needs of every student.

Knudson, a biology major, said the smaller summer schedule may affect her readiness to transfer, as a chemistry course was no longer made available for her to take.

“It is pretty unfortunate (that) higher level courses have been cut,” she said. “It might push me back a little.”

Speech department Chairwoman Connie Anderson said she was disappointed to receive news that the intersession courses would be cut, as intersession speech sections have historically been “highly desired by students.” “(The cuts) may delay students a semester or two for graduation, because they can’t get the classes they need,” Dr. Anderson said.

In response, students are encouraged to begin preparation for registration early when considering current prices for tuition and availability of space, Maga said.

“The biggest externality is if the state does not raise tuition (fees),” she said.

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

6 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010

Annual event unifies

CAMPUS BEAT

Jubilant festivities, car show educate

By Brent Bainto SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

In an effort to gather the student body and community together with food and festivities, the ASU hosted its third annual Unity Day and Car Show.

The event, held April 21, brought students to the Gymnasium and Lot 1 to enjoy the jubilation provided by the ASU and campus clubs.

Activities such as different contests, inflatable jumpers, an open mic event and gleaming car show were presented before attendants to engage in.

ASU President Kristina Bautista said that despite the rain earlier in the day, it was a good turnout.

“It was a great event,” she said.

Attendants basked in the rave of enthusiastic vibrancy, as numerous people partook in the inflatable obstacle course and took advantage of the open mic to exhibit musical integrity.

Financial aid assistant Kelly Ramos said she liked seeing the multiple artists that performed throughout the day.

While revelry was under way in the Gymnasium, the automotive department prepared an automobile show array for spectators to cast votes on their favorite vehicles maintained by students of the college’s program.

Cash prizes along with trophies were

CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Gladiators — Middle College High School students Nick Johnson (left) and Darren Hadley battle each other in the Gymnasium during Unity Day on April 21. The event, which was organized by the ASU and campus clubs for the third year in a row, aimed to gather the student body and community through food, festivities and fun. awarded to first, second and third place vehicles.

Former student and car show applicant David Castro said that winning gives a “sense of pride.”

Middle College High School student Cody Poehnelg said he enjoyed the car show and Unity Day as a whole. “It’s good to see the clubs represent and promote themselves,” he said. “(It’s) a really good day.”

Opportunity for student outreach to persons like Poehnelg is the inspiration and aim of Unity Day, Bautista said. “(It is) a chance to be together and get to know everyone. We (tend to) lose touch of

that,” she said.

Bautista said that the event allows clubs to promote their awareness on campus and fundraise. “(Unity Day) is one of my favorite events,” she said.

Ramos also affirmed that this Unity Day was congenial.

She said the event is a great way for students to learn about the programs and clubs that the college has to offer.

Additionally, Ramos said the event was beneficial for the community, as it makes the public aware of the resources available, and students can get vital information to sustain

them through the school year.

Student life event assistant coordinator Henry Parker said that Unity Day helps keep students interested in school by changing the typical scholastic-focused environment and providing a fun-filled and stress-free day of leisure.

“Unity Day encourages students to get involved with the ASU and student life,” he said. “(The event) is a morale booster for the college.”

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

Hard workers rewarded with scholarships Ceremony honors great achievements

Scholarship Awards Ceremony.

Held at the Knox Center Friday, the event’s sole purpose was to recognize students for their outstanding achievements, whether it was inside CCC’s classrooms or

By Lissette Alvarez STAFF WRITER through the completion of internships.

For their hard work and The awards given out at the dedication to their stud- ceremony included the CCC ies, some of Contra Costa Foundation Scholarship, College’s brightest students the African American Staff were awarded grants at the Association Scholarship, the 51st Annual Community Barbara Oleson Re-entry ADVERTISEMENT

Woman Scholarship and the Kennedy-King Scholarship.

What set the stage for the ceremony were not the awards themselves, however, but the diversity and unique academic backgrounds of the scholarship recipients.

Eddie Hercules Morris III, who received three scholarships that night including the CCC Foundation and Kennedy-King scholarships partly by maintaining a 3.6 grade point average (GPA), was not always the best stu-

dent.

“In the past, I had received straight F’s,” Morris said. “It took about a minute for me to look in the mirror, to see all my wrongs.”

Morris said he is currently trying to maintain his GPA while also raising his young daughter.

“It feels like a success — all that work in and (to) actually get something of it,” Morris said.

Biological sciences and criminal justice major Miranda Claggette is another scholarship recipient in deep gratitude of CCC’s financial assistance.

Claggette walked away with the Arant-Grebence Memorial Second Chance and EOPS Nickel & Nails Continuing scholarships at the ceremony.

“It felt wonderful receiving the scholarships,” Claggette said. “The scholarships gave me solace and comfort for the next two years I will be attending

CCC.” Claggette said she can now focus solely on her studies, instead of working part time trying to pay for textbooks and tuition.

She is currently still attending CCC and is planning on becoming a forensic scientist, Claggette said.

Another factor that made the evening special was the strong connection between the audience and the recipients.

“My favorite part was watching the joy on the (scholarship) recipients’ faces and the connection of the audience to the recipients,” Foundation President Eric Zell said.

College President McKinley Williams said it was always very touching to see the audiences’ standing ovation.

Morris was definitely nervous when he had to give a speech, but was delighted to see the “warm response” coming from the audience.

The faculty and staff members who made the evening possible also found themselves in awe of the ceremony.

Zell said it was an honor for the Foundation to provide financial support for the students, so that they can continue their education.

Co-founder of the Extended Families Foundation and biological sciences department Chairman Chris Tarp, who received the Benefactors of the Year Award with his wife, library department Chairwoman Ellen Geringer, said that people can make a difference even with the smallest of efforts.

“Sometimes making a difference means having to donate a check or two, no matter how small,” Dr. Tarp said.

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

Rappers match wits in impromptu battles ‘Freestyle Yourstyle’ entertains audience

nies and beat producer for the third and final round of each face-off.

Club treasurer Elita McFadden expressed a wish for music lovers of all kinds to be in attendance.

“Whether you listen, rap, sing or dance,”

By Cassidy Gooding STAFF WRITER she said, “this is for fun — don’t get butthurt.”

Hopefuls ready to take the stage flocked The first battle pitted MCHS student to AA-213 on April 21, preparing to duke it Tarik “Ty-Money Mac” Branchcomb against out with their fellow students. former student Darius “G4” Taylor.

No actual violence was involved, howAfter the requisite coin toss, the rappers ever, as the event was merely a “Freestyle jumped into the battle, writing lines out of Yourstyle” rap battle hosted thin air to impress the audiby the Middle College High ence that would later cheer “Whether you listen, for a winner at the end of School Music Club.

“Freestyling is making rap, sing or dance, all three rounds. something up off the top The content of their this is for fun.” of your head on the spot,” raps was comically derogaMusic Club Vice President tory, as each side strugElita McFadden, Chris Clausen said to the gled to think of the most Music Club treasurer audience before it started. creative way to insult the Each week, the Music other while minding the Club hosts a meeting with a different musi- expletive language. The audience laughed cal theme. throughout each of the spats, before Taylor “Freestyle Yourstyle” is just one of many was eventually crowned winner. varied campuswide shows they have dreamt The rest of the battles went similarly, with up and put into action. a different pair of combatants each time, With the help of fliers passed out and leading to many different winners. posted around campus, the event drew a 40Mark “Klown” Clown finished his set plus crowd that extended beyond the Music with an uproar of applause and the label of Club. “winner” after the third duel of words.

“It was a really good turnout,” Clausen “I’ll put a hole in his face like a Cheerio,” said. he said.

The freestyle battles commenced with Contact Cassidy Gooding at cgooding. heckles and cheers, led by MCHS student Malachi Whitson as both master of ceremo- advocate@gmail.com.

CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

Staffers take leave of ‘CCC family’ Retirees’ efforts commemorated

By Lissette Alvarez STAFF WRITER

EL CERRITO — Through heartfelt speeches and the support of their loved ones accompanied by the sweet, tender sounds of jazz and laughter, Contra Costa College made its retirees feel loved and appreciated at the Annual Retirement Banquet and Staff Reunion.

Held at the Mira Vista Country Club on Sunday, the event was designed to bring together some of CCC’s most beloved staff mem-

bers in order to celebrate the retirees’ contributions to the campus, as well as see them off into the next chapter of their lives. “(CCC) gave me friends and family that are dear to me,” former English as a second language professor Lee Brelie said. “The event made me feel good to be a part of the college.”

Brelie said she thought the event was a sophisticated well-puttogether event.

Unlike the previous banquets, this particular event had a small, cozy and intimate feel, retiree Joyce Edwards said.

“Everybody was sitting next to their favorite people,” she said. “I enjoyed every single moment of it.”

Edwards, a culinary arts family experience.” instructional assistant, said CCC Williams also said she considis a “whole ered CCC the universe” in chap“I will miss the informal “second itself, and ter” in her life she is going conversations, laughter and and is looking to miss being to hugs that made being at forward a part of it. chapter three.

F o r m e r CCC a family experience.”

Nursing business administradeparttive assistant Barbara Williams, ment ChairDiana Hall former business department chairwoman w o m a n said it was Barbara Williams is another retiree the first retirement banquet where who is going to miss being part of she actually stayed the entire time. the CCC family.

One of the highlights of the eve“I really enjoyed the introduc- ning was not only the introductions tion speeches given by the present- and speeches of the retirees, but ers,” Williams said. “I will miss the also having their families included informal conversations, laughter in the event as well.

“Having my sisters with me and hugs that made being at CCC a

Facilities see repairs

By Lauren Shiraishi OPINION EDITOR

During repairs to the men’s rest room on the first floor of the Applied Arts Building, a hard circuit line was damaged, delaying the reopening of the facility.

Following the incident, which occurred the weekend of April 10, the hole was temporarily patched, Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said. It was not until last weekend, however, that permanent repairs to the pipe were finally made.

Contra Costa College Construction Manager Kevin Sanders estimates that repairs will cost the college between $15,000-$20,000, but will come out of the budget set aside for the overall renovations of the AA Building.

The men’s and women’s rest rooms were shut down three weeks ago for overall maintenance and to improve its access for Americans

with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) students, King said.

While the construction workers were demolishing the old tile floor, one accidentally sliced into a high voltage line pipe, he said.

Because the pipes were hidden from view due to an 8-inch slab of concrete, no one could immediately tell that they had been damaged, Sanders said.

“Nothing would have been known if the lights (in the building) hadn’t started blinking,” he said. “We had to have electricians come in (to determine what had happened).”

Sanders said the incident could have been prevented with the use of construction drawings identifying where the underground pipes were located.

The drawings are a mandatory part of construction in modern buildings, he said.

The AA Building, which was constructed in 1982, however, did not come with

these maps.

Both Sanders and King said the cracked pipe could have been disastrous had it been any deeper, both to the construction workers and the entire building.

“It could have started a fire, so we shut the breaker off to patch it up,” King said.

As a replacement for the out-of-order rest rooms, two outhouses were set up outside the AA Building for student and faculty use.

Most students say they did not even know about the outhouses and choose to use the rest rooms on the second floor of the building.

Middle College High School senior Priscilla Chen said that although it is an inconvenience to go to the upstairs facilities, “I would never use the Port-OPotties.”

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

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7

made the event feel like a family affair,” Edwards said. “I think that my family and friends have really set the tone for the evening.”

Williams said it was “touching” to watch the son of retiree Nouri Shahabi presenting his father, especially when he had choked up in tears during his speech.

CCC’s very own JazzaNova group, comprised of music department students, accentuated the evening with a performance for the attendants to enjoy.

Hall said she not only enjoyed hearing about the retirees, but was also entertained JazzaNova’s performance.

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

8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010

SPOTLIGHT

Growing trend sparks movement Distracted driving awareness spreading

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When 16-year-old Donovan Tessmer decided to go to the movies with his girlfriend and three friends, never did he consider distracted driving would take his life.

Tessmer was ejected from his girlfriend’s Toyota Corolla and killed after a mixture of distractions caused her to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a pistachio tree on a road in Madera County in summer 2007.

“They were just having a good time.

There was no drinking, no drugs involved,” mother Martha Tessmer said during a press conference at the Wilshire Grand Hotel here on April 9. “I didn’t have to lose my son.

Distracted driving took him from us.”

The Central Region of California coordinator for Impact Teen Drivers stood beside her son’s letterman jacket and signed team football as she explained her family’s loss. witnessed often or always

percentage of teenagers who responded

�� 80%

Makes a lot of difference to safety

�� 70% �� 60% �� 50% �� 40% �� 30% �� 20% �� 10%

0% Tal ki cel ng on lp ho a ne Se lec t mu ing sic Pla yin gl o mu ud sic Da nci ng Tex sing or ing han ting d-h or eld usi de ng vic e

�

Distracted: Seventy-nine percent of the teenagers polled found electronics to make “a lot of difference” to driving safety. source: National Young Driver Survey

A star athlete, honors student and family-oriented young man, Donovan received 25 letters of interest from colleges nationwide, his mother said, but with just one bad choice, he died before seeing his senior year at Liberty High School in Madera.

This tragedy could happen to anybody, she said, and it is everyone’s responsibility, especially the youth, to eliminate dangerous driving behaviors and prevent mortalities.

Vehicle collisions are the No. 1 killer of teens 15-20 years old, California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer John Harris said at the press conference, with more than 5,000 deaths a year in California due to inexperience and poor choices.

More than one-fourth of national automobile crashes are due to distracted driving, according to the United States Department of Transportation, which comes in three main forms: visual, manual and cognitive. “(Applying) makeup, eating, (using) the radio — anything that draws your hands and eyes from the wheel and the road is distracted driving,” Harris said.

Among potentially risky activities, such as talking to passengers, eating, drinking and grooming, distractions involving portable electronics, especially cellular phones, are becoming more prevalent.

Los Angeles Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Coordinator Helen Amborgast said that the chance of a person becoming involved in a vehicle accident is four times more likely while using a mobile device.

Though California implemented the Hands Free Law in 2008 against individuals texting or holding a mobile device to their ear while driving, many people still violate this code.

Still, whether it is a hands-free or a handheld device, there is a 37 percent reduction of brain activity associated with driving when using a cellular phone, Amborgast said.

Technology is a double-ended sword, she said, because it is convenient in being able to check our e-mail, respond to a text message or check in to a restaurant by phone, but at the same time, it is one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths.

The Office of Traffic Safety added distracted driving to its official list of top vehicle issues in the state Thursday, joining the ranks of speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and pedestrian safety.

Nursing major Jadelann Juan admitted to frequently using her MP3 player and cell phone while driving.

The worst fact about distracted driving is that most of the deaths could have

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

Remembrance — Impact Teen Drivers Central Region of California Coordinator Martha Tessmer speaks about the dangers of driving with distractions during a press conference at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles on April 9. Her 16-year-old son, Donovan, whose football and letterman jacket Tessmer stands next to, died in a 2007 car crash involving distracted driving. been prevented, spokesman for the Insurance Information Network of California Pete Moraga said.

People need to change their attitudes, put the numbers into perspective and become

INFOGRAPHIC BY SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE ADVERTISEMENT

conscious of the problem, Moraga said.

Contact Holly Pablo advocate@gmail.com.

at

hpablo.

SPOTLIGHT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

Learner radiates diligence, energy Assante, 18, devotes goals to education

By Lissette Alvarez STAFF WRITER

She appears timid and soft-spoken on first impression, but beneath her understated exterior lies a charismatic young woman with a passion for learning and life.

Biological engineering major Angel Assante has accomplished more than most 18-year-olds at Contra Costa College, already having snagged some of the most competitive internships.

Last winter, she worked at the Center of Bio Photonics with Dr. Ana Corbacho.

They did a research project comparing genetically engineered 16K prolactine to anisolated 16K, Assante said.

Now she is looking forward to another internship in the summer. Assante will be working with assistant professor Christopher Anderson at his lab in UC Berkeley on individual projects.

Given her many options, Assante is currently debating whether or not she should go to medical school to become a bio engineer or attend graduate school to become a science professor.

“My main motivation is to help others, be it academically or medically,” she said.

Assante said she is con-

sidering schools like UC Berkeley, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Stanford and Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the fall.

Kofi, Assante’s father, is amazed with her level of enthusiasm and energy. He said she is not the kind of person who would settle for an easy way out.

Some nights she would study until two or three in the morning while he is sleeping, Kofi said.

Alongside academic fields of study, Assante is interested in other activities.

Her mother, Sally, said that Assante enjoys bowling, hiking, reading and spending time with some of the other Center for Science Excellence (CSE) students.

Assante is the kind of person who would just take care of their responsibilities first and have fun later, English major Jessica Garcia said.

“She’s outgoing, incredibly smart and lively,” Garcia said. “And she doesn’t use her intelligence to make you feel inferior.”

Assante’s charisma and love of learning manifested as far back as grade school.

Her mother said, “Angel’s elementary school teachers had said that she was a very hard working, diligent student.”

Sally said her daughter would write down everything her teacher said in her notebook to show her mother what she learned at school.

At age 7, Assante was chosen to do a print advertise-

9

ment for Kaiser Permanente in People magazine in 1999.

“They chose her because they loved her energy. But we had to pass on their offer, because we didn’t want her to miss school,” Sally said.

Assante began attending Middle College High School her freshmen year, eventually transitioning to CCC. Like many other former MCHS students, she was completely unsure of herself and struggled with her painful shyness, Assante said.

During her junior year at MCHS, she took Introduction to Chemistry, which gave her an idea of what she wanted to do for a career.

Chemistry professor Joseph Ledbetter said she was very focused and driven when she took his class.

During one of his lectures, Assante boldly pointed out a miscalculation he had made in class and then explained a point system called the “Donut,” in which a student gains a point for correcting every mistake the teacher made.

“I have been using the Donut point system ever since,” Dr. Ledbetter said.

Another professor astonished by Assante’s abilities is chemistry department CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE Chairman Leverett Smith.

“She is one of the best Eyes on the prize — Student Angel Assante works on her physics lab in PS-19 students in my Organic on March 16. At the age of 18, she has already gained experience in the science Chemistry class,” Dr. Smith field by accepting internships exposing her to lab research projects. said. “Angel liked the work she was given and managed joined the CSE when she me gain friends on campus,” Contact Lissette to get all her assignments finally came into her own.

Assante said. “They made Alvarez at lalvarez. done.”

“CSE helped a lot aca- me feel more comfortable advocate@gmail.com.

It was not until Assante demically and also helped with myself.”

Professor records passion for film craft

By Lauren Shiraishi OPINION EDITOR

Within the independent film industry, she is part of the production duo known as Fast Girl Films. At Contra Costa College, she is a veteran professor of 15 years. This woman is media and communication arts professor Ellen Seidler.

Although she has filmed serious documentaries on topics ranging from AIDS to breast cancer, her current project is a feature-length film dealing with much lighter subject material: a romantic comedy titled “And Then Came Lola.” “(Seidler) is very talented and dedicated to her craft,”

art department Chairman John Diestler said. “She’s been getting good press and coverage (of her work),” While the plot of “Lola” was formed around lesbian relationships, the film has found appeal among straight and gay audiences alike.

“It was fun and fluffy, and it was supposed to be entertaining,” Seidler said of the film.

“We really put our heart and souls into it.”

“Lola” made its sold-out American debut at the Castro Theatre in June 2009 as part of the San Francisco Frameline LGBT Film Festival and has since been featured in film festivals both nationally and worldwide.

Recently Seidler, along with

co-producer Megan Siler and the film’s lead actresses, traveled overseas for the London premiere at the British Film Institute (BFI) on March 27.

“Having the film premiere in one’s hometown is pretty thrilling, but it never looked or sounded better (than it did at the BFI),” Seidler said.

DVD sales for “Lola” will begin in May. In the meantime, it will be featured in several more film festivals in San Diego, Miami and New York.

One interesting aspect of the film is that both its cast and crew are mostly female, which is rare in Hollywood, as well as the film industry in general, Seidler said.

She called “Lola” a “monumental undertaking” after

being on hiatus from in-depth projects, instead channeling her energy into raising her daughter and teaching.

Siler, who met Seidler back in 2004, described her as “very bright and passionate.”

“We’re a pretty simpatico team,” Siler said. “(Seidler) is compassionate and a go-getter.”

This “go-getter” attitude enabled Seidler to pursue not one, but two degrees from prestigious universities and take on jobs with the television industry on both the east and west coasts.

After earning her bachelor’s from Harvard University and briefly working with ABC News in New York as an assignment editor, Seidler returned to

California. She then attended UC Berkeley and received her master’s in journalism.

Seidler took up another job with KRON-TV in San Francisco, but quit after it did not live up to her expectations as a journalist.

It was then that Seidler decided to take up teaching.

Seidler involved some of her students, most who have already transferred or graduated, in the production of the “Lola.”

She said that her experience as a teacher has also helped to make her a better filmmaker and vice versa.

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

Seidler

The media and communication arts professor uses her passion to direct serious documentaries for the independent film industry.

Persistent student strives Scholar ‘masters’ academic pursuits

By Lamar James NEWS EDITOR

LAMAR JAMES / THE ADVOCATE

Standing strong — Middle College High School student Beulah Agbabiaka presents a slideshow to her history class Monday in CTC-113. Her dreams of some day becoming the president motivate her studies.

As students flood into the early morning history class, Middle College High School student Beulah Agbabiaka quickly finds a seat in the front of the class. This is prime time to look over her notes and prepare for the day’s lecture.

Agbabiaka, who has a passion for learning, knows these are the correct steps to take in order to be successful in a college environment.

Though currently using crutches to make it easy to get around the large campus while she recovers from an injury to her leg, Agbabiaka does not let the impediment slow her down or set her back, as she is still persistent in her pursuit of a good education.

“I have dreams of becoming the president one day,” Agbabiaka said.

“And I know this is what it takes to get there.”

She said that if she is going to be the president one day, there are things she had to do in order to make that dream a reality.

“I know that I have to keep my grades up so that I can attend an Ivy League college,” Agbabiaka said.

“I must stay clear of any trouble, because I have to have an impeccable background.”

The high school junior is an honor

roll student who currently holds a 4.0 grade point average, has a love for music and credits extracurricular activities as being a part of her success.

“I love to read and write,” she said. “But my passion is music. I love to play the bass guitar and playing jazz and classical music is one of my favorites.”

Agbabiaka said she also writes short stories and reads books, which keeps her grounded with such a busy schedule.

Also part of the Speech and Debate Team, Agbabiaka has won countless awards and has performed at numerous events around the Bay Area.

She said her love of performing comes from when she was little, and music has helped her become who she is today.

“I love to perform and play music,” Agbabiaka said. “I like to feel the energy from the audience and know they are enjoying the music that I am playing for them. That is really an exciting feeling.”

Attributing much of her maturity to her family and friends, Agbabiaka said she has a large family and enjoys every time it gets together, because that means she can hang out with her cousins and just be a teenager.

“As long as I can remember, Beulah has always loved to read and write from a very young age,” her mother, Melica, said.

When Agbabiaka was younger, she never really liked to play with dolls, instead playing with electron-

ics to see how things worked, Melica said.

“Beulah did things to develop her skills, and I think that is what helped her to become the person she is,” Melica said.

Melica said her daughter has a will to succeed and is motivated by her desire to be the president.

“She really wants to make change so that people can live in better conditions around the world,” Melica said.

MCHS student and sister Jael said that ever since they were young children, Beulah has always been there for her.

“Beulah has always being a competitor, but in a friendly manner,” Jael said.

Jael said her sister has always pushed herself to be at the top and to be the best.

“Everything Beulah does she tries to master it,” Jael said. “She gives it her all and aspires to do great things with what she has learn.”

Also, Jael considers her sister to be a great teacher as well, demonstrating a willingness to see people improve.

MCHS professor Steve Hoffman said Agbabiaka is serious about her studies.

“She has a passion for learning that goes beyond the textbooks,” he said. “She is definitely ahead of her time and is one of the top students I have ever had.”

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

10 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010

Star leads team

SPORTS

Reyna pitches way to glory, BVC success

By Hilberth Ibarra STAFF WRITER

In a short period of time, she has become one of the leaders of the Contra Costa College softball team.

Genevieve Reyna was a four-time All Tri-City Athletic League honoree and the 2009 Stockton Unified School District Softball Player of the Year, she said.

Today, Reyna is the star pitcher of the Comet softball team.

“The biggest contribution (Reyna) has given us is her competitive leadership,” assistant coach Larry Gordon said.

This competitive leadership is exactly what the Comets need on their team, Gordon said, and Reyna does an excellent job of leading by example.

Softball coach Ed Miller said that he would love to have 10 Reynas on his team, referring to her talent, passion and love for the game. He said he is always impressed with how hard she works at practice and how that translates to her success on the field.

Reyna is liked and praised by her teammates as well as her coaches.

“She always shows up to play and never misses a prac-

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Ball in hand — Pitcher and third baseman Genevieve Reyna entered the Comets after one semester at San Jose State, where she was ineligible to play due to grades. At Contra Costa College, she led the conference in earned run average at 0.97, which solidified her spot on First Team All-Bay Valley Conference. She is currently majoring in nursing and plans to transfer to a Division I university. tice,” teammate Linn Iosua said.

Born in Stockton, Calif., Reyna started playing softball when she was 5 years old. It was her father who introduced her to the game, Reyna said.

Among Reyna’s heroes are her father and grandfather.

“They both grew up in baseball and softball,” Reyna said. “They are the ones that taught me the game and introduced me to (it).”

The star pitcher showed talent from an early age as

she began pitching at the age of 8, and her natural capabilities were evident.

Reyna went on to play softball for Edison High School in Stockton, she said, where she won her accolades.

After graduating high school, Reyna attended San Jose State. Unfortunately, since she did not pass one class and received an incomplete grade in another, she was ineligible to play on the college’s softball team.

She could have sat out one season, but Reyna’s pas-

sion for the game did not make that an option. Instead of returning to Stockton feeling disappointed and embarrassed, she decided to get away to be close to her grandmother who happened to live near CCC. After the disappointing semester at San Jose State, Reyna has been very successful at CCC, and her grades have improved, she said. She is majoring in nursing and aspires to become a registered nurse.

During her first season at CCC, Reyna finished first

in individual pitching in the Bay Valley Conference with the lowest earned run average (ERA) of 0.97.

Along with her strength in pitching, Reyna has strong batting skills and her ability to play well in other positions when needed. She also made first team all-conference.

“Her being a pitcher makes her a leader,” Iosua said. “She handles pressure very well.”

As a team, the Comets strive to support one another and Reyna is always there

for her fellow teammates, Gordon said.

“She has the potential to be a good player at the next level at a four-year college,” he said.

Reyna has been attending recruitment camps at Cal State-Monterey Bay. Cal State-Stanislaus, Cal StateSacramento and San Jose State are also looking at her to be a part of their teams, Reyna said.

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

Reputation turned around with 16 wins

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR

One of the most important causes of a team’s downfall is losses. They can break a team apart, and a consistency of losing can destroy the overall confidence and hope for a team.

After going five consecutive seasons without a win, the Contra Costa College softball team broke through these boundaries and finished the season 16-22 overall and 12-12 in the Bay Valley Conference, just missing playoff contention by one game.

“I was elated (about our finish this season), and I’m very proud of the team,” coach Ed Miller said. “There were times (this season) where I was disappointed in the team, but overall I am happy in what they did this year.”

The softball program at one point was called the “laughing stock” of all sporting programs at CCC, as the

team was blown out in several games last season including an embarrassing 44-6 doubleheader loss to Solano Community College and a 18-2 home loss against Mission College.

“Nobody thought we could (win games), because we were the laughing stock of (CCC),” shortstop Victoria Takahashi said. “Now we are one of the strongest programs here, and it feels great to be a part of (the team to snap the streak).”

Sophomore pitcher and only returning player from the last year’s squad Vanessa Kersten said that last season’s team could not manage other teams due to their overall lack of talent despite them giving their all.

“I’m the only returning player and seeing how we progressed this season and actually being on that downside where we didn’t win is an emotional thing for me,” Kersten said The Comets entered the season with high expectations to change the face of

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the softball program, as the new team was filled with more talented players and better team chemistry, Kersten said.

“I expected us to win games before the season started,” she said. “A lot of us on the team have played together on previous teams. My expectations were high, but we won 16 games.”

CCC used its strong defense and solid pitching led by Kersten and third baseman Genevieve Reyna, who were both in the top five in the BVC in pitching and helped the Comets finish the conference second in pitching.

“We could have won 25 games due to our strong pitching, but defensive (errors) hurt us,” Miller said. “I admit a lot of times during the season I decided that I wanted to develop my other pitchers instead of using my better pitchers (which cost us a couple of games).”

“Although we did better than last year, we wanted to make the playoffs,”

Reyna said.

Several first-year players agreed that they felt honored to be a part of history in changing the reputation of the softball team.

“It’s a big improvement from the past five years,” outfielder Leticia Hernandez said. “I think we started a stepping stone for the softball program and something to build up on.”

“A lot of people expected us to do all right this year, but I really don’t think anyone expected us to get this far and come out with this many wins,” first baseman Kelsey Leintz said.

The Comets look to continue their success for next season and aim for a playoff spot.

“Ultimately, I want to win a championship,” Miller said. “This program deserves one, since we have been the doormat program for years.”

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

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Miller

The softball coach earned a total of 16 wins in his second year as coach after going winless last year. He broke the taboo of five winless seasons.

SPORTS

hilberthibarra

Real profit of salaries examined

H

ave you ever thought about becoming a professional soccer player?

If so, I would suggest that you do not become one here in the United States. Europe is the place to go.

In Europe, soccer is not only a profession but also a very lucrative business, because if you are a talented player you could make an average of 75,000 euros a week.

If you are a superstar, you can make up to 28.6 million euros a year.

In the United States, professional soccer players make an average of $83,000 a year. Since soccer is not as popular as other sports like basketball, baseball and football, on average soccer players are paid less.

An exception to this is David Beckham, who was brought from Real Madrid to play soccer in the United States with the intention of making the sport more popular.

He is the highest paid soccer player in the world, making 32.5 million euros a year.

Comparatively, European soccer players make on average the same amount per week as professional soccer players in the United States per year. And this is extraordinarily higher than the average person makes per year in most countries in the world.

It is true that many European soccer players have charities and donate money to help others.

An example of this is the Argentinian midfielder Javier Zanetti, who plays for Internationzale from Milan in Italy. He has multiple foundations that benefit young children, including one to help children dealing with poverty in Argentina by giving them education and nutritional support.

Many players, however, live extravagant lifestyles.

It is rumored that Beckham buys 60 pairs of Calvin Klein underwear each month.

Now it comes down to the question of whether all of this is necessary?

I am a soccer player myself and I would love to play professionally in Europe and make that same amount of money.

However I do not think that it is fair to get that much money when millions of people are suffering from poverty around the world.

Many agree that the salaries are exaggerated.

As Zanetti said, sports should encourage values, and soccer players should take this to heart and realize that they are more fortunate than others.

They should give money back to their communities and the world, because they were not always rich themselves.

Hilberth Ibarra is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact him at hibarra. advocate@gmail.com.

Squad gored

by LMC bullpen

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

11

SAME OLD STORY

Lack of hitting plagues Comets

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR

The baseball team’s last home game Thursday provided a familiar storyline, one that the Comets ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE have endured the entire season, as Off target — Comet second baseman Peter Fredzess-Lucas (left) misses tagging Mustang first baseit fell to district rival Los Medanos man Cole Macfarlane as he steals second in Contra Costa College’s 7-1 loss against Los Medanos College 7-1.

College in CCC’s final home game Thursday. The Comets finished last in their conference.

The Comets (6-28 overall, 3-19 in the Bay Valley Conference) allowed Webb said. innings, earning him the win. The through their six batters without getfour runs in the fourth inning on Webb said allowing a large num- Mustangs racked up 11 strikeouts in ting a baserunner. four hits, one walk and five stolen ber of runs during just one inning the game.

“It’s a lack of focus,” Fredzessbases to the Mustangs (25-9 overall, has been a recurring problem for the “We got comfortable. We (have) Lucas said.

16-6 in the BVC), giving LMC a Comets throughout the year. to fight every inning, we can’t get Webb said the team made the 4-0 lead.

“We just had that one bad inning. comfortable,” Comet shortstop Peter same mistakes in this game that it After playing their last home We (have) to eliminate those innings Fredzess-Lucas said. “They just hit has been making throughout the game, CCC played its when we let it go to the ball (well). We (have) to learn to year, and the team should have been final league matches four or five runs,” he fight back.” learning from those mistakes but it Friday at Napa Valley CCC’s only run came in the did not. said. “We’re pretty ScoreBoard College (13-21 overall, much out of the game seventh inning when pitcher Billy “(The) problem is, we need to get Mustangs 7 5-17 in the BVC) and because of those Bell led off with a double and was better,” Webb said. “Every time we lost 9-4, and Saturday, runs.” advanced to third on a single by cen- hit the field, we need to get better.

Comets 1 losing to BVC champiThe Mustangs’ terfielder Thomas Schwartz. Bell We’re making the same base runon Solano Community pitching was strong eventually scored on a double steal. ning mistakes as in the beginning of Season over: College (22-12 over“We (have) to come through the season.” throughout the game, 6-28 overall, all, 18-4 in the BVC) Contra Costa College ended the allowing the Comets with more hits,” Bell said. “They 3-19 in the BVC. 17-1. to only get on base six produced no runs, I produced my season in last place out of eight “We (had) some teams in the BVC for the second times through three own.” weaknesses (LMC) The final two innings of the year in a row. hits, two walks and exploited. They knew they could an error. game came without a threat from run on us and they swung the bat Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at LMC starter Austin Wiggins the Comets, as they allowed LMC (well) in that inning,” coach Marvin recorded nine strikeouts in six to score twice in the eighth, but went dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com.

BASKETBALL TEAMS RECEIVE GRADES A-

Women’s Basketball

erence record, the While unable to beat last season’s conf made it to the play, ever how , team ll etba bask Comets women’s . year last do to d faile they ch offs, whi of last’s Bay Valley Playing with most of the supporting castta College attained Cos Conference co-champion team, Contra BVC and most impora 19-10 overall record, went 11-5 in the thern Regional playoffs. tantly secured the No. 9 seed in the Nor was short-lived, as the ce The Comets’ postseason appearan one College on Feb. 26. team lost 71-67 in a heartbreaker to Ohl to their success in CCC’s overall team chemistry was key passing, defense and scoring. guard Kenyanna Once again, the Comets’ top scorer was points, but the in team “K.K.” Martin, who not only led the ce’s Most Valuable Player state as well, and earned the conferen 29 games, not including award for a second straight season. In her season high being with ts playoffs, she averaged 23.9 poin 39. on when sophomore The team took a blow early in the seas a torn anterior cruered suff art Stew ” forward Kandice “Kandy to Solano Community ciate ligament (ACL) on an away loss for the rest of the season. out her College on Dec. 22, which kept lines, CCC still had Despite Stewart watching from the side Zenaia Hunt and ds guar as other key sophomore players, such the Comets to the ing help and part r thei Aleah Bridges, doing playoffs.

—Dariush Azmoudeh

Baseball (April 22)

Totals

35

H 0 1 0 2 1 1 1 2 2 0 0

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

RBI 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0

7 10 6

R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

H RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

30 1 3

Los Medanos College Contra Costa College

000 000

Napa Valley College Wiggins (W) Martinez McDaniels

IP

H R ER BB SO

6.0 2.0 1.0

1 2 0

0 1 0

0 1 0

2 0 0

9 1 1

Contra Costa College Bell (L) Moret

6.0 3.0

8 2

5 2

5 2

3 4

4 1

410 000

020 100

- 7 - 1

Standings Baseball Bay Valley Conference Solano Community College Los Medanos College College of Marin Mendocino College Laney College Yuba College Napa Valley College Contra Costa College

Bay Valley W L 18 4 16 6 15 7 12 10 11 11 8 14 5 17 3 19

Overall W L 22 12 25 9 17 16 17 14 17 16 11 21 13 21 6 28

Bay Valley W L 23 1 16 8 15 9 12 12 12 12 2 20 1 20

Overall W L 28 10 23 15 18 18 16 22 15 24 6 23 1 32

Softball Bay Valley Conference Solano Community College Mendocino College Yuba College Contra Costa College Napa Valley College Los Medanos College College of Marin

C

This season was an improvement for compared to last year’s group which wonthe men’s basketball team only four games.

Finishing 13-14 overall and 8-8 in the Bay Valley Conference, the Comets came in fourth place out of the ence. They were unable to get into the nine teams in their conferplayoffs, but they showed an overall improvement from last season.

The team’s strongest points were its abil ity to score points and the effort that they put in their playing.

Despite their playing effort, the Comets’ weak point was their inab ility to close out games.

Coach Miguel Johnson said the team lack A memorable win for the Comets was ed a leader. of the Sequoias, a close 55-53 victory. on Dec. 18 against College Sequoias ended the season ranked 19th place statewide.

The Comets’ key player of the season LeGree, who led the BVC in total poin was guard DeShaun ts with 493, averaging 19.7 per game. His scored in the entire season a 91-84 home win against Mendocino game high was 34 points in Coll In addition to LeGree’s work, guard Justege on Feb. 9. in Hamilton helped push the Comets forward by leading in assi sts with 56. His game high for assists was 10 on Jan. 22 against Yub assists against Napa Valley College on a College, and he had nine Feb. 17.

Fellow guard Michael Brown had 51 assists for the season.

—Dariush Azmoudeh

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Box scores Los Medanos College AB R Wurth 3b 4 0 Buchanan c 5 0 Bruno cf 4 0 Macfarlane 1b 5 2 Wilhite 2b 3 0 Faleafine rf 4 1 Darrow lf 3 2 Arruda dh 3 2 Rettagliata ss 3 0 Cunha 2b 0 0 D’Amico lf 1 0

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12 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

This week: “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (R) “Furry Vengeance” (PG)

DVDs

New releases: “It’s Complicated” (R) “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” (PG-13) “Five Minutes of Heaven” (NR) “The Descent: Part 2” (R) “Ghost Hunters: Season Five, Part Two” (NR)

CDs

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010

R&B singer remembered Tribute raises funds for grants

By Lamar James NEWS EDITOR

Luther Vandross, the late rhythm and blues vocalist who belted out hits such as “Dance with My Father,” “Take You Out” and “The Closer I Get to You,” was paid tribute to by Raymond McCoy and his 10piece band Saturday in the Knox Center.

McCoy covered Vandross’s songs to raise funds for the African-American Staff Association to provide grant scholarships to prospective students.

“This is an event to help the young people get educated,” McCoy said. “And to help them progress on their journey.”

He said whenever there is a chance for him to help out and do charity work, he jumps at the opportunity.

“I have been in the position of many of the students here on campus,” McCoy said. “And if I am in a position where I can help to lift them up and raise funds for them, I would always be grateful to do it.”

There was a lot of support from the community, community and educational partnership liaison Michele Jackson said.

“We give about five scholarships, and this is a fundraiser to raise money for the next year, so

that we will be able to award the scholarships,” Jackson said.

Attendee Angela Dickson said McCoy did a wonderful job.

“When people are trying to do something positive, we have to highlight those achievements,” she said.

There is a great need to help, and students are working hard in school, Dickson said. Sometimes money can be a problem.

With events like this, the African American Staff Association can continue to grant the scholarships and help out the students, Dickson said.

McCoy’s wife, Ramona, said the event was great, and she enjoyed herself.

She said this gives Contra Costa College a chance to demonstrate that it is a premier college, and it benefits students and rewards them for their efforts.

Student Gsa Gsa Ward said she had been waiting all day for the event and was impressed with how good the show was.

“Luther was a legend, and that is what (McCoy) embodied when he was on the stage,” Ward said.

Keyboard player Debra Santa Maria said the band had a lot of fun playing to a great audience.

It is important for the band to give its all, because it helps people, she said. Playing with the band feels like family, Maria said, “so we are happy to do events that are family-oriented.”

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

By Cassidy Gooding

Miranda Cosgrove: “Sparks Fly” Peter Frampton: “Thank You Mr. Churchill” Gogol Bordello: “TransContinental Hustle” Hole: “Nobody’s Daughter”

Games

New releases: “Super Street Fighter IV” (PS3/ XBOX360 – T) “2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa” (PS3/ XBOX360/ WII – E) “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction” (XBOX360 – M) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

LAMAR JAMES / THE ADVOCATE

Soul man — Singer Raymond McCoy performs for audience members at a tribute to Luther Vandross Sunday in the Knox Center. Profits from the show will go to the African-American Staff Association to provide scholarships to students.

Students create assortment of crafts Profits to benefit transition program

New releases: Bullet for My Valentine: “Fever”

SCENE

STAFF WRITER

Handmade cards, placemats, paintings and assorted pieces of jewelry were spread on display for admiration and purchase in front of the Bookstore Wednesday, as part of the Transition Program’s craft sale.

The program is designed to help disabled students segue from high school to real life, so almost every step in the creation of the crafts was executed by

the students in the program — from the painting to the assembling of necklaces and bracelets.

“These sorts of tasks really teach the students about quality control,” Transition Program Director Linda Chavez said. “I’m always telling them, ‘These aren’t the (crafts) you made in second grade.’”

CCC student Kiwi Waqia took interest in the sale while looking through a stack of miniature date books.

“This stuff looks like it was hard to make,” Waqia said. “But it’s very creative.”

Chavez said art is highly important in the program.

“It teaches (the students) to focus

and finish the job,” she said.

Comprised of more than 100 students ages 18-22 in the district, the program makes classes on campus available in subjects ranging from English to physical education, Chavez said.

The craft sale was the first in a series planned for the next couple of weeks, she said. Stationed inside because of dreary weather, the next sales, to be held today and on May 5, will be moved to right outside the Student Services Center, so the wares will be more visible to passersby. Both will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Along with the spread of jewelry, framed art and cards, there will also be handmade pottery available at the last

sale of the series, Chavez said.

All of the money raised in these sales will go to the Transition Program to fund materials the school needs for the students, she said.

The focus of the sale, however, is to “build up the students’ skills and prepare them for jobs,” Chavez said.

What is fun for them now may very well be helpful for jobs they will perform after they graduate from the program and transition into adult life, she said, which is the goal for the program started in the county more than 30 years ago.

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

‘Bones’ strays from novel plot Expectations not met in film

from a transitory place between Earth and heaven, dubbed the Inbetween. In order to move on to heaven, she must first overBy Lauren Shiraishi come one obstacle: learn OPINION EDITOR to move on from the past.

When novels are Sebold’s novel chronbrought to the big screen, icles the family’s attempt it is often best to not base to move on with their lives one’s expectations and spans over a dvdreview decade after Susie’s for the film off the book, in order to death. As the years avoid disappointgo by, the reader ment. follows along as her Such is the case sister grows up and “The Lovely with “The Lovely eventually starts her Bones” Bones,” based on own family. ★★★★★ Alice Sebold’s best- Starring: Mark Susie also selling 2002 novel. Wahlberg, Saoirse watches over Ray The film adapta- Ronan, Susan Singh, the boy she Sarandon tion, released in had a crush on, and Directed by: 2009, is directed by Peter Jackson Ruth Connors, the Peter Jackson, direc- Genre: Drama haunted young poet tor of the “Lord of MSRP: $19.99 who believes she the Rings” trilogy. has a connection Those who have with the dead and seen Jackson’s movies are claims that Susie’s spirit is familiar with the attention still among them. he puts into details.

Jackson’s film heavIt features a strong cast, ily focuses on Wahlberg, including Mark Wahlberg who plays Susie’s father, and Susan Sarandon. The Jack, as he tries to solve main character, Susie, the mystery behind his is played by Saoirse daughter’s murder.

Ronan, the young girl in The bond between “Atonement.” father and daughter is In both versions, the apparent early on, particuoverall plot is the same — larly in a scene where the a young girl is murdered two are building a ship in by a man in her neighbora bottle, a hobby that Jack hood, then watches over tries to pass down to her. her family and her killer He tells her that build-

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Family affair — Jack (Mark Wahlberg) and Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) share a father-daughter moment in Peter Jackson’s latest film, “The Lovely Bones.” The film, based on Alice Sebold’s best-selling 2002 novel, was released on DVD last week.

ing ships is a lesson in itself: “It teaches you to finish things you start…if something’s not perfect, you start over.”

The film’s incorporation of humor also lightens up the mood considerably, which is more subtle and sophisticated in the book.

Much of this humor is delivered by Sarandon, who plays Susie’s vivacious grandmother. She moves in with the family to help them cope with her death, although she proves incompetent at all domestic tasks.

In one scene, Sarandon has a conversation with Susie’s young brother as he paints his grandmother’s toenails while she smokes a cigarette, he tells

her, “You’re going to die someday too, Grandma, because you’re old.”

Without missing a beat, she replies, “I’m not old — I’m only 38.

And I’m never going to die…because I remember to take my medicine.”

Unfortunately, Jackson manages to sweep some of the novel’s heavier issues under the rug, such as the fact that Susie was raped before she was killed, and the deterioration of her parents’ marriage, which climaxes with her mother’s affair with the detective assigned to Susie’s case.

Furthermore, his use of special effects is better left in the battles between humans and Orks —

although it provides a nice contrast to the grisly postmurder scene, his depiction of the “Inbetween” is much too kooky and colorful to be taken seriously.

The essence of time is also absent in the film; while the novel spans more than 10 years following Susie’s death, the audience loses track of time between her death and the film’s conclusion.

If viewers can set aside their biases from reading the book prior to watching the film, however, Jackson’s version of “The Lovely Bones” is one worth watching.

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